A separate initiative of the Kalambaki Cultural Association Dramawhich captures the identity, memory and course of an entire place, takes “flesh and bones” through the anniversary album “100 Years of Kalambaki – talking to the silences of history”.
This elegant editorial work is the fruit of love and dedication to local history a group active people. Is the result of a multi -year collective effort of Cultural Association Kalambaki Drama, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the installation of the first refugees in the area.
The idea for the creation of album was born in 2020, in a climate of collective reflection, and the need to save memories that are at risk of being lost over time.
The research, writing, writing and editing of the material was assumed by a constituent committee, consisted of Marina Sofronidou (archaeologist, doctorate of prehistoric archeology), Kyranthi Strantzalis (philologist), Toula Thomaidou (philosopher) and Athanasia Theodoridou (President of the BS Kalambaki, dentist and writer). The four women, who worked voluntarily, took care and care to collect, study and present valuable documents, documents and rare photos that outline the story of the Kalambaki of Drama.
“We went home to gather the material, which for over a hundred years had been well kept in drawers and trunk. Our inhabitants have trusted them to record this unique story of their ancestors, who came from Kryonero and many other areas, with their few existing ones, to build a new homeland here in Kalambaki, “said Athanasia Theodoridou.
«It is the first time that the story of the village reportedly reported“, Notes Mrs Theodoridou and continues:” Until now we have had some excerpts from his story. For the first time, such a complete work is done and so many documents are concentrated that is related to the exchange and give us valuable information about their lives before and after uprooting, such as – for example – the assessment of their property. It is also the first time that so many photographs of the village life have been presented since 1922, where the daily life and lifestyle of the first generation refugees appear. “
The photo, bridge that unites yesterday with today
AMKE Circle, of the businessman and big Drama benefactor Mars Theodoridis, has undertaken the total cost of both the digitization of the files and the version of the volume, which has 360 pages and is considered a collectible project. The contributors to the album dedicated it to the first generation of exchangeable refugees, who, as they emphasize, “founded the lives of all of us”, but also to every subsequent generation of memory.
More than two thousand photos, Documents, historical evidence gathered with a lot of effort. Distinguished Draminos photographer and writer Kostas Vidakis, with patience and perseverance, undertook the great work of digital photography processing and the design of the publication, further highlighting this collective work.
‘This book acts as a solid bridge uniting yesterday, From the last moments before uprooting to this day, “he points out K. Vidakis. “Photos of family albums,” he points out, “who were sometimes in the lounges of the houses, and today are usually forgotten in a closet or a warehouse, was the window in time, which gave history to history. The photos, sometimes between pages with a beautiful jelly wrap and sometimes framed on walls, had a huge contribution to family memory. An contribution that is expanded, through print editions, such as that of BS Kalambaki, covering the place and the people of the local community. “
“Knowing local history by children and adults is very important. For, I think we love our place more, when we know in depth the story and its culture. And Kalambaki is the place where the refugee grandfather of Aris Theodoridis and Mary Theodoridou settled with their family. Moreover, let’s not forget that photography, and in particular the protection, preservation and promotion of the history, art and technology associated with it is one of the main goals of AMKE circle, who has undertaken the sponsorship of the publication, “says Kostas Vidakis.
Refugees brought with them Century Culture
The album “100 Years of Kalambaki – talking to the silences of history” is not just a collection of historical elements. It is a vibrant recording of the cultural heritage of the place, a memory route From the Asia Minor disaster and uprooting to the installation and flourishing of the community in its new home. Through its pages, readers have the opportunity to meet people, families, local customs and historical events that defined the course of the Kalambaki of Drama. The edition is a valuable tool not only for researchers and historians, but also for anyone who wants to get to know its roots. At the same time, it helps to enhance collective identity and maintain cultural memory.
The album concludes with a very interesting text, instead of epilogue, by Dr. History and researcher Georgia Bakalis, who – among other things – stresses: “Kalambaki settlers, first generation refugees, have shown philanthropy and progress so that they soon became productive farmers by developing a significant agri -livestock economy. With the energy of the second and third generation, it was rebuilt and transformed into a dynamic town. As the album evidence testifies, refugees brought with them culture for centuries. Humans and customs, skills in agriculture, arts and professions. A numerous chapter for the start of new life and a sacred legacy for the generations that have succeeded them. “
The album has four annexes. In the first three there is a detailed nominal record of refugees from Eastern Thrace (such as Kryonero, Malgara, Raidesto, Silvria, etc.), Kalfa, Asia Minor and Pontus. In the last space, the emotion is widespread as the reader reads testimonies of refugees from their lives before and after, when his conditions have forced them to begin their lives in a new homeland in Drama Kalambaki.