In this book, as well as in the next 3 volumes about Asia Minor, we will reverently touch upon the cities that left a heavy mark and adorned the region throughout the ages — the East, which developed civilization, arts, and letters, and produced historians, travelers, scholars, philosophers, scientists, artists, and restless spirits who traveled to the furthest known parts of their world.

They cultivated trade, became pioneers of many achievements, and elevated their cities to such an extent that some of them are included among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, as well as those that continued to prosper and thrive until just 100 years ago, when the Persecution began and the Greek, Armenian, and Assyrian elements were slaughtered.

Cities and villages were wiped out by sword and fire, centuries-old cultural heritage was destroyed, businesses and properties vanished, and their sacrifice sealed the memories of the East. With the population exchanges, hopes of return were lost!

These cities are: the jewels of the crown of our East, which became blood clots and a thorny crown with the Genocide and the Expulsion. We will also mention the Saints and Martyrs who revealed those Holy Lands, and those who, through their sacrifice, wore the Thorny Crown and became Blood Clots at the Front of our East...

[Angeliki (Elina) Mastellou - Giannakena, from the presentation on the back cover of the book]