Origins and Early Life
Savvas Zanou entered the world in 1922. He grew up in the village of Lefkoniko, in the Famagusta area.
He received his education at the local elementary school.
Zanou built his career as a train driver. He also proudly served as a member of the Lefkoniko village militia.
The Day of Tragedy
On October 6, 1958, Savvas Zanou set off for his job in Morphou.
However, he only reached the area of Kyra.
Because the British authorities had restricted him to his village, he turned back.
At home, he quickly left his belongings. He then shared urgent news with his wife.
He explained that E.O.K.A. fighters had planted a bomb on the Goufa road. The device had failed to detonate.
Fearing that British soldiers might patrol the Turkish quarter, he urged his wife to take shelter there for her safety.
A Sudden Interruption
Seeking a moment of normalcy, Zanou visited the barber, Andreas Laoutaris.
Laoutaris was in the middle of shaving him when a sudden explosion echoed through the village.
Zanou rose from the chair at once, his face still half-lathered.
He declared, “I’m leaving.” The barber, who was also his neighbour, left the shop with him.
As they walked, Zanou insisted on heading directly toward the source of the blast.
Laoutaris strongly advised against this and argued for a different path. Zanou, determined, went on alone.
Capture and Martyrdom
British soldiers spotted Savvas Zanou near the scene of the explosion.
They soldiers captured him and executed him.
A Community in Mourning
The village laid Savvas Zanou to rest in a powerful funeral.
The atmosphere was thick with shock and grief.
Yet, a profound sense of national pride and deep admiration for the martyr also filled the air.
