A distinctive voice in Cyprus's literary, theatrical and public life has fallen silent. Vassos Ftochopoulos, writer, director and publisher, has died at the age of 76, leaving behind a multifaceted legacy closely linked to culture, political thought and the Cyprus issue.
Born in Aigialousa in the Karpasia peninsula, now in the north, in 1950, Ftochopoulos spent his early years in Cyprus before his family moved to London. He later settled in Thessaloniki, where he developed a strong presence in political, social and cultural life.
Throughout his career, he was involved in publishing, writing, theatre and journalism, producing books, plays, magazines and newspapers. The Cyprus issue remained a constant point of reference in both his thinking and public activity, while his roots in Yialousa accompanied him throughout his life.
Emotional farewell from Erma
A particularly moving tribute came from Erma, which described Ftochopoulos not simply as a friend but as one of its foundations.
In a social media post, the publication said:
"Erma bids farewell to one of its foundations, not merely a friend. With sorrow, but also with gratitude for everything we shared. For his newspapers and magazines, for Enosi, for the old Aigaion, for the publications, the plays and the books he leaves behind as a rolling stone of Hellenism and of his beloved Yialousa.
For all these things and so much more, Vassos Ftochopoulos, who entered life as a stranger and leaves it again as a stranger, is not a man for biographies. He is for great celebrations, for laughter until tears come, for endless pranks and satire, and for the most beautiful stories told to the children who grew up in his embrace.
These few words for now, as he lights a cigarette and hurries to meet old friends on the 'Vassilis Tsitsanis Avenue' of his own paradise, announcing his departure with his familiar humour and teasing."
Ftochopoulos is remembered as a prolific cultural figure whose work spanned literature, theatre, publishing and public discourse, leaving a lasting mark on Cypriot cultural life.
