A two-volume folklore “treasure” for the music and dance tradition and history

of the Greek community in Kutahia in Asia Minor, until its violent uprooting in 1922,

“testifies” by Ms Sophia Ant. Karagavrielidou.

The first volume of the book, entitled: “Bijim Kutahya – Its music and dance tradition, places and people” focuses on the music and dance tradition of Kutahya of M. Asia, where the author comes from. The book extensively analyses the diverse musical and dance heritage of this region, which dates back to Byzantine times and continues to the present day.

The content is based on research work begun four decades ago with records of first generation people. It includes an analysis of the dances danced by the Roman population of this city and a large number of Turkish-language songs with their translation into Greek and the recording of their melody in notes. Also, Greek-language songs that were taught at the Urban School of the city of Kioutaheia. At the same time, the integration of the music and dance tradition in the social life of the country and the people involved in it are presented. The photographic material is rich with original photographs of the place and the faces during the performance of the dances. The book is accompanied by a CD insert with original recordings without the accompaniment of musical instruments.

The second volume of the book, entitled “Bijim Koutachia – The Families”, is dedicated to the memory of the families that formed the core of the Greek community in the town of Kotyaio – Koutachia in M. Asia, paying tribute to the people who were forced to emigrate from Asia Minor after the Asia Minor disaster in 1922. This volume highlights the human endurance, loyalty and perseverance of these people, who, leaving their centuries-old homeland, came decimated to their new homeland, the one that was a vision for them and which they held in their hearts, Greece. They struggled to be accepted, but they were not discouraged. Today, ten decades later, they are now recognised for the new breath they brought to the place and their contribution to its development. They themselves and their descendants, along with plenty of photographic material, submit their memories here as a memorial to those who are no longer with us.

The work entitled “Bijim Koutachia” is published by “Myrtos” in all bookstores.