Kalamata Asia Minor Association
The Asia Minor Civilization dates back to the 8th Millenium BC. Palaeolithic stone findings show that this land has continuously been inhabited by active people who love progress and civilisation. This love comes from a deep knowledge of centuries and is not taught anywhere but is transferred from generation to generation, from parents to children, and is the element that makes some human communities different and sometimes enviable.
Under the official title: "KALAMATA ASIA MINOR ASSOCIATION", ordinary people gathered with a desire to honour their ancestors, all those who, uprooted and desperate far from the land of their fathers, mixed a lot of tears, sweat and a little soil from the New Homeland to build them a new warm house. Love for precedence was the only legacy they left them, which the members of the association expect to bequeath to the younger ones with their actions. A few photos, a song, a dance, a smile, or a story from grandma or grandpa, is a good start to remembering and continuing what was then stopped...
The Kalamata Asia Minor Association was founded in November 2016 in Kalamata, Messenia, as a non-profit. The association aims at the collection, preservation and transmission of the tradition of the cultural and linguistic uniqueness of the Asia Minor Greeks through actions, events, lectures and concerts, as well as the communication between the members and also with residents of other regions originating from Asia Minor, in and outside Greece. It also aims to communicate and develop relations with associations, institutions, organisations, public services and legal entities of public and private law with similar purposes. To date, the club has organised concerts featuring members of the dance team, choir and orchestra. It has collaborated with other associations, schools, and EPAL, with topics: The role of Asia Minor in the Revolution, The Pontian Genocide etc. The association belongs to the voluntary blood donation associations. It collaborated with TEI Kalamata on International Dance Day. It participates in established events such as the anniversary of March 25th, 1821 (parade). Moreover, it organises a commemorative procession on the great Kalamata jetty (kilometre) with two songs, lighted lanterns, and a memorial service on the anniversary of the Asia Minor Disaster.
There are dance, traditional musical instruments classes and choir lessons.