Interview with Gemetzis, Anna

Item

Title
Interview with Gemetzis, Anna
Interviewee
Gemetzis, Anna
Interviewer
Demetra Enizlis
Location of interview
Melbourne
Date of interview
1998
Duration (total, in minutes)
67:05
Subject description
Anna Gemetzis interviewed by Demetra Enizlis for the Greek-Australian oral history and folklife project [sound recording]
Category
5. Cold War (including Decolonisation)
4. World War II
Subject
Emigration and immigration
Greek music
Resumé of interview

Anna Gemetzis, born in Alupka, Crimea recalls the small town where she spent her first 11 years; her family becoming refugees to Athens, Greece; Greek musical instruments, lyra and daoul; her marriage in 1944 during the German occupation, her husband being a refugee from Russia; family migration to Australia (her husband in 1959, she in 1962); the family's early years in Melbourne, Vic., the economic and social circumstances new migrants faced; Greek religious customs and celebrations they still observe; Greek lullabies, stories and tales told to children; stories about the evil eye ritual; folk medicines; the role and contributions of Greek women to Greek and Australian societies; traditional crafts; Greek music and television programs; Pontian dialect theatrical plays; future of Greek traditions and language; importance of Greek schools.

Place
Crimea
Athens
Current holder
National Library of Australia
Item number
3110637
Keywords
Greeks in Australia
Language
Greek (Modern)
Rights
Access open for research, personal copies and public use
Summary

A heartwarming interview Anna Gemetzis by Demetra Enizlis in 1998.  Anna Gemetzis was born to Russia where she lived until she was 11 years old - when her mother passed away from a flu. Her father was of Greek Pontic background and worked as a teacher. Her grandparents on her father's side were born in the Asia Minor. 

Summary author
Eva Boleti