On February 3, 1976, the most subversive, revolutionary and militant Cypriot newspaper was born, with the evocative name “The Simerini”. A group of renowned journalists dipped their pens in the blood of their hearts and, with the aim of saving and liberating Cyprus from the Turkish yoke, founded a newspaper, which brought a real revolution in the journalistic and political, social and economic events of the place, with revelations, investigations, reporting and combative columnism.
Its history is embodied by the initiators of its foundation – Kosti N. Chatzikosti, Lefteri Sotiriou, Antoni Farmakidis, Dimitri Papadimitri, Fano Konstantinidis, Glavko Xeno and Aleco Konstantinidis – and is transformed today by columnists, such as Kostis N. Chatzikostis, Savvas Iakovidis, Lazaros Mavros, Yannos Charalambidis, and a multitude of elite and elite collaborators and columnists, who capture, record and analyze with seriousness, quality and respect for the citizen, politics and other current affairs.
This year the "Simerini" completes 47 years of history. Now, without ideological shifts, adapted to technological developments and aware of social trends, "Simerini" evolves and reshapes. Attempting to leave its mark in the online space as well, it intervenes through its website www.simerini.com, which since 2019 has had a dynamic presence, covering in detail everything that happens in Cyprus and internationally.
The birth of "Simerini"
The thought of the birth of "S" began to grow from the spring of 1974. In his related text, Mr. Kostas N. Chatzikosti recalls that after the closure of the main newspaper of Cyprus "Eleftheria" he began to think that a new newspaper should be published, expressing the new era. An era emerging from national, mental and economic ashes and from the ruins of 1974. Thus, in June 1975 he met with Alekos Konstantinidis (former editor of the weekly newspaper "Eleftheron Vima") and they decided to proceed with the publication of a new newspaper . In the meetings that followed, the new paper began to take shape.
The staffing, the shareholders who would participate in the publishing company, as well as which editors and contributors would agree with the main political directions of the paper were the subjects of many meetings and discussions. At one point they addressed the remarkable old journalist Antonis Farmakidis. They informed him of their decision and asked him to participate in their venture. He answered positively. And so there were three.
The three founding members were later joined by Glaukos Xenos, a well-known and successful journalist, and Eleftherios Sotiriou, former president of POED, as well as Fanos Konstantinidis and Dimitris Papadimitris. The registered capital of the company was 7,000 Cypriot pounds. Each shareholder or partner gave 1,000 pounds.
This is how the staffing of "Simerini" began. -a name finally given by Kostas Hatzikostis- after they discussed for days without reaching a conclusion. Active young journalists such as Savvas Iakovides, Philippos Stylianou, Zacharias Kyriakou, Nansia Palala and Androula Taramounda were hired. The company that would publish the newspaper was founded, offices were rented in Megaro Kanther, where they would house the entire effort, and the newspaper was a fact. The effort to enforce it was beginning.
The contract of "S" with its readers
On February 3, 1976, therefore, a historic change was marked in the publishing activities of the place, since the first issue of Simerini was published. The independent and non-binding newspaper, from which every citizen can express himself freely. Hence the choice of the quote by Rigas Feraios, "Whoever thinks freely, thinks well", which adorns the header of the newspaper for 15,183 editions.
In its first edition, "Simerini" hosts the historic interview of Glaukos Clerides, then Speaker of the Parliament and Interlocutor. This is the first time that our side has been positioned to find a solution to the Cyprus issue. Title of the interview: "Cleridis told us what he will ask for, what he will propose and what are the obstacles" and subtitle "First we will submit the proposals for the territorial – Today they are marked on the map – We will discuss on the basis of the Brussels Agreement – Difference between passwords and common line – The present tense and the Turks – What procedural trades &ndash? A proposal from Tsaglagiagil for Famagusta and the change of – There is no line difference with the Archbishop».
On the first page on the left, two columns in a frame, the article is published – contract of "Simerini" with its readers, entitled: "We give you our word".
The article contains the following excerpts:
"If we could, today we would dip our pen into our heart's blood, to sign a Sacred contract with you. We feel agitation and emotion because you hold us in your hands, read us, judge us. It is the first time that we communicate with you so freely and without commitment. We may have given our lives up to now to paper and ink. But in the sheets we wrote before, we handle speech without having speech. These sheets belonged to businesses.
»The ‘‘Simerini’’ belongs to our pens. In free thought. It is a part of us….
»Our pens will not become servants to anyone. They will ’ be weapons for the protection of principles, means for research and responsible reflection, projection of the truth in’ all its depth. They will serve the common good…
»One of the first goals of ‘‘Simerini’’ is to stimulate everyone's responsibilities and interest in the commons. To give them the truth of what is happening. Because, as the evangelist wrote, the truth sets the mind free. And from’ it is from this hymn that we derive a large proportion of our debt to the reader. In order for the people to be sovereign in a place, they must have a righteous will. To know every day today s’ its entire width. Correct information therefore expresses real democracy. It ensures the sovereignty of the people…
»We aspire to offer everyone the naked truth so that they can judge freely. So that his opinion has weight. This is how we feel our mission in our new endeavor. And these our obligations towards you will be expressed in the pages of ‘‘Simerini’’. Why’ this is what we told you at the beginning about the Holy contract, which we wanted to sign with you, dear readers. And since this is impossible, we limit ourselves to giving you our word that:
We will never sacrifice the truth for our own or anyone else's profit.
We will always try to we inform objectively and comment on everything freely.
There will always be room for your own opinions in our columns. The ‘‘Simerini’’ it will be, that is, not only the attraction of the ten united journalists, but also the free step of all.
For our partners, we are establishing for the first time in Cyprus the institution of the conscience clause, which allows the refusal to write something that one does not believe…
We will convince you with works that "Simerini" it is not another newspaper, but the newspaper that was missing.
»We are going down to the arena of struggle for the survival and salvation of our country, asking not only readers. But also fellow athletes. History has dealt us a cruel fate. At the same time, however, he did us the honor of knocking on our door to ask us to fight for our ideals, for our loyal and sacred things. Our word in this fight will not be an empty slogan. It will be a specific offer. Responsible thinking, correct assessment of situations and possibilities, free knowledge and discussion are essential weapons. Horizons and roads are opening up.
»From you, dear reader, all we expect is understanding, support and vigilance…
THE TEN».
Forty-seven years have passed and "Simerini" she stands here, unconditionally, remains strong, continues to contemplate with much more comfortable freedom. Over’ all, however, she keeps her word. The speech she gave to her readers then, on February 3, 1976. The "Simerini" he continues to this day, reverently and consistently, the contract he signed with all of you. And this, thanks to’ you.
Thank you!
