Welcome Fellow Tenedians

                          Photo courtesy of Georg & Katherine Matthews Fenady

                                           Tenedos

 Tenedos and Imvros are two small islands in the Northern Aegean Sea between Greece and Turkey, strategically located outside the Straits of the Dardanelles. In 1923, after the end of a war between Greece and Turkey, the two countries signed the Treaty of Lausanne, which, among other things, provided for the handing over of these two islands to Turkey. Even though at that time, the islands were under the control of Greece and their population had always been exclusively Greek. The reason for such a provision was purely geopolitical, i.e. to secure control of the Straits by Turkey. In exchange, the Treaty provided for a special administrative status of the islands that guaranteed protection of life & property, free use of the native language (Greek), religious freedom, and generally all human rights. These articles of the Treaty were considered “Basic Laws.” It was agreed Turkey would not abolish through any other law, regulation or administrative act, the articles from this Treaty. This however, was never carried through.

 After the Treaty, to avoid persecution, many families fled the islands. Some of our families’ went to other islands, some to Australia and of course, to the United States. All seeking a better life for their families. This meant leaving loved ones behind until enough money was made to send for the rest. This must have been very difficult for them but they knew they could not stay where they were. The fathers and grandfathers that came here worked very hard. They worked in the coal mines and other hard labor jobs. Living in crowded boarding houses, they saved their money. Later, some invested their hard-earned money into restaurants, taverns, and other businesses. Most did quite well for themselves and eventually were able to send for their loved ones. Coming to another country where they did not know the language or customs proved to be an obstacle they were able to over come quickly and they have made their mark on society. They became pillars in our community for which we proudly salute them.

 This web page is dedicated to all the Tenedian families, who without regard for themselves, left their homeland searching for a safe place for their families to grow and prosper. On a personal note, we would also like to dedicate this page to my grandparents, George & Anthepe Mingos Arvanitis, my father James, uncles John & Peter and aunt Vasiliki. We love you all very much.

                                                                             George & Lisa Arvanitis

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God’s grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God’s grace.

Music by The Levendes