Memorial Park
A place of remembrance, gratitude, and hope.
One hundred years after the arrival of the people of Afisia in Sarti, we created the Memorial Park on the very spot where they came ashore on 24 December 1924.
More than a monument, it is a place of remembrance dedicated to the men, women, and children who left their ancestral homeland behind and built a new future here. Every element of the memorial tells part of their story.
The symbolism of the memorial:
The Cross. The memorial is arranged around an invisible cross marking the place where the refugees from Afisia first stepped ashore. From this point, the story of their journey unfolds.
The Anchor. On the left stands an anchor, symbolizing their final harbour. Here, the long journey of exile came to an end, and a new chapter of life began.
The Olive Tree. On the right stands an olive tree, representing the roots the refugees planted in their new homeland. Revered throughout Greek history and literature, the olive tree symbolizes life, peace, victory, and above all, freedom.
The White Roses. Surrounding the memorial are 120 white rose bushes, one for each family that settled in Sarti. They honour the families who took root, flourished, and gave life to a new community.
The Books. At the heart of the memorial lies the story of the community. The closed books symbolize the centuries of history the refugees carried with them from Afisia, while the open book preserves their personal testimonies beneath the dates that forever shaped their lives.
The Family Names. Behind the monument are engraved the surnames of every family that helped create modern Sarti, reminding us that the history of every place is written by its people.
A Place for Reflection. As the memorial leads the visitor's gaze towards the sea, it invites a moment of quiet reflection.
Stand for a moment. Close your eyes and imagine the people arriving on this shore a century ago. Feel their sorrow, but also their courage and hope. Remember what they endured, honour what they created, and reflect on how precious freedom, peace, and the idea of home truly are.