Overview

Alekos Kostantinou, born in Kakopetria on October 6, 1936, lived a life of extraordinary courage and sacrifice. Raised as an only child by his parents Kostas and Elpiniki Kostantinou, Alekos received his education in Famagusta, excelling not only academically but also linguistically, mastering the English language. He then joined the British army as an officer leveraging his position to support the EOKA movement covertly. His home in Famagusta became a sanctuary for EOKA fighters, where they concealed weapons and strategized against the English forces. Alekos's bravery reached its zenith in April 1958 when he led an ambush near the "Iraio" cinema, targeting the ruthless English inquisitor, Dear, who had tortured many EOKA members. They had succesfully managed to mortally wound Dear in the ambush, however, before he passed he revealed to his escorts who his killers were forcing the two men to resort to guerilla warfare. This successful operation marked a significant victory for EOKA. Unfortunately, on June 20, 1958, Alekos Kostantinou's life was cut short when a mine prematurely exploded, underscoring his unwavering commitment to the cause of Cypriot independence.