Cypriot music stars died before turning 30
Here are 2 famous musicians from Cyprus died before 30:
Grigoris Afxentiou
Grigoris Afxentiou (February 22, 1928 Famagusta District-March 3, 1957 Machairas Monastery) was a Cypriot rebel.
He is considered a national hero in Cyprus for his role in the resistance against British rule. Afxentiou started his career as a schoolteacher and joined the EOKA (National Organization of Cypriot Fighters) in 1955, which aimed to end British colonial rule in Cyprus and unite the island with Greece. Afxentiou played a key role in the EOKA operations as a guerrilla fighter and is considered one of its most prominent members. In March 1957, Afxentiou was cornered in the Machairas mountains by British soldiers and died in a firefight after refusing to surrender. He is remembered for his bravery and sacrifice for the independence of Cyprus.
Grigoris Afxentiou was born into a peasant family and attended a Greek school in his village. He later obtained a teaching degree from a teachers' college in Nicosia and worked as a teacher in several villages before becoming involved in the nationalist struggle. Afxentiou's commitment to the Cypriot cause was strengthened during his military service in the Greek army, where he witnessed the injustices suffered by the Greek Cypriot minority under British colonial rule.
After joining the EOKA, Afxentiou became known for his bold attacks on British military and police installations, as well as his ability to evade capture. His strong-willed personality and dedication to the cause of independence made him a respected figure among his fellow fighters. In addition to his military duties, Afxentiou was also involved in recruiting new members to the cause and gathering intelligence on British military movements.
The death of Grigoris Afxentiou had a profound impact on the Cypriot nationalist movement, galvanizing support for the cause of independence and inspiring a new generation of fighters to carry on the struggle. He is remembered today as a symbol of the Cypriot people's resilience and determination in the face of oppression.
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Markos Drakos
Markos Drakos (May 22, 1930 Kalopanagiotis-January 18, 1957) was a Cypriot personality.
Markos Drakos was a poet, writer, journalist, and political activist who fought for the liberation of Cyprus from British colonial rule. He was a member of EOKA, a guerrilla organization that fought for the independence of Cyprus, and was known for his radical views and fierce determination. Despite being only 26 years old at the time of his death, Markos Drakos left a lasting legacy and is still considered a hero of the Cypriot struggle for independence. His writing and poetry continue to inspire and resonate with people today.
Markos Drakos was also a student of law, philosophy, and journalism. He was the editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Alithia," which he founded with his brother in 1953, and later became the official organ of EOKA. Drakos was famous for his fearless reporting and editorials that exposed the injustices of the British colonial regime. He also wrote poems that spoke of the suffering of the Cypriots under colonial rule, inspiring many to join the struggle for independence.
Drakos was arrested in 1956, along with other EOKA members, and was sentenced to death. Despite worldwide protests and appeals for clemency, his execution was carried out on January 18, 1957. His death sparked widespread outrage and led to a wave of protests across Cyprus. He was buried in Nicosia, and his funeral was attended by thousands of mourners who saw him as a martyr for the cause of freedom.
In his honor, the Markos Drakos Foundation was established in 1990, dedicated to promoting the ideals of freedom, democracy, and human rights. Today, Markos Drakos is remembered as a revolutionary and a symbol of the Cypriot struggle for independence.
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