Melike Karaosmanoğlu

When a mob of approximately 50,000 shouting and pouring into the squares, the next stage of the plan began: destruction of all property belonging to Greeks in Istanbul, the desecration and humiliation of everything sacred to the Greek community, and widespread looting. The instructions were clear: nothing was to be left standing. What followed was absolute hell that lasted for hours.

If one day your path leads you to Thessaloniki and you sit down for a cup of coffee, do not forget that the enchanting aroma drifting through the air contains not only roasted beans, but also Ohannes’ hand grinder, Saram’s courage, and the stories of Armenian refugees who had to make a city whose language and roads they did not know into their home.