The first volume of the book “Spyros Kyprianou – In the Battle of History, As I Lived It (1932-1959)”, edited by journalist George Tsalakos, was presented as an autobiographical testimony against a historical backdrop during an event held at the Archbishop Makarios III Foundation Hall in the Holy Archbishopric of Cyprus.
Greetings were delivered at the book presentation by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides; the Archbishop of Cyprus, Georgios; the Greek Deputy Minister of Health, Marios Themistocleous; and Markos Kyprianou on behalf of the “Spyros Kyprianou” Foundation and his family. Presentations of the book were made by George Tsalakos, Associate Professor and Dean of the Department of History and Archaeology at the University of Cyprus, Petros Papapolyviou, and the President of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters, and Arts, and Dean of the Law School at the University of Nicosia, Achilleas Emilianides.
“Not Just an Autobiography”
Markos Kyprianou stated, “This book is not merely an autobiography. It is the history of modern Cyprus through the eyes of someone who experienced every significant event up close and actively participated in all key phases and critical moments in history.” He added that the book clearly describes how the goal and aspiration of Greek Cypriots were union with Greece. However, independence ultimately became the only viable option to avoid the island’s partition, given the plans of Britain and Turkey.
“A Worthy Successor to Archbishop Makarios”
Archbishop Georgios highlighted that Spyros Kyprianou was a figure who succeeded Archbishop Makarios with distinction. “Undoubtedly, Spyros Kyprianou is deeply respected by our people for the positions and offices he served, including as a member of the Ethnarchy Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and, ultimately, President of the Republic,” he said. The Archbishop also noted Kyprianou’s open disagreement with the junta’s handling of the Cyprus issue as a testament to his personal dignity and national readiness.
“Today, as we honor the memory of Spyros Kyprianou through this book presentation, we reflect on the legacy he left us. Let us keep alive the yearning for the liberation of our occupied land and our return to our ancestral homes under conditions of justice and freedom,” he added.
“A Key Figure in Cyprus’s History”
Greek Deputy Minister of Health Marios Themistocleous stated that Spyros Kyprianou was closely tied to Cyprus’s history, contributing to the creation of the Republic of Cyprus and guiding the nation through difficult times after the Turkish invasion.
In the book, Kyprianou, as a key player in events, sheds light on unseen aspects of Cyprus’s history, describing critical decision-making moments under immense pressure and difficult dilemmas faced by leaders of the time, Themistocleous added.
An Autobiographical Testimony
George Tsalakos described the book as “the thoughts of a protagonist who played a pivotal role in shaping this country’s fate for decades.” He explained that it is an “autobiographical testimony against a historical backdrop,” covering events from the late 1940s, when Kyprianou was still a student, to the 1959 Greco-Turkish compromise and the signing of the Zurich-London Agreements.
Tsalakos recounted how the extensive interview with Spyros Kyprianou came about, noting that it began when Kyprianou revealed he was battling cancer. The result of this work is the current book and others to follow. He also praised the rich and well-organized archive of Kyprianou, which was available for the project.
A Founding Figure of the Republic
Petros Papapolyviou stated that beyond his official roles, Spyros Kyprianou belongs to the small group of founding figures of the Republic of Cyprus. These individuals worked during the liberation struggle for Cyprus’s freedom and union with Greece but unexpectedly found themselves leading a new state amid numerous challenges and adversities.
The first volume of this autobiographical work covers the first 27 years of Kyprianou’s life until March 1959, following the Zurich-London Agreements. Papapolyviou analyzed aspects of Kyprianou’s life and political career, emphasizing the book’s significance as it combines Kyprianou’s extensive personal narratives with Tsalakos’s methodical documentation and the invaluable private archive of Spyros Kyprianou.
Rich Material for Research
Achilleas Emilianides highlighted Kyprianou’s active diplomacy, noting that even in his 20s, he met British MPs to advocate for the Cyprus issue in the appropriate forums. He emphasized Kyprianou’s industrious nature, his early trust from Archbishop Makarios, and his role in critical international negotiations, including at NATO meetings.
The book, according to Emilianides, stands out for its honesty and vividly captures Kyprianou’s presence in historical developments. It includes rich primary material and numerous references, providing valuable research opportunities for Cyprus’s history and its diaspora in the UK during the 1950s.
Essential Reading on Cyprus’s History
The book retains Kyprianou’s personal narrative style, presenting an analytical yet engaging account of the Cyprus issue, particularly during the 1950s. It highlights Kyprianou’s previously unknown contributions to Cyprus’s liberation efforts and is now an essential resource for the historical literature of the period.
Attendance
The book presentation was attended by government ministers, the Attorney General, Members of Parliament, party leaders or representatives, the Mayor of Nicosia, and others.
(CNA/ZSO/THNE)
