It has been 50 years since that fateful day of July 20, 1974, when Attila's forces struck Cyprus. The attack, which the Turkish side still argues was purely a defensive move, occurred just five days after the tragic coup against President and Archbishop Makarios, leaving Cyprus militarily unprepared and Greece reassured that it was on the path to Union.

The book includes testimonies and statements from Cypriots, mainly men and women, as well as some from Greeks, submitted to the UN and the International Red Cross. The initiative for the publication was due to the Panhellenic Association for Support of Cyprus (P.E.S.K.), a voluntary organization that was initially formed by notable women of Athenian society.

Approximately 6 Turkish soldiers came to my house, shooting at the house and banging on the door with their rifles. Since the door was made of porous material, they broke it down and entered. As soon as they entered, we searched for a place to hide. My husband, while he was underneath the table, was shot and died instantly. Then they turned their weapons on me and fired at my legs.

[Testimony of Loukia Georg. Kirlilli, Source]