Most of the Asia Minor refugees who settled in Brisbane are from the Smyrna region, mainly Alatsata, Tsesme, Kato Panayia as well as the city of Smyrna. Stories of Asia Minor Greeks from other areas in Asia Minor such as Constantinople, the Black Sea region (Pontians), Thracians or Cappadocians are also being sought. Each region of Asia Minor has its own unique character. It is envisioned that the common threads of each of these diverse areas can be woven together to provide a picture of the rich tapestry of life that existed in Asia Minor.
Since its inception in 2004, the AMGHS has been collating information on Asia Minor before 1922 as well as recording the memories of the Asia Minor refugees who settled in Brisbane and country Queensland. Those collected so far are kept in the AMGHS Archives. A copy of the research undertaken will be sent to the State Library Queensland / John Oxley/ Archives of Queensland upon completion. In doing so, the legacy of the ‘forgotten’ culture of the Asia Minor Greeks will be preserved in perpetuity.
New memberships to the association including a network of younger people are being sought to become involved in this project. The research into Asia Minor history, culture and family history, continues to be a great journey of discovery for the younger generation of descendants of the Asia Minor refugees.