Slaughter us all and make our blood a river...: Cyprus poetry and history

Two hundred year anniversary 1821-2021 edition. Greek Cypriot poetry from Vasilis Michaelides on the events leading to the massacre of nearly five hundred Greek Cypriot clergy and leaders on July 9, 1821. Not merely historical or poetical but high drama in the battle of the minds between the Greek Orthodox Archbishop and the Ottoman Turkish Governor. The Turkish Governor was authorized by the Sultan to slaughter all of the Greek Cypriot leadership from the clergy to the laity. The Archbishop was offered repeatedly by other Turks a way out to save himself. But if he did then what would happen? The author translator incorporates sufficient historical and other background to enable the reader to appreciate this epic poem and the context behind it. Turkish invasions and interventions in the island of Cyprus during the past five centuries are highlighted.