Dimitris Lipertis
Encyclopedia
Dimitris Theophani Lipertis (1866–1937) is a Cypriot born Greek poet and is considered as one of the most prominent poets of the island.
in 1866 (exact date disputed–either 22 September or 26 October). His father, Theofanis Lipertis hailed from Kyrenia, but moved to Larnaca where he set up a trading company. His mother was Kokonou Modinos.
He received his basic education from various literary figures of Larnaca. He then furthered his studies in Beirut (from 1880–1884) where he studied languages at the American University of Beirut
and the Jesuit Université Saint-Joseph
specialising in English and French. On his return to Cyprus, he first took up a clerical post (1885–1890) at Larnaca legal courts. For the next decade he worked in various governmental departments such as payroll officer in the public works department, inspector of vineyard diseases, coastguard official etc. Through his various jobs he came into contact with the Cypriot countryside and its genuine inhabitants, along with getting to know the various dialects spoken in the different regions of Cyprus.
In 1900 he left Cyprus for Naples where he studied philosophy and then to Athens for theology studies. He also travelled to Egypt in search of employment. On his return he began working as a teacher in the capital Nicosia
. He first worked at the Pancyprian Gymnasium
from 1910–1912 as a French language teacher and then at The English School
. He also served as the first headmaster of the Mitsis commercial academy in the village of Lemythou.
Lipertis died in Nicosia
in 1937.
In 1978, his portrait was depicted on one of two stamps in a commemorative issue themed on Cypriot poets. The other stamp depicted Vasilis Michaelides
.
but the main body of his work is in the Cypriot Dialect
. Some of his poems have been set to music by Cypriot composer Achilleas Lymbouridis and Greek composer Dimitris Layios. He is considered as one of the most prominent modern Cypriot poets and has been the theme of stamps issued by the Cyprus Post Office.
He published 3 collections of poems:
In addition his private letters to various people were characterised by a vivid and intelligent content with clever humour and literary merit.
Biography
Lipertis was born in LarnacaLarnaca
Larnaca, is the third largest city on the southern coast of Cyprus after Nicosia and Limassol. It has a population of 72,000 and is the island's second largest commercial port and an important tourist resort...
in 1866 (exact date disputed–either 22 September or 26 October). His father, Theofanis Lipertis hailed from Kyrenia, but moved to Larnaca where he set up a trading company. His mother was Kokonou Modinos.
He received his basic education from various literary figures of Larnaca. He then furthered his studies in Beirut (from 1880–1884) where he studied languages at the American University of Beirut
American University of Beirut
The American University of Beirut is a private, independent university in Beirut, Lebanon. It was founded as the Syrian Protestant College by American missionaries in 1866...
and the Jesuit Université Saint-Joseph
Université Saint-Joseph
Saint Joseph University is a private Catholic higher institute of education founded by the Jesuits in 1875 in Beirut, Lebanon, known for its school of medicine and its hospital, Hôtel-Dieu de France. The Lebanese state officially recognizes the university and the diplomas it grants in accord with...
specialising in English and French. On his return to Cyprus, he first took up a clerical post (1885–1890) at Larnaca legal courts. For the next decade he worked in various governmental departments such as payroll officer in the public works department, inspector of vineyard diseases, coastguard official etc. Through his various jobs he came into contact with the Cypriot countryside and its genuine inhabitants, along with getting to know the various dialects spoken in the different regions of Cyprus.
In 1900 he left Cyprus for Naples where he studied philosophy and then to Athens for theology studies. He also travelled to Egypt in search of employment. On his return he began working as a teacher in the capital Nicosia
Nicosia
Nicosia from , known locally as Lefkosia , is the capital and largest city in Cyprus, as well as its main business center. Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, with the southern and the northern portions divided by a Green Line...
. He first worked at the Pancyprian Gymnasium
Pancyprian Gymnasium
The Pancyprian Gymnasium was founded in 1812 by Archbishop Kyprianos at a time when Cyprus was still under Ottoman occupation. It was originally called the Hellenic School and is the oldest high school still in operation on the island...
from 1910–1912 as a French language teacher and then at The English School
The English School Nicosia
The English School, Nicosia is a selective co-educational school in Cyprus. It is considered to be one of the most prestigious secondary schools in the Middle East and Europe, with rigorous selection process for admittance.-External links:* *...
. He also served as the first headmaster of the Mitsis commercial academy in the village of Lemythou.
Lipertis died in Nicosia
Nicosia
Nicosia from , known locally as Lefkosia , is the capital and largest city in Cyprus, as well as its main business center. Nicosia is the only divided capital in the world, with the southern and the northern portions divided by a Green Line...
in 1937.
In 1978, his portrait was depicted on one of two stamps in a commemorative issue themed on Cypriot poets. The other stamp depicted Vasilis Michaelides
Vasilis Michaelides
Vasilis Michaelides is considered by many and often referred to as the national poet of Cyprus.He was born in Lefkoniko, a village in the Famagusta District of Cyprus, between 1849 and 1853. In 1862 he moved to Nicosia to attend Secondary School. His first contact with the arts came in the form of...
.
Works
He wrote and published some poetry in katharevousaKatharevousa
Katharevousa , is a form of the Greek language conceived in the early 19th century as a compromise between Ancient Greek and the Modern Greek of the time, with a vocabulary largely based on ancient forms, but a much-simplified grammar. Originally, it was widely used both for literary and official...
but the main body of his work is in the Cypriot Dialect
Cypriot Greek
The Cypriot dialect of Modern Greek, known as Kypriaka , Cypriot Greek is spoken by 750,000 people in Cyprus and diaspora Greek Cypriots.Cypriot Greek is distinct enough that it can be classified as a distinct dialect of the Standard Greek....
. Some of his poems have been set to music by Cypriot composer Achilleas Lymbouridis and Greek composer Dimitris Layios. He is considered as one of the most prominent modern Cypriot poets and has been the theme of stamps issued by the Cyprus Post Office.
He published 3 collections of poems:
- 1891 - The relaxed harp (Halaromeni Lira - Χαλαρωμένη Λύρα)
- 1898 - Stoni (Στόνοι)
- 1923 - The Cypriot Songs (Tzipriotika Tragoudia - Τζ'υπριώτικα Τραούδκια)
In addition his private letters to various people were characterised by a vivid and intelligent content with clever humour and literary merit.