Ghikas/Paleologou

[cressie]

Hi All

I am in contact with a Antonio Vecchi of Italy whose father, Gino, married Angeliki Ghikas c 1942 at Castellorizo during the Italian occupation of WW2. Antonio has kindly supplied me various photos from his father's collection whilst on the island, including wedding photos during that period.

Angeliki's father was Antonios Ghikas who I believe was originally from Corfu and married c 1920's? at Castellorizo to Despina Paleologo. Despina's father was Panagiotis Paleologo who is thought to have come to Castellorizo from Lemnos. At Castellorizo Panagiotis married c 1890's? to an Anastasia Unknown. The eldest son, Panayoti Paleologo, went to Brazil to live.

Any additional info on these families would be appreciated so I can repay Antonio for his contributions so far. Details on the two weddings would be especially appreciated.

Panagiotis and Anastasia Paleologo had seven children and two of the daughters married into the Hondros and Kannis families.

One of the Ghikas girls married Efstathios Tsakalos and the family is in Australia.

Regards
Allan

[Administrator]

Antonis Aristeidou Ghikas was an important personality in the first half of the twentieth century on Castellorizo.

Born on 29 September 1896 on the island of Corfu, Ghikas was a skilled linguist with proficiency in Italian and French. After leaving his native island at a young age, he completed his schooling, and later served as a teacher in French and mathematics, in Alexandria. He then took up employ with the French Consulate through which he began service in the French navy. He first arrived on Castellorizo in late 1916 as an interpreter for the French forces stationed there. While the island was still a French colony, he served as chief of staff in the governor's office.

Later, he was to serve the Italian administration of the island, both as interpreter and as a senior civil servant, until the Italian surrender in Sepember 1943.

Ghikas married Despina Panagiotou Paleologou on 12 September 1920 and they established their home in a house on the Mandraki. They had, I believe, seven children, 4 boys and 3 girls. Today, the families of these children live as far afield as Adelaide, Athens and Venezia.

Others who are Members of this Forum should hopefully have more to add.

Nicholas