Bloemfontein’s Greek community: historical background, emigration and settlement, ca 1885 - ca 1985

Abstract

In this study a review is provided of the reasons why Greeks settled in Bloemfontein since about 1885, where these Greek immigrants came from, and how they travelled to Bloemfontein. Where possible, it is also indicated who they were. Their settlement in Bloemfontein is sketched against the background of the development of Bloemfontein as a city. In the light of the fact that thus far almost nothing has been written about the Greek community in Bloemfontein, and few archival sources could be traced, the
research is primarily based on oral testimonies.

Key words: Bloemfontein, Greece, Greek emigrations/diaspora, minority groups