25/03/2026
Happy Greek Independence Day 🇬🇷
Today celebrates Greek Independence Day which is also a public holiday in Cyprus honouring the 1821 Greek Revolution against the Turks. Cyprus was also involved in this struggle for independence.
The following article written in English and Greek (below) was written and provided by Costas Demetriades
The Contribution of Greek Cypriots to the Greek War of Independence (1821)
The contribution of Greek Cypriots to the Greek War of Independence of 1821 must be understood within a broader historical continuum, shaped by centuries of endurance, sacrifice, and cultural resilience.
As early as 1570, Cyprus experienced profound devastation following the Ottoman invasion, marked by widespread violence, enslavement, and loss of life. Yet, despite these hardships, the spirit of Hellenism remained steadfast and enduring.
In the years leading to the Revolution, Cypriots were actively engaged in the intellectual and revolutionary currents of the time. Notably, Ioannis Karatzas, a close associate of Rigas Feraios, was executed in Belgrade in 1798, exemplifying the shared sacrifice of the wider Hellenic world.
On the eve of the Revolution, the Filiki Etaireia extended its influence to Cyprus. In 1819 and 1820, emissaries facilitated communication and secured commitments of support, reflecting the island’s active participation in the preparation for the national uprising. The call of Alexander Ypsilantis found resonance among the Cypriots, who contributed in meaningful and tangible ways.
During the War of Independence, it is estimated that at least 500 Cypriots took part in military operations across Greece. They were present in significant battles, including Dervenakia, Missolonghi, and Navarino, demonstrating courage and dedication to the common cause. Among them were individuals such as Michalis Kypreos, Zenon Angelis, and Nikolaos Hatzisavvas, whose actions reflect the broader contribution of Cypriot volunteers.
Simultaneously, Cyprus itself endured severe reprisals. In July 1821, Archbishop Kyprianos, along with other leading ecclesiastical figures, was executed by Ottoman authorities. These events were accompanied by widespread violence across the island, underscoring the heavy price paid by the Cypriot people.
In 1827, Ioannis Kapodistrias articulated a vision of the Greek nation defined not only by geography but by shared history and sacrifice, explicitly acknowledging regions such as Cyprus within this broader national framework.
Despite these contributions, Cyprus did not achieve liberation during this period. In 1878, the island was transferred from Ottoman to British administration. Nevertheless, the Cypriot commitment to the ideals of freedom and national unity persisted. Cypriots continued to participate in subsequent struggles, culminating in the EOKA movement (1955–1959), which sought the realization of these enduring aspirations.
The historical experience of Cyprus illustrates its integral place within the wider narrative of Hellenism — a testament to a shared identity, sustained through time, sacrifice, and collective memory.
Written by Costas Demetriades
Η συμβολή των Ελληνοκυπρίων στον Αγώνα του 1821 δεν αρχίζει το 1821.
Αρχίζει πολύ νωρίτερα… μέσα από θυσίες, αίμα και μνήμη.
Το 1570, η Κύπρος δοκιμάζεται σκληρά. Σφαγές, σκλαβιά, καταστροφή.
Όμως ο Ελληνισμός δεν σβήνει — αντέχει.
Στα χρόνια που ακολουθούν, Κύπριοι στέκονται δίπλα σε μεγάλες μορφές του Γένους.
Ο Ιωάννης Καρατζάς, σύντροφος του Ρήγα Φεραίου, θυσιάζεται το 1798 στο Βελιγράδι.
Λίγο πριν την Επανάσταση, η Φιλική Εταιρεία φτάνει και στην Κύπρο.
Το 1819 και το 1820, μεταφέρονται μηνύματα, δίνονται υποσχέσεις, καλλιεργείται η ελπίδα.
Ο Αλέξανδρος Υψηλάντης καλεί… και η Κύπρος ανταποκρίνεται.
Και όταν ξεσπά ο Αγώνας, οι Κύπριοι είναι παρόντες.
Περισσότεροι από 500 αγωνίζονται στην Ελλάδα.
Στα Δερβενάκια, στο Μεσολόγγι, στο Ναυαρίνο.
Ο Μιχάλης Κυπραίος πέφτει ηρωικά.
Ο Ζήνων Αγγελής θυσιάζεται.
Ο Νικόλαος Χατζησάββας πολεμά μέχρι τέλους.
Την ίδια ώρα, στην Κύπρο…
ο Αρχιεπίσκοπος Κυπριανός και άλλοι ιεράρχες εκτελούνται το 1821.
Το νησί πληρώνει βαρύ τίμημα.
Και όμως — η Κύπρος δεν ξεχνιέται.
Το 1827, ο Ιωάννης Καποδίστριας δηλώνει πως τα όρια της Ελλάδας χαράσσονται με αίμα —
και ανάμεσα σε αυτά, βρίσκεται και το αίμα της Κύπρου.
Η ελευθερία δεν έρχεται τότε.
Το 1878, η Κύπρος περνά στη Βρετανική Αυτοκρατορία.
Αλλά ο αγώνας συνεχίζεται…
Σε κάθε πόλεμο, σε κάθε εποχή.
Μέχρι την κορύφωση: τον αγώνα της ΕΟΚΑ, 1955–1959.
Γιατί η Κύπρος δεν ήταν ποτέ μακριά.
Ήταν — και παραμένει — κομμάτι της ίδιας ψυχής.
Συμβολή Κώστα Δημητριάδη
Photo: Archbishop of Cyprus Kyprianos declaring Cyprus revolution 1821 - Cyprus assists Greece in the common fight against Turkey
