The guerilla fighters of EOKA built their hideouts at the mountain slopes of Kakopetria which are covered by dense and wild vegetation.
The hideouts were spread along the mountain slope. The book of Charalambos Ar. Charalambides transfers us to the slopes of the mountain of Kakopetria, where the guerilla fighters found shelter during the harsh moments of the fights against the British. Presented below are some of the hideouts hosted by the land of Kakopetria, the criteria for the selection of the area, as well as the way these hideouts were built.
One of the hideouts was built at the location “Vrysi” of the “Piteron” peak and was accessed by the fighters through a wild uphill trail, whereas a second hideout was located northeast of the church of Agios Nicolaos Stegis, at the location “Shiaka”. The hideout was covered by wild vegetation and situated “near a narrow trail leading towards the river” (p.260). At this location, as Charalambides preserves through the words of sector leader named Lemonaris, there were several kinds of wild vegetation. Lemonaris describes the area where the hideout was built as wild and adds that the hideout was located on the left bank of the river, near the earthen trail leading towards the chromium mine and Marathassa.
Another hideout was built at the valley of the Karkotis River, at the location “Giampakka” situtated across the “pezounokremmos” cliff and in a dense forest. This particular location was chosen due to the dense forest, the river bed which could be used both as a natural fortress since it covered a large area and in order to provide the fighters with water. Apart from the attention given to the selection of the location for the construction of the hideout, great emphasis was also given while carrying the construction materials, such as timber, as well as the food for the supply of the guerilla fighters.
Upon completion of constructing a hideout, the guerilla fighters would make sure that their traces were erased, either by covering everything with dirt or by using leaves and branches. What is characteristically mentioned about the aforementioned hideout, “which was placed in the middle of a bush, is that it was completed within a few days by the guerilla fighters using logs from the surrounding bushes. The area surrounding the hideout was camouflaged using dry leaves and branches leaving no trace of dug dirt or misplaced object” (p.290).
As it is evident by the aforementioned, the selection of the location for the construction of the hideouts was of extreme importance. In particular, Charalambides presents a list of advantages regarding the construction of a hideout at the river mouth of the River Choletrous-Agios Georgios, through what Lemonaris had written about the matter. A first advantage was the fact that the area was wild and overgrown and consequently ideal for coverage, whereas it could only be accessed through climbing. However, in case the fighters needed to escape, this would be easy since it could be done through the river bed. Moreover, the area was close to the village and therefore the fighters could easily receive supplies, whereas this proximity did not pose any danger since “no one would go near the area” (p.318). Additionally, the water from the river erased any traces since the dirt would fall into the river. Finally, the fighters could easily be supplied with water in case of an emergency.
Undoubtedly, the land of Kakopetria protected the guerilla fighters of EOKA who fought against the British with militancy and boldness.
Source:
Charalambos Ar. Charalambides, Kakopetria, A century of national contribution, Lefkosia 2007.
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