Nicosia, Cyprus – 8 October 2025 – The University of Cyprus, in collaboration with the Embassy of Cuba in Cyprus, successfully hosted the presentation of the Greek translation of the book "History of Cuba: The Challenge of the Yoke and the Star" on Monday, 6 October 2025. The event, held at the "Evi Sofianou" Room in the Social Activities Center, brought together academics, students, diplomats, and members of the public in a celebration of shared histories and cultural exchange.
This significant publication brings the work of distinguished Cuban historian and academic José Cantón Navarro to Greek-speaking readers through the translation of the late Andreas Ignatiou, a dedicated friend of Cuba. The book offers a comprehensive yet accessible exploration of Cuban history, tracing the nation's journey from Spanish colonial conquest and slavery to the formation of a modern multicultural society that chose the "star" of freedom over the "yoke" of submission.
The narrative presents a deeply human-centered account of the Cuban people—a society forged from the blend of indigenous, Spanish, and African cultures—examining the nation's history of exploitation, corruption, and oppression that ultimately led to two profound revolutions shaping contemporary Cuba.
The event was moderated by Prof. Costas M. Constantinou, Professor of International Relations at the Department of Social and Political Sciences, University of Cyprus, who opened the evening emphasizing the importance of introducing the Cypriot public to Cuba's history and culture through the author's scientific and literary perspective. He noted that "to understand our own culture, we first need to understand others," highlighting that the colonial yoke experienced by Cuba continues to be reproduced and applied in various parts of the world today.
His Excelency Prof. Tasos Christofides, Rector of the University of Cyprus, expressed his pleasure at the cooperation with the Cuban Embassy and the celebration of such a special event. He emphasized that "Cyprus and Cuba, beyond geographical distances, share common experiences: love for their islands, deep relationship with the sea, but also their historical course through difficulties, foreign influences, and the constant struggle for freedom and self-determination." He also highlighted the value of knowledge exchange between peoples and the University's commitment to strengthening such cultural collaborations and scientific ties.
H.E. Mr. Ángel Gustavo Suárez Cordero, Ambassador of Cuba in Cyprus, delivered an emotional address connecting the histories of the two islands, stating that "Cuba and Cyprus know what it means to live under foreign sovereignty and fight for freedom." The Ambassador referred to José Cantón Navarro's work as an essential narrative of Cuban identity and the people's eternal struggle for independence and dignity. He noted that Cuba's course is both political and human: from colonial conquests and slavery to the formation of a multicultural society that chose the "star" of freedom instead of the "yoke" of submission. He paid special tribute to translator Andreas Ignatiou, who "did not just translate words, but the soul of Cuba."
Mrs. Vera Polycarpou, Secretary of the Cyprus-Cuba Friendship Association, explained that the Association was founded based on the solidarity between the peoples of Cyprus and Cuba. She referenced the special bond between President and Archbishop Makarios of Cyprus and President Fidel Castro of Cuba, emphasizing that whenever Cyprus needed Cuba's help on the international stage, Cuba was always first to respond. "A world of cooperation, understanding and respect for each nation: this is how our world should be," she noted, adding that relations between Cyprus and Cuba have always been based on these principles. Focusing on the deeply anthropocentric dimension of the book and its contribution to preserving historical memory, she stated, "it contributes to understanding why we have today's Cuba before us; it highlights the resilience of the Cuban people and the respect they show to others."
Mr. Marios Georgiou, representing Almyra Publications of Cyprus, highlighted that this is the first book translated into Greek dedicated to Cuban history. He emphasized that through the book's pages, the multicultural character of Cuba emerges along with the perseverance of a people who, despite historical difficulties, chose freedom as their constant orientation. "A work that presents the historical events that shaped the development of Cuban society, a history of cruel exploitation of man by man, corruption and oppression, which ultimately led to two profound revolutions," he said.
The event concluded with an open discussion with the audience in a particularly warm atmosphere, confirming the strong interest in Cuba's modern history and dialogue between the two peoples. The presentation underscored the natural affinity between Cyprus and Cuba as island nations that have experienced foreign occupation, fought for sovereignty, and maintain deep connections to their cultural identity and independence.
Published by Almyra Publications, "History of Cuba: The Challenge of the Yoke and the Star" is now available to Greek-speaking readers and represents an important contribution to the understanding of Cuban history and society in the Mediterranean region. This marks the first comprehensive Cuban history book translated into Greek, opening a window for Cypriot readers to explore the rich and complex narrative of the Caribbean nation.