Revisiting the Legacy of Alexander Karatheodori

The Franco-Hellenic Applied Dialogues held their sixth conference on Monday, 11 and Tuesday, 12 May in Nea Orestiada, Greece. The conference sought to contribute to the timely public debate on geopolitical uncertainty, the crisis of International Law, and the role of diplomacy in the contemporary world.

The event stood out for its originality. The dialogue between Greek-speaking and French-speaking experts offered a distinctive perspective on the current international landscape, at a time when Greek and French positions are significantly converging. The conference also succeeded in connecting historical reflection with broader considerations regarding the present and the future.

The conference opened with a tribute to Alexander Karatheodori, head of the Ottoman delegation at the Congress of Berlin (1878). Discussions explored whether, and to what extent, knowledge of the distant past can illuminate today’s geopolitical dilemmas. Particular emphasis was placed on how the diplomatic acumen of the Phanariot statesman Alexander Karatheodori contributed to addressing geopolitical threats in the nineteenth century. Professor Stefanos Geroulanos, a descendant of the family, spoke extensively about Karatheodori’s legacy and intellectual contribution, as a source of inspiration and optimism amid today’s profound international turbulence.

The event brought together distinguished figures from politics, diplomacy, and academia. The keynote speaker was Herman Van Rompuy, who served as President of the European Council during the Greek financial crisis. He delivered a comprehensive assessment of the European project in the current international context, underscoring the need for unity, courageous leadership, and the revival of the spiritual and intellectual dimension of European integration. He was introduced by former Prime Minister Panagiotis Pikrammenos.

The Conference was also sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within the framework of public diplomacy initiatives.

Director General for Public Diplomacy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Katerina Koika, addressed the audience, highlighting the symbolism of the border town of Orestiada as Thrace has historically been a crossroads of civilizations and significant geopolitical and historical developments.

Ms Koika stated that in an era of profound geopolitical shifts, initiatives such as this conference, contribute to a deeper understanding of contemporary challenges and the promotion of dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding. She also referred to global challenges, such as energy security, migratory pressures, rapid technological advancement, Artificial Intelligence, and increasingly sophisticated disinformation campaigns undermining the integrity of information. 

Ms Koika particularly focused on public diplomacy, not merely as a tool for crisis management but also a force of prevention, a bridge of understanding, and a mechanism for building trust and stability within the framework of a modern and multidimensional foreign policy.

Among the speakers were former President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, Dimitris Avramopoulos, Angelos Syrigos, Stelios Perrakis, and Anastasios-Ioannis Metaxas, alongside other distinguished academics and researchers. Former French Minister of Labour Muriel Pénicaud, former Director of the OECD Development Centre Mario Pezzini, demographer Gérard-François Dumont, geographer André Louchet, and other scholars further reinforced the international dimension of the discussions.

The first part of the conference focused on geopolitical developments. Participants examined the evolving relationship between maritime and continental powers and the implications of technological change, which increasingly complicate the safeguarding of freedom of navigation. Particular attention was devoted to major demographic transformations, the crisis of the West, and the rise of countries of the Global South.

The second part highlighted the reforms and adaptations required to strengthen the role of international organizations and diplomacy. Speakers denounced the excessive pessimism that often leads to inertia and aggravates adverse developments. It was emphasized that the international community and diplomacy are rooted in deep historical traditions and, despite current challenges and uncertainties, are unlikely to disappear.

Nea Orestiada, birthplace of Alexander Karatheodori, provided a distinctive setting for the conference. The “Karatheodori Family Heritage Association” played a decisive role in welcoming participants and guiding them through the region, with particular emphasis on the Karatheodori Museum. Emeritus Professor of the Sorbonne Georges Prevelakis, in coordination with Professor Stefanos Geroulanos and in collaboration with Mr Panagis Kalantzis, Director of In Session Events, conceived the thematic framework of the conference and contributed significantly to the organization and smooth conduct of the discussions.

The Ethnological Museum of Thrace, together with its director Mrs Angela Giannakidou, as well as Mrs Katerina Xyla, President of the Hellenic Cultural Centre, also made an important contribution to the successful organization and implementation of the conference.

Through this initiative, the Franco-Hellenic Applied Dialogues highlighted the importance of historical and geographical knowledge, international cooperation, and diplomacy as essential tools for understanding and addressing today’s global challenges.

The post Diplomacy in an Era of Geopolitical Transformation appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

With the participation of 70 scientists from 35 countries, the Annual Meeting of the Global Geoparks Network was held at the University of the Aegean on the island of Lesvos, hosted by Professor Nikolaos Zouros, Secretary General of the Global Geoparks Network and Head of the UNESCO Chair on Geoparks and the Sustainable Development of Island and Coastal Areas at the University of the Aegean. The meeting was attended, among others, by President Professor Artur Sá and members of the 15-member Executive Committee of the Global Geoparks Network, as well as President Professor Setsuya Nakada and members of the 12-member Council of UNESCO’s Global Geoparks Programme.

(Cover Photo: https://www.lesvosgeopark.gr/en/lesvos-geopark/)

The Global Geoparks Network is an international organization based in France and an official partner of UNESCO for the implementation of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme. It currently includes 241 geoparks in 51 countries as members.

During the meeting, important issues concerning international networking and cooperation among geoparks were discussed, including the sustainable management and conservation of geological heritage sites; funding opportunities and jointly funded projects; actions for the protection of geoheritage monuments from climate change and natural hazards; collaborative initiatives to promote geoparks as sustainable tourism destinations and participation in international tourism exhibitions; strategic cooperation with the European Union; and initiatives to support the development of geoparks in Africa and in regions not yet represented within the Global Geoparks Network. Moreover, the organization of an International Training Course for Geopark Managers in Lesvos will contribute to promoting the island internationally, while also creating opportunities for these issues to become the focus of scientific activity in the Aegean region, with significant development prospects.

Greece’s 10 recognized UNESCO Global Geoparks are: Lesvos Island, Psiloritis, Vikos–Aoos National Park, Helmos–Vouraikos National Park, Sitia, Grevena–Kozani, Lavreotiki, Meteora–Pyli, and Kefalonia–Ithaca, Nisyros Island. (https://www.visitgreece.gr/inspirations/geoparks-in-greece/)

Parallel to the meeting, the Global Geoparks Network and UNESCO are organizing the International Training Course for UNESCO Global Geoparks Managers, in collaboration with the UNESCO Chair on Geoparks and Sustainable Development of Island and Coastal Areas at the Department of Geography of the University of the Aegean and the Natural History Museum of the Lesvos Petrified Forest.

The 2026 International Training Course for UNESCO Global Geoparks Managers, entitled “UNESCO Global Geoparks: Geoconservation, Sustainable Tourism and Local Development,” takes place from 16 to 25 May 2026 at the University of the Aegean and includes field visits to significant geological heritage sites on Lesvos.

The International Training Course for UNESCO Global Geoparks Managers is the flagship capacity-building activity of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Programme and is held this year for the 14^th consecutive time in Lesvos with in-person participation.

More than 80 participants are taking part in the course, including geopark managers, tourism officials, local government representatives, university professors, doctoral candidates, and representatives of scientific organizations collaborating with geoparks and developing or implementing innovative actions for the protection, management, and promotion of geological heritage. Participants come from 27 countries: Belgium, Vietnam, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Japan, Indonesia, Ireland, Iran, Spain, Italy, China, Kyrgyzstan, Cyprus, Malaysia, Morocco, Mexico, Norway, Portugal, Romania, the Czech Republic, Thailand, Türkiye, and Greece.

In parallel with the lectures, educational field visits will be organized across Lesvos, aiming to familiarize participants with the island’s natural environment, geological monuments, habitats, archaeological sites, museums, monasteries, traditional settlements, women’s agritourism cooperatives, and local products.

Lesvos has an impressive hydrographic network due to the climatic conditions, rainfall, geological formations and active tectonics. Thus Lesvos hosts impressive gorges, valleys and waterfalls which are scattered throughout the island. They are sites of aesthetic value but also important ecological hot spots. Along the riverbeds appear steep waterfalls which are usually associated with the presence of active faults.  Impressive waterfalls appear such as: the Man’ katsa formed in the ignimbrite rocks close to Mandamados. (https://welcometolesvos.com/lesvos-geopark/)

The Petrified Forest of Lesvos is a rare petrified forest ecosystem made up of large concentrations of fossilized trees and animals which were covered by volcanic material and petrified in place 18 million years ago. The area of the Petrified Forest is characterized by impressive volcanic geosites, witnesses of the intense volcanic activity during Miocene. Lesvos island for this reason could be characterized as a window on the geohistoric development of the Aegean over the last 20 million years and is considered one of the most beautiful and rare monuments of geological heritage in the world. (https://welcometolesvos.com/lesvos-geopark/)

Not far beneath the surface of Lesvos there are still large concentrations of hot magma, which act as vast heaters, warming water which penetrate the crust to a considerable depth. When it approaches the magma chamber, the meteoric water is heated and comes up through the surface of the Earth via thermal springs. The most important thermal springs on Lesvos are at Polichnitos, Lisvori, Thermi, Therma at Geras gulf, Eftalou and Argenos. (https://welcometolesvos.com/lesvos-geopark/)

(Source: https://www.ertnews.gr/perifereiakoi-stathmoi/voreio_aigaio/i-lesvos-sto-epikentro-tou-pagkosmiou-diktyou-geoparkon-tis-ounesko/)

Read more:

Greece’s UNESCO Global Geoparks

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The 22^nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair (TBF) takes place from Thursday, May 7, to Sunday, May 10, 2026, at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition & Congress Center (TIF-HELEXPO), featuring the theme “Generation of Readers / Book Generators” (GeneReaders_BookGenerators), with Bulgaria as the Guest of Honour. This is the second year the event is organized by the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture (ELIVIP), in collaboration with TIF–HELEXPO, Greek publishers, and the Municipality of Thessaloniki, with the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Region of Central Macedonia. The fair is one of the key pillars in a broader range of initiatives and programs run by ELIVIP throughout the year, both within Greece and internationally.

Unique in its category in the Greek region, TBF was inaugurated in May 2004 with the aim of putting Greece on the map of international book fairs. It soon became a major hub for cultural and commercial exchanges between Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Today, it is one of the country’s most important cultural institutions, enjoying international recognition. The Fair is a landmark not only for the city of Thessaloniki, but also internationally. Every year it is enriched and expanded in terms of themes, venues, programmes and guests from all over the world, responding to challenges and new trends. In addition to hosting events in the publishing world, TBF collaborates with institutions, organizations, embassies, educational institutes, co-organizing festivals, competitions, awards, thematic tributes, round tables, etc. within the framework of the Fair. Among them are the Festival of Young Writers, the Translation Festival or the Young Book Designers Award. It also provides a platform to networks, such as the Reading Club Network, which was created and coordinated by the Hellenic Foundation for Books and Culture, to develop synergies and present their work within the framework of the Fair.

GENEREADERS – A GENERATION OF READERS: Reading culture in the spotlight!

This year’s fair hosts 318 exhibitors (publishers and organizations), including 30 publishing houses participating for the first time. A total of 330 events for adults will take place, starting from the morning of Thursday, May 7. There will be 25 international authors traveling to Thessaloniki, while 40 distinguished professionals from major publishing houses around the world will take part in the fellowship programme. Additionally, 8 prominent representatives of international organizations and ministries will participate in the professional programme, along with 3 authors connected to the European Union Prize for Literature (EUPL). For younger audiences, 104 events for children and teenagers will be organized by 40 publishing houses and 17 educational and cultural institutions. The Fair will also welcome more than 60 organized school groups—from kindergartens, primary schools, secondary schools, and special education schools in the Thessaloniki region and surrounding areas—with around 2,500 students participating in coordinated activities. At the same time, additional student groups are expected to visit the fair independently for tours outside the scheduled events.

At the opening ceremony, Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni stated: “At a time of sweeping change and technological challenges, such as the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence, the Thessaloniki International Book Fair serves as an ideal forum for reflection on the future of reading. The success of this institution is founded on the fortunate convergence of state support and the growing interest of civil society, which has consistently upheld the book as an irreplaceable cultural good. Through a rich programme of talks and discussions, the Fair offers a true panorama of ideas, seeking convincing answers to the challenges surrounding reading culture. At the same time, this year’s event highlights its dual nature, combining high aesthetics with excellent preparation, while serving as a faithful reflection of national publishing production. The Fair has demonstrated its resilience, overcoming the difficulties of the economic crisis and now achieving a strong sense of confidence and stability. The institution is entering a phase of full maturity, strengthening its international reach and its collaboration with Thessaloniki’s dynamic cultural organizations. I would like to thank the President of ELIVIP, Nikos Bakounakis, for the excellent organization, as well as Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Culture, Victor Stoyanov, whose presence demonstrates that the vibrant literature of the neighbouring country continues to gain ever wider audiences across Europe.”

The International Professional Programme - The biggest names from the book world meet in Thessaloniki!

This is the fourth year of the international professional programme held within the framework of the Thessaloniki International Book Fair, where publishers, authors, literary agents, translators, and publishing professionals from all over the world gather at TBF to exchange ideas, create partnerships, and explore new opportunities in the global publishing landscape. This year’s expanded professional programme takes place at the DIALOGOS Rights Center (Pavilion 15, HELEXPO Exhibition Center).  This year, the 40 participants from around the world will contribute their ideas and knowledge in the fields of rights sales and acquisitions, Artificial Intelligence, the development of reading habits, and translation funding models. The “Spanish Phenomenon’’ will be explored as a best practice, as well as the parallel lives of books and media, especially in the era of social media.

TBF Fellowship Programme

Now in its fourth year, the popular fellowship program at the Dialogos Center for Rights received 191 applications from 61 countries. Twenty professionals from 15 countries (Armenia, Romania, Poland, Egypt, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, France, Portugal, Italy, Spain, the UK, and the US) were selected by ELIVIP and the publishers’ associations. An additional ten professionals will represent the honored country, while another ten book professionals have independently registered to participate in the program. In total, more than 20 events will take place.

Authors from all over the world at the 22nd TBF. Thessaloniki is becoming the meeting point for Greek and foreign authors, playwrights, illustrators, translators, and screenwriters. TBF becomes the platform for all voices to be heard from everywhere, in a fascinating dialogue of cultures that promotes peaceful coexistence, freedom of expression, mutual respect, and pluralism.  

Bulgaria: Guest of Honor at the 22^nd TBF. With “Literature Beyond Borders’’ as its motto, Bulgaria, the Guest of Honour at the 22nd Thessaloniki International Book Fair, has designed a diverse programme in dialogue with Greece, in collaboration with HFBC. This programme reflects the contemporary literary landscape of our neighbouring country, spanning writing, translation, and illustration, as well as the professional sector and the book market.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister of Culture Victor Stoyanov at the opening ceremony

Children’s & young adults corner at the 22nd TBF. The TBF programme for children and young adults sets the tone with activities and events spreading across every corner of the fair and even beyond. The exhibition is taken over by children of all ages, turning the central theme of Reading Culture into reality, rather than just a motto! Young visitors can look forward to meeting great authors and illustrators from Greece and abroad, embarking on adventures, treasure hunts, and mystery games, or enjoying book parties, crafts, and creative workshops, as well as theatrical and music-movement performances. A total of 104 events for children and teenagers are organized by 40 publishing houses and 17 educational and cultural institutions, 40 of which are specifically designed for organized student groups.

Thessaloniki Book Fair Events Programme. Find out about the scheduled events of the 22nd TBF. The programme brings together a wide range of events covering contemporary publishing and intellectual production. Book presentations, discussions, tributes and activities for different audiences compose a complete picture of the exhibition. Explore the sections and discover the events that interest you.

The post Thessaloniki International Book Fair 2026 Welcomes the Global Book Community appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The Hellenic Parliament presents the exhibition “Alpha Beta: Learning Greek in the West: Byzantium–Italy–Europe”, a narrative through the universal radiance of the Greek language. The Exhibition highlights the enduring journey, dissemination, and profound influence of the Greek language and literature on the formation of European culture.

Supported by the Embassy of Italy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Athens this Εxhibition continues the cultural legacy of the Italian exhibition Alpha Beta: Apprendere il Greco in Italia (1360-1860) / Learning Greek in Italy, presented at the Biblioteca Nazionale Braidense in Milan in 2023. In its Greek version, the narrative expands to trace the course of the Greek language from Byzantium to Italy and from there to all of Europe, extending its scope to the present day. The content is drawn from the rich collections of the Library of the Parliament, enriched with rare editions and artworks from leading cultural institutions in Greece -the National Gallery, the National Historical Museum, the National Library of Greece, the Historical Library of the “Aikaterini Laskaridis” Foundation, the “Korais” Central Public Historical Library of Chios, the Onassis Library-, as well as from Italy, including the Biblioteca Ambrosiana and the Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan.

The Latin adage “Graeca sunt, sed tamen leguntur” (It’s Greek, yet readable) is wryly juxtaposed with the Shakespearean “it’s Greek to me”, highlighting the dual position of Greek in the West: while Greek signified the “incomprehensible” for many, it was also the object of systematic study as the quintessential language of learning, prestige and intellectual reference.

Byzantine scholars and Italian humanists. A cosmogonic encounter

At the turn of the 14th to the 15th century, Byzantine scholars, bearers of an uninterrupted literary tradition spanning centuries, encountered Italian humanists in a transformative intellectual collaboration. The Greek language became the key to accessing Homer, Plato, Aristotle, and the Church Fathers; it emerged as a vehicle for education, rhetoric, political and scientific thought, as well as theological reflection.

During the Middle Ages in the West, Greek as a spoken language survived only in certain Byzantine or formerly Byzantine regions of Southern Italy and Sicily. Although references to Greek learning up to the fourteenth century are sparse, from the ninth century on ward a limited but gradual awakening of interest can be observed, manifested in Latin translations of works by Aristotle, Galen, and the Church Fathers. From the thirteenth century, engagement with Greek texts became more systematic, while a pivotal development was the decision of the Council of Vienne (1311-1312) to introduce the teaching of Greek -aimed at the study of Christian literature- at the universities of Rome, Paris, Bologna, Oxford, and Salamanca. This was also the period when pioneering figures of humanism, such as Petrarch and Boccaccio, expressed an ardent desire to read Homer in the original. In order to learn Greek, some sought out scholars of Byzantine origin living in the West, while others traveled eastward, to Byzantium and to Venetian-ruled Crete, to study the language at its source, as did Guarino Veronese, who followed his teacher Manuel Chrysoloras to Constantinople.

On the occasion of the Council of Ferrara-Florence (1438-39), the last attempt at the union of the Churches, Byzantine scholars arrived in Italy and contributed decisively to the intellectual osmosis between East and West. Central figures included Georgios Gemistos Plethon, who helped rekindle interest in Platonic philosophy, and the bishop of Nicaea -later cardinal- Bessarion, who assembled an exceptionally rich collection of 752 manuscripts of classical texts, which he then donated to Venetian Senate. In the shadow of the Ottoman advance, and especially after the Fall of Constantinople, many Byzantine scholars migrated to the West. Settling primarily in the cities of Northern Italy, they taught their native language, copied manuscripts, founded schools, com posed linguistic manuals, and edited the first printed editions of Greek works. Through the Greek language, Renaissance Europe was thus provided with the means to reconnect with its own intellectual roots.

Manuel Chrysoloras. The first teacher

A leading representative of Byzantine erudition and diplomatic envoy of Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos to the West in search of assistance against the Ottomans, Manuel Chrysoloras (c.1350-1415) inaugurated the teaching Greek letters in Italy -and more broadly in Western Europe- in 1397. At the invitation of the Chancellor of the Florentine Republic, Coluccio Salutati, he taught for three years grammaticam et litteras grecas at the city’sStudium. His success rested on his clear and accessible method of teaching the demanding Greek language, as well as on his advocacy of sense-for-sense rather than word-for-word translation. Around him he gathered enthusiastic students, Italian humanists, and representatives of the ruling circles, among whom he ignited both the desire to approach texts in the original through the study of Greek, and an interest in the collection, systematic study, and translation of Greek works into Latin.

Aldus’s printing house

From the late fifteenth century onward, Italy (Florence, Milan, Venice, Padua, Rome) became the principal centre of Greek learning in Europe. Leading scholars taught there, among them Manuel Chrysoloras, Ioannis Argyropoulos, Demetrios Chalkokondyles, Janus and Constantine Lascaris, Marcus Musurus, and others. With the advent of printing in Venice and the typographical achievement of Aldus Manutius, Greek books were disseminated on an unprecedented scale, laying the foundations for humanistic studies and modern European education. Aldus Manutius (c. 1450-1515) was the first Renaissance printer to devote himself systematically -and at considerable personal financial risk- to the publication of Greek texts. With the establishment of his press in Venice and drawing primarily on manuscripts gathered by humanists across Europe, as well as the manuscript collection of his close collaborator, the Cretan scholar Marcus Musurus, he produced, from 1494 until his death in 1515, reliable editions of works of ancient Greek literature (Homer, Aristotle, Plato, Herodotus, Thucydides, Xenophon, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, among others). Seeking moreover to support the teaching of the Greek language, he published pedagogical works such as grammars and lexica (by Manuel Chrysoloras, Constantine Lascaris, Theodorus Gaza, Giovanni Crastone, and others), and he himself com posed a grammar, being an accomplished Hellenist and a meticulous philologist.

From Italy to the rest of Europe

In Western Europe, the spread of Protestantism further encouraged the study of Greek as an essential tool for direct access to the original text of the Holy Scriptures and the writings of the Church Fathers. At the same time, autonomous traditions of Greek learning developed in various regions (Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands) even without the direct presence of first-generation Byzantine teachers.

The Greek language occupies a special position within European education, as it is experienced both as a medium for understanding the roots of European civilization and as the living language of a modern nation that carries a long-standing intellectual tradition. Italy remains one of the few European countries in which secondary-school students are systematically taught Ancient Greek language and literature, as a legacy of the historical emphasis on classical education that originated in the Renaissance and has continued to the present day. Chairs of Modern Greek Studies in Italy, the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice, as well as the presence of historic Greek communities in Southern Italy, have kept the intellectual relationship between the two countries alive and have encouraged, alongside the study of ancient literature, the exploration of Byzantine and modern Greek literature, history, and culture.

A similar situation can be observed in other European countries, such as France, Germany, Austria, the United Kingdom, Spain, Benelux, the Balkan and the Scandinavian states, as well as around the world, where universities and research institutes offer structured programs in Classical and Modern Greek studies or courses in Modern Greek, often in collabo ration with cultural institutions and Greek communities.

The vernaculars in the foreground

However, Greek letters in the West were not confined to the world of classical authors. Dictionaries, grammars, and multilingual manuals documented the living vernaculars -the language of merchants, sailors, diplomats, and travelers-, highlighting the continuity, adaptability, and dynamism of Greek across the centuries. These were essential both for the education of Greek communities in Western and Central Europe, and for the practical communication needs of everyday users of the language in the Eastern Mediterranean and in the territories of the Ottoman Empire. This development forms part of the broader emergence of the vernaculars as languages of literacy in Europe, a process that began in the thirteenth century, accelerated during the fifteenth, and became institutionally established in the sixteenth.

Both ancient and vernacular Greek have been, and continue to be, cornerstones of European intellectual identity- a language that is still read, taught, and continues to inspire today.

The exhibition was inaugurated by the President of the Parliament, Mr. Nikitas M. Kaklamanis on February 9th 2026, on the occasion of the International Greek Language Day established by UNESCO.  It will run until the end of June 2026.

The Hellenic Parliament offers guided tours for the public.

👉 Information and tour bookings here

EXHIBITION CONTRIBUTORS

GENERAL CURATION    Dr Maria Kamilaki

Αcting Director General, D.G. of Electronic Administration, Library & Publications

SCIENTIFIC CURATION   Dr Maria Vlassopoulou

Head of the Benakeios Library & Political Figures Department, Hellenic Parliament Library

ORGANIZATION-CURATION     Sophia Hiniadou Cambanis

Attorney at Law-Cultural Management Advisor, D.G. of Electronic Administration, Library & Publications

RESEARCH-TEXTS-ANNOTATIONS

Dr Maria Vlassopoulou

Natassa Papakonstantinou

Philologist, D.G. of Electronic Administration, Library & Publications

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS

Agamemnon Tselikas

Philologist-Paleographer, Honorary PhD, Democritus University of Thrace

Dr Ioannis Kassidis

Philologist-Byzantinist, D.G. of Electronic Administration, Library & Publications

EXHIBITION DESIGN

Maria Papadopoulou

Architect-Set & Costume Designer, Hellenic Parliament Library

GRAPHIC DESIGN OF DISPLAY MATERIAL - PRODUCTION OF AUDIOVISUAL & DIGITAL APPLICATIONS
Thymios Presvytis – PEAK DESIGN This exhibition was based on the creative and curatorial concept of the first edition (2023) ALPHA BETA. APRENDERE IL GRECO IN ITALIA / LEARNING GREEK IN ITALY (1360-1860), Biblioteca Braidense, Milan, curated by Geri De la Rocca de Candal, Paolo Sachet, Marina Zetti.

Exhibition Highlights at a Glance

• Manuel Chrysoloras’ Erotemata (1475–1476): The first manual for teaching the Greek language in Renaissance Italy, marking the beginning of the systematic study of Greek in the West
• Etymologicum Magnum (1499): The monumental edition by Z. Kalliergis, M. Musurus, and N. Vlastos; the starting point of independent Greek printing activity
• Incunabula and Early Editions from the Aldine Press: The first printed editions of classical literature: Aristotle (1497), Aristophanes (1498), Plato (1513)
• Corona Preciosa (1527): The first printed dictionary to feature the vernacular Greek language
• Henri Estienne, Thesaurus Graecae Linguae (1572–1573): The most significant lexicographical work of the Renaissance

• Nikolaos Loukanis, Homer’s Iliad (1640, 1st ed. 1526): The first verse translation of the Iliad into vernacular Greek, adorned with exceptional woodcuts
• Alessio da Somavera, Tesoro della lingua greca volgare ed italiana (1709): The Greek-Italian dictionary by the missionary Alessio da Somavera, featuring handwritten notes by Adamantios Korais

Browse Digitally

• The oldest incunabulum in the Library of the Hellenic Parliament: Manuel Chrysoloras’ Erotemata (1476)
• The first printed Greek Grammar, written entirely in Greek, by Constantine Lascaris (1476), from the collections of the National Library of Greece
• The autograph manuscript of Aldus Manutius’ Grammar (1515), from the treasures of the Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan

The post “Alpha Beta: Learning Greek in the West: Byzantium – Italy – Europe” appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, participated as Greece’s National Focal Point at the 4^th Annual Meeting of National Focal Point Representatives of the OSCE Programme on the Safety of Journalists and Media Freedom, held in Bern, Switzerland on 15–16 April 2026 (cover photo: https://media.gov.gr). Greece has been participating in the OSCE Programme on the Safety of Journalists since August 2022 and has been recognized as a “Spotlight Case” country for the implementation of best practices.

Within the framework of the meeting, which was hosted at the Bernerhof building with the participation of representatives from 25 OSCE member states, the Secretary General for Communication and Information presented Greece’s progress in implementing “Decision No. 3/18” on the Safety of Journalists, adopted by the Ministers of OSCE participating States. In particular, he referred to:

• Law 5253/2025, which incorporates the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and establishes the framework for the Hellenic Media Council,
• the National Strategy for Media Literacy,
• the funding of the SLAPP Observatory (strategic lawsuits against public participation) of POESY, and
• the institutional guarantees of editorial independence.

The Representatives of the OSCE National Focal Points for the Safety of Journalists in Bern (Source: https://media.gov.gr)

As Mr. Kirmikiroglou emphasized, “the press is under attack globally—from violence, powerful economic interests, and illiberal regimes that invest in controlled algorithms rather than critical voices. The responses must be collective and decisive. Greece is fully committed to reforms that will strengthen the media and safeguard press freedom as an indispensable prerequisite for a healthy democracy.”

The reforms implemented by the Greek government for the press—as one of the fundamental pillars of the rule of law and democracy—attracted significant international interest during the discussions, highlighting Greece as a reference country for reforms in the field of media.

At the same time, the General Secretariat for Communication and Information, investing in the younger generation, is developing partnerships with universities, establishing Regional Media Hubs to foster local information ecosystems, and implementing the “Cultivating Critical Readers” program in schools across the country.

A central element of Mr. Kirmikiroglou’s presentation was the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, as incorporated in Article 40 of Law 5253/2025. This constitutes the country’s first comprehensive strategic framework, with a three-year horizon, for the protection of media professionals. The Plan is structured around eight Strategic Pillars, with specific objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and draws on best practices from countries with established experience in protecting journalists. The roadmap for implementing the Action Plan foresees the launch of the consultation process in May 2026, including a series of regional workshops across the country, with completion scheduled for September 2026.

A central role in the Plan is played by the International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ) at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, which serves as an official partner of the OSCE for the 2025–2026 period. In March 2026, the ICSJ organized in Thessaloniki the 3^rd Annual International Conference “Bearing Witness: Trauma and Resilience in Modern Journalism,” as well as the 3^rd Training School “Journalists’ Safety” at the Multinational Peace Support Operations Training Center in Kilkis.

Speaking at the 3rd Annual International Conference “Bearing Witness: Trauma and Resilience in Modern Journalism,” Mr. Kirmikiroglou had explained that the main pillars of the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists will include: physical safety and cooperation with the police and the justice system, following the models of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom; digital safety, including the establishment of a Digital Protection Center and the implementation of Article 4 of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) to prohibit the use of spyware against journalists; tackling abusive lawsuits; training and capacity-building; media literacy and public awareness; research, data collection, and continuous monitoring; international engagement; and specific provisions for women journalists, freelancers, and exiled journalists.

The International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ)has an educational and research focus. Regarding the educational focus, ICSJ utilizes the material and tools of the academic community and provides specialized training to journalists and media professionals. Regarding the research focus, the center implements extended research on topics related to the safety of journalists and media professionals, both in war zones and in crisis, as well as threats against them, connected with everyday work, such as physical, legal, economic, freedom of expression and cyber security issues. In parallel, ICSJ aims to develop support tools, as well as a supportive network for journalists and media professionals that operate in war zones and crises. ICSJ acts under the scientific responsibility of the Peace Journalism Laboratory, Department of Journalism and Media, of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

Bearing Witness: Trauma and Resilience in Modern Journalism. A moment captured at the close of the 3rd Annual International Conference on Journalist Safety. Two days of meaningful dialogue, shared expertise, and a collective commitment to a safer and more trauma-informed media landscape. The International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ), under the scientific responsibility of the Peace Journalism Laboratory of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, remains committed to advancing this work through specialized training, research, and support for journalists in war zones and crisis environments.

(Source: https://www.facebook.com/icsj.net/)

Read also:

Greece Strengthens Global Efforts to Protect Journalists and End Impunity

The post Greece announced a three-year roadmap for the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The anniversary exhibition “Gennadius 100: A Century of Inspiration” (1.4-26.7.2026) narrates the history of the Gennadius Library through approximately 100 exhibits—matching the number of years since its founding. The Gennadius Library of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, one of the country’s most important intellectual institutions, serves as a treasure trove of knowledge, remarkable collections, and rare books—some of which are being presented to the public for the first time in this exhibition.

The items featured in the exhibition offer visitors the opportunity to explore a world where history, art, and research coexist. From materials that narrate the evolution of Hellenism from antiquity to the present day, to personal archives of important figures and rare historical maps of the eastern Mediterranean, a multilayered account unfolds—telling both the story of the Library and the broader course of Hellenism itself.

The Gennadius Library: Opened in 1926 with the 26,000 volume collection of diplomat and bibliophile Joannes Gennadius, the Gennadius Library houses today 145,000 titles of rare books and bindings, research materials, manuscripts, archives, and works of art that illuminate Hellenism, Greece, and neighboring civilizations from antiquity to modern times. Rare maps of the Mediterranean, early editions of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey and a laurel wreath belonging to Lord Byron are just some of the unique items to be found here. In addition to its role as an internationally renowned library and research institution, the Library is an active participant in the Athenian and international cultural community through its public lectures, seminars, concerts, exhibitions, and publications.

Founders Joannes and Florence/Anthi Gennadius (upper left), Opening of the Gennadius Library, April 23, 1926 (upper right), Officials arriving at the opening of the Gennadius Library (lower) (Photos: www.ascsa.edu.gr)

Approximately 100 selected objects—rare books, manuscripts, works of art, maps, and archival material—highlight the journey of an institution that evolved from a private collection into an international research center. The exhibits, complemented by photographs and audiovisual material, shed light not only on the collection itself but also on the people behind it: collectors, donors, researchers, and librarians who shaped the identity of the Gennadius Library.

“The exhibition is not only a retrospective of the past, but also a starting point for the future. It highlights the dynamic nature of knowledge as a living process that continues to evolve,” notes the Director of the Gennadius Library, Maria Georgopoulou, curator of the exhibition, together with Irene Solomonidi, Head Librarian.

Forming a unified narrative, the exhibition is structured into ten thematic sections presenting:

• “The Vision” – the creation of Ioannis Gennadios’s collection
• “The Foundation” – the birth of the Library as an institution
• “The Legacy” – the donations that shaped it
• “The Collections” – rare books, manuscripts, and archives
• “Beyond the Book” – works of art, maps, and visual material
• “People” – the individuals behind the Library
• “Research” – its contribution to the humanities
• “Networks” – its international presence and collaborations
• “A Library Without Borders” – its cultural outreach
• “The Future” – its digital transition and role in the 21st century

One of the exhibition’s most engaging features is a section created by 45 researchers who have worked or studied at the Gennadius Library. Using their mobile phones and QR codes, visitors can discover the researchers’ favorite items from the Library, along with the reasons they selected them

The exhibition sections are arranged within the I. Makriyannis Wing in Kolonaki district in a way that allows visitors to follow multiple paths—historical, thematic, and experiential—each shaping their own personal interpretation of the Gennadius Library. Admission to the exhibition is free.

Rare editions presented, among others, at the exhibition:

• The grammar of Laskaris, the first dated Greek edition, marking the birth of Greek printing in the West.
• The Athenian edition of “The Lyric and Bacchic Poems” by Athanasios Christopoulos, the first Greek book printed in the city (1825).
• The first edition of Lucian, printed in Florence by Lorenzo de Alopa in 1496, edited by Janus Laskaris.
• The first edition of Homer’s works (Florence, 1488), produced by the Greek scholar Demetrios Chalkokondyles.
• The complete works of Aristotle, first printed in Venice in five volumes (1495–1498), the first major printing achievement of Aldus Manutius.

• The first printed edition of “Erotokritos” by Vitsentzos Kornaros, published in 1713 in Venice by Antonio Bortoli.

Read also: History of Greek Printing by the American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Exhibition “Gennadius Library 100. A Century of Inspiration”, American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Source: https://www.amna.gr

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/GennadiusLibrary/

The post “Gennadius Library 100. A Century of Inspiration” appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Celebrating World Greek Language Day, the Embassy of Greece in Tokyo organized, on March 9, an academic event in cooperation with the University of Tokyo, held at the University’s premises. At the opening of the event, the commemorative message of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Loverdos, was presented, along with a relevant informational video produced by the Ministry of Culture, translated into Japanese.

This was followed by a welcome address from the Ambassador of Greece to Tokyo, Ms. Kliamaki, who emphasized the timeless value of the Greek language throughout its long history, from the works of ancient Greek authors to our National Poet, Dionysios Solomos, as well as its contemporary use in science and its status as an official language in Greece and Cyprus, both members of the European Union.

The global influence of the Greek language was internationally acknowledged at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO (Samarkand, November 2025). The audience was particularly impressed by the speech of the Minister of Culture, Ms. Mendoni, delivered at the UNESCO General Conference, in which she illustrated the contribution of Greek to the English language through the use of Greek-derived terms.

The event also featured lectures by academics with a background in classical studies from four different universities in the Japanese capital, addressing themes related to different periods of the Greek language. Dr. Takashi Matsuura (University of Tokyo) spoke about the origins of the Greek language, including the arrival of the first Greek tribes in the Greek region and the earliest examples of ancient Greek writing and dialects. Special emphasis was placed on the connection between Linear B and the Cypriot syllabary with the ancient Greek alphabet.

Professor Yoshinori Sano (International Christian University) discussed the reception of elements from the Iliad—especially the story of Ajax—in Sophocles’ tragedy of the same name, also drawing parallels with similar themes in Japanese epics and Noh theatre. Explaining the evolution of the Greek language after antiquity, he concluded that despite the millennia separating classical ancient and modern Greek, linguistic continuity remains stronger than in the case of Japanese.

The audience also attended with admiration a short musical performance by artist Futaba Sato, a graduate of classical studies, who performed excerpts from the Iliad and poems by Sappho, accompanied by an ancient Greek lyre acquired from a specialized workshop in Greece.

In the second part of the event, Professor Akihiko Watanabe (Otsuma Women’s University) addressed katharevousa as a linguistic bridge between ancient and modern Greek and as a unique example of combining elements from all periods of the Greek language. By reading excerpts from the works of A. Papadiamantis and D. Vikelas, he presented examples of the coexistence of ancient and modern Greek elements in katharevousa, a feature that continues in contemporary Greek, which is enriched by archaizing expressions.

The event concluded with a lecture by Emeritus Professor Masako Kido from Kyoritsu Women’s University, who has been awarded the rank of Commander of the Order of Beneficence for her contribution to promoting Greek culture in Japan. Her presentation focused on the work of Fotis Kontoglou,   within the search of “Greekness” and the broader intellectual movement of the “Generation of the 1930s,” emphasizing the interplay between text and image and the influence of Byzantine tradition. She also referred to other major modern Greek literary figures, including Nobel laureates George Seferis and Odysseas Elytis.

The event received a particularly positive response from the audience, consisting mainly of Japanese philhellenes and students, as well as members of the Greek and diplomatic communities. It served as a unique opportunity to showcase the long history and international significance of the Greek language at Japan’s most prestigious university. Also in attendance was the Head of the Japan–Greece Parliamentary Friendship Group and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Digital Reform of Japan, Mr. Taro Kono.

The success of the event was greatly supported by the Department of Classical Studies of the University of Tokyo, as well as by the high level of expertise demonstrated by the speakers.

This initiative forms part of the Embassy’s broader program to promote the Greek language in Japan. In this context, on 13 February, an interactive presentation was held for students of Shibahama School, in cooperation with the Greek language school “Girisha Plaza” and the Municipality of Minato, where the Embassy is located. The presentation focused on the Greek language and its influence on Japanese and was accompanied by a demonstration of traditional Greek dances by the Japanese dance group “Kefi.” In addition, outreach activities were conducted in four prominent Japanese schools, introducing students to Greek history, language, and culture, including reference to the establishment of 9 February as World Greek Language Day by UNESCO.

The post Celebrating World Greek Language Day in Tokyo appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

Missolonghi welcomes the iconic painting by Eugène Delacroix

In a highly charged atmosphere, marked by deep emotion and admiration, the Xenokrateion Archaeological Museum of Missolonghi welcomed on Saturday, March 14, the iconic painting by Eugène Delacroix, “Greece on the Ruins of Missolonghi” (La Grèce sur les ruines de Missolonghi), during an official press conference attended by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni. The work was lent by the Museum of Fine Arts of Bordeaux as part of the events commemorating the 200^th  anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi and will remain at the Xenokrateion until November 2026. As of Sunday, March 15, the public has the opportunity to view up close the historic painting by the great Philhellene artist, who, just a few months after the heroic Exodus of 1826, created a work of profound symbolic power, despite never having visited the city. (Cover photo by journalist Nikos Aliagas (https://www.instagram.com/nikosaliagas/p/DV1LJ4iCFcl/). Nikos Aliagas notes that “it is a profound journey through time, where art invites us to reflect on the relationship between human beings and the non-negotiable ideals of existence. Artistic masterpieces are not merely visual achievements; they embody the universal truths that shape societies, traversing the centuries and our shared destiny”).

The Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni and journalist Nikos Aliagas at the press conference (photo https://www.tanea.gr)

The Minister of Culture emphasized that Delacroix’s choice of Missolonghi was far from accidental, as the Third Siege and the Exodus of 1826 shook Europe and secured for the city a distinct place in the memory of Philhellenes. As she noted, the months of starvation, the resistance to the very end, and the conscious decision of the inhabitants not to surrender but to undertake an exodus that was at once doomed and redemptive transformed Missolonghi into a timeless symbol of self-sacrifice and moral transcendence. She further pointed out that the designation “Sacred City,” later attributed to Missolonghi, was not merely honorary, but reflected the conviction that an act of the highest human dignity took place there, worthy of History itself. According to the Minister, it was precisely this deeper moral dimension that Delacroix succeeded in capturing in a unique way. Ms Mendoni further emphasized that Delacroix’s work is not confined to illustrating historical events, but brings to the fore the spiritual essence and cultural depth of the Greek Revolution. As she noted, it is an image that remains timeless and relevant, and has come to be established as one of the most recognizable symbols of the struggle for freedom, not only for the Greeks but more broadly.

Eugène Delacroix, Greece on the Ruins of Missolonghi, 1826, oil on canvas, Dimensions: 213 x 142 cm (frame excluded), Acquisition: bought by the Salon de la Société des Amis des Arts de Bordeaux, 1852, Musée des Beaux-Arts Bordeau (MUSBA)

Temporary exhibition “Exodus, 1826–2026” in Missolonghi

The National Historical Museum (NHM) and the Region of Western Greece, on the occasion of the 200^th anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi, co-organize an exhibition titled “Exodus, 1826–2026”, to be held in Missolonghi from March 20 to October 15, 2026, at the Chryssogelos Mansion. The exhibition offers a concise presentation of the events of the Second Siege of Missolonghi, their impact, and their influence on the shaping of national collective memory.

Odysseas Maroulis (1878–1956), Relief topographic map of the fortification of Mesolonghi during the final siege, National Historical Museum

A. Jaquème, “The remaining members of the garrison of Mesolonghi at the moment they set fire to the powder magazine to blow themselves up,” oil painting, Michalis and Dimitra Varkarakis Collection

Polychronis Lembesis(1848–1913), Ioannis Trikoglidis [1891–1962], “Athanasios Razikotsikas” (1929), oil painting, National Historical Museum (left), “Christos Kapsalis” (1881), oil painting, National Historical Museum (right)

The exhibition unfolds on two distinct levels and is divided into two parts. The first part, dedicated to the historical events, is structured into three thematic sections: (i) the Siege, (ii) the Exodus, and (iii) Memory. Unique artifacts—including paintings and engravings, personal belongings and weapons, costumes, medals, and decorations from the collections of the National Historical Museum, as well as documents, newspapers, and photographs from the Archive of Historical Documents and the Photographic Archive of the Historical and Ethnological Society of Greece—have traveled to Missolonghi, some for the first time. The second part of the exhibition features representations of the Exodus in public history, highlighting the symbolism and interpretations of the event through compositions accessible to younger audiences.

Konrad Lange (1806–1856), Commemorative medal with a symbolic depiction of the Exodus of Mesolonghi (1836), National Historical Museum (left), “The women of Mesolonghi in battle, ” Porcelain plate from the Montereau faience factory, National Historical Museum (right)

Vryzakis Theodoros (1814 or 1819 - 1878), Kapsali’s Sacrifice, Oil on canvas, 134 x 144 cm, Athens National gallery. The sacrifice of Christos Kapsalis (1826) stands as a supreme act of self-sacrifice during the Exodus of Missolonghi, when the local notable blew up the gunpowder store to prevent the remaining elderly, wounded, and women and children from falling into Ottoman hands.

Temporary exhibition “Missolonghi 1826: 200 Years since the Exodus” at the Benaki Museum

On the occasion of the bicentennial of the Exodus of Missolonghi, the Benaki Museum is organising an anniversary exhibition dedicated to the Holy City of Missolonghi, the Greek War of Independence, and the Philhellenic movement. The aim of the exhibition is, on one hand, to honor this pivotal event in the Greek Revolution, which shocked international public opinion and greatly strengthened Philhellenism, and, on the other hand, to highlight the significance and timelessness of the heroic Exodus of the people of Missolonghi.

Through representative paintings, drawings, engravings, books, and objects, the exhibition presents an extensive and multi-layered selection of the iconography of Missolonghi, the national liberation struggle, and Philhellenism. Rare artefacts from the Benaki Museum, the Dr John Robertson collection of drawings and engravings, as well as other institutions and private collections, shed light on how revolutionary Missolonghi served as a point of reference for both political Philhellenism and the intellectual formation of modern Greece. The exhibition combines iconic works with unknown and previously unpublished artefacts, offering a renewed and enriched perspective on Missolonghi and the Greek Revolution. Selected thematic sections (from ephemera and artistic practices to the role of the Press, the family, women, and public spectacles) highlight the broader cultural and ideological context of the era.

Giovanni Berselli (1802-1860) (engraver) – Narducci Pietro (1793-1880) (draughtsman), Missolonghite mother with her child, 1837, Tinted etching, Spyros Sakalis Collection (left), Announcement of Lord Byron’s death in the newspaper Telegrafo Greco, issue no. 6, 24 April 1824, British School at Athens. The foreign language newspaper Telegrafo Greco aimed to inform international public opinion on the events in Greece. It was printed in Missolonghi, at the press of Johann Jakob Meyer and Dimitris Mestheneas, with Count Pietro Gamba as editorial director (right)

Pistol belonging to Lord Byron, Wood, steel, Benaki Museum, donated by R. J. H. Jenkins. In 1834, Dionysios Solomos gave the two pistols to Lord Nugent, the liberal British Governor of the Ionian Islands (1832-1835)

Johann Lorenz II Rugendas (1775-1826) (draughtsman), The Exodus of Missolonghi, 1826, Coloured aquatint, Benaki Museum

Alphonse-Marie de Neuville (1835-1885) (draughtsman), The Defence of Missolonghi, Tinted lithograph, Benaki Museum

Commemorative fan from the concert held at the Vauxhall Hall in Paris, on 26 April 1826, in support of the Struggle of the Greeks, Paper, wood, Benaki Museum

Read also:

Missolonghi – Sacred City: 200 Years Since the Exodus (1/2)

Poem of the Month: “On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year” by Lord Byron

Book of the Month: “The Greek Revolution of 1821 and its Global Significance” by Roderick Beaton

Greek Revolution in the works of foreign artists

The post Missolonghi – Sacred City: 200 Years Since the Exodus (2/2) appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

In 2026, 200 years are completed since the Exodus of Missolonghi, on April 10, 1826, an emblematic moment of the Greek Revolution—an event that shaped the course of the struggle and became a symbol of humanity’s fight for freedom and dignity. The long siege and the tragic outcome of the Exodus established Missolonghi as a point of reference for ideals and universal values that transcend the boundaries of our national history.

Message by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos

In 2021, we celebrated 200 years since the outbreak of the Greek Revolution, a struggle that achieved a successful outcome because it was a blend of heart and reflection. As historian Mark Mazower notes, the success of the Greek struggle was due not only to epic moments of bravery and acts of courage, but primarily to the endurance and sacrifice of ordinary people. The Exodus of Missolonghi is an emblematic expression of this dimension—the choice of freedom over submission—and embodies a new political vision that places sacrifice at the forefront as a contribution to forging a national society.

Missolonghi, the Garden of the Heroes (photo: www.discovergreece.com2-best-things-do-messolongi)

The history of Missolonghi begins as early as antiquity, and the city is geographically connected with the wider region of ancient Aetolia, where ancient Pleuron was located, mentioned by Homer in the Iliad. The founding of the modern city of Missolonghi most likely dates back to the post-Byzantine period. In the 16th century, in texts related to the Battle of Lepanto, Missolonghi is mentioned as an area of fish farms and small fishing settlements. During the 18th century, the settlements of the Missolonghi lagoon developed into a notable naval and commercial center, where significant shipbuilding activity took place, contributing to the city’s economic growth. The failed uprising of the Greeks in 1770, within the framework of the campaign of the Russian admiral Orlov, proved disastrous: the settlement of Missolonghi was set on fire, a large part of the fleet was destroyed, and the inhabitants were forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in the Ionian Islands. After the destruction of 1770, the city was gradually rebuilt, and economic growth and maritime activity followed.

With the Revolution of 1821, Missolonghi assumed a central role in Western Central Greece. The presence of Alexandros Mavrokordatos was decisive in shaping institutions and administration, while the elected leader of the Missolonghiots, Athanasios Razis-Kotsikas, contributed substantially to the fortification of the city and its military preparation. Through this duality of political presence and local military leadership, Missolonghi capitalized on its strategic position—which allowed it to control western Central Greece and access to the Gulf of Patras—and was transformed into a crucial factor in the outcome of the struggle.

Vryzakis Theodoros (1814 or 1819 - 1878), The Reception of Lord Byron at Missolonghi, 1861, Oil on canvas, 155 x 213 cm, Athens National Gallery

Philhellenes from many countries rushed to Missolonghi as early as 1821. Among them were the German Karl Albert Normann (1784, Stuttgart – 1822, Missolonghi), the Swiss Johann Jakob Meyer (1798 Zürich – 11 April 1826, Missolonghi), publisher of the Ellinika Chronika—and the British William Parry, as well as numerous volunteers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the United States. In 1824, Lord Byron arrived in Missolonghi; he collaborated with Mavrokordatos and contributed to the struggle not only by providing financial support but also by rekindling international interest.

Frédéric Boissonnas (1858–1946), Sieges of Missolonghi (1926), photolithograph, National Historical Museum. This piece is a reproduction of a famous painting originally commissioned by the Greek General Yannis Makriyannis between 1836 and 1839. The original series was painted by Panagiotis Zografos, a folk artist and veteran of the revolution, under Makriyannis's specific instructions to document the struggle for independence

In 1822, Missolonghi was besieged for the first time by Kioutachis and Omer Vryonis, but after two months the Ottomans, having suffered heavy losses, were forced to withdraw. Three years later, the Sultan once again assigned Kioutachis to capture the city, coordinating his actions with Ibrahim Pasha’s campaign in the Peloponnese. The second siege began on April 15, 1825, when Kioutachis returned under the Sultan’s orders. In December 1825, Ibrahim Pasha arrived in Missolonghi and took over the direction of the siege, which was organized more systematically, making the blockade suffocating. The prolonged siege, deprivation, and famine had exhausted the approximately 10,000 inhabitants and fighters, who nevertheless continued to reject Kioutachis’s repeated proposals for surrender. Ultimately, the people of Missolonghi decided on the Exodus, planned for the night of Lazarus Saturday into the early hours of Palm Sunday, April 10, 1826. That dramatic moment has been captured in modern Greek literature—among others in Isidoros Zourgos’s novel Aidonopita—and remains to this day a symbol of ultimate sacrifice.

Vryzakis Theodoros (1814 or 1819 - 1878), The Exodus from Missolonghi, 1853, Oil on canvas, 169 x 127 cm, Athens National Gallery

François-Émile de Lansac (1803-1890), Episode of the siege of Missolonghi (1827), Missolonghi Municipal Gallery

The testimonies regarding the consequences of the Exodus are shocking. The Austrian consul in Patras, Vincenzo Micarelli, reported a number of 3,100 “ears” collected by the Ottomans—a practice that provoked horror in European public opinion. The fall of Missolonghi acted as a catalyst for strengthening the philhellenic movement. When the tragic news of the Exodus reached Paris, the reaction was intense and influenced European governments, contributing to a shift in the policy of the Great Powers and to the convergence that led to the Battle of Navarino. The fall of Missolonghi was not the end, but the beginning of a new European awakening in favor of Greek independence. As the national poet Dionysios Solomos notes in The Free Besieged, this small “threshing floor” became a symbol that transcended its historical moment and passed into eternity.

Manuscript of the Greek national poet, Dionysios Solomos from “The Free Besieged”. Inspired by this crucial conflict of the Greek War of Independence, it is considered one of the greatest poems of Dionysios Solomos, “the greatest Greek poem ever written” in the words of Bruce Merry. It is an epic unfinished work, which consists of three separate poems in fragmentary form, written in a period of more than twenty years. The Free Besieged does not have a continuous narrative, but consists of a series of scenes and glimpses that occurred during the last days of the siege. The central theme, according to Solomos’ notes, is the defenders’ power of the will, which is tested by a number of afflictions. Indeed, apart from the armed conflicts, the defenders also had to undergo a spiritual struggle against those that threaten to weaken their resistance. It was not only their physical condition of starvation and destitution, but also the far more subtle and insidious effect on them of the spell cast by nature itself: the work is set in the last days of the siege, just before the Easter of 1826, during springtime, and two of its sections are dedicated to the beauty of spring. The besieged, according to Solomos, become truly free because of their spiritual victory over all their trials. This was described by the poet as an inner freedom of the will.

Read also: https://www.greeknewsagenda.gr/poem-of-the-month-the-free-besieged-by-dionysios-solomos/

Two hundred years later, the Sacred City of Missolonghi honors the memory of self-sacrifice, reflects on its identity, and highlights its contemporary dynamism, remaining a place of memory and inspiration for future generations.

Missolonghi, the Laggon (photo: https://www.discovergreece.com/travel-ideas/best-of/12-best-things-do-messolongi)

Missolonghi – Sacred City: 200 Years since the Exodus (1826–2026)

Read also:

Poem of the Month: “On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year” by Lord Byron

Book of the Month: “The Greek Revolution of 1821 and its Global Significance” by Roderick Beaton

Greek Revolution in the works of foreign artists

The post Missolonghi – Sacred City: 200 Years Since the Exodus (1/2) appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The National Strategy for the Protection of Cultural Heritage from the Impacts of Climate Change was recently presented by the Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni at the auditorium of the Acropolis Museum. “This is the first systematic effort to integrate the climate dimension into the management, protection, and promotion of cultural heritage in Greece, and one of the few internationally that incorporates and synthesizes updated and reliable guidelines,” emphasized Lina Mendoni, referring to the project, which integrates international standards from the UN and the EU (Cover photo: The archaeological site of Delos, Source: Ministry of Culture).

The National Strategy was developed within the framework of the project “Protection of Iconic Sites and Monuments of Cultural Heritage from Climate Change,” funded with €22,000,000 from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. This project forms part of the national effort to address the impacts of climate change in the cultural sector and marks a significant step toward strengthening the resilience of the country’s cultural heritage.

The National Strategy was designed by the Ministry of Culture, through the Directorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, in collaboration with the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the National Hellenic Research Foundation, having carried out detailed climate-risk assessments examining threats such as wildfires, flooding, extreme heat, landslides, and coastal erosion. Its development and implementation were carried out in close cooperation with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and the Ministry of Environment and Energy, ensuring a holistic and coordinated approach to safeguarding cultural heritage against the impacts of climate change.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr, https://www.culture.gov.gr)

Key elements of the strategy include:

• Climate risk assessment across the country, considering exposure, vulnerability, and hazard levels
• Preventive infrastructure projects, including fire protection, flood control, and landslide mitigation at vulnerable archaeological sites
• Digital tools and platforms for evaluating risks and selecting tailored adaptation plans.
• Monitoring and evaluation systems aligned with international indicators set at COP30 (2025) in Belém, Brazil
• Training programs for Ministry of Culture staff on climate adaptation measures
• International collaboration with the UN, UNESCO, and EU initiatives to integrate cultural heritage into global climate action

 (Source: https://www.tovima.com/culture/greece-unveils-plan-to-protect-monuments-from-climate-change/ )

More specifically, the National Strategy seeks to promote international collaboration, which includes, among other initiatives:

• Establishing a framework for collaboration with 54 additional United Nations Member States (Group of Friends for Culture-Based Climate Action) to integrate cultural heritage into the priorities of the UNFCCC (adaptation and mitigation)
• Maintaining systematic cooperation with UNESCO and other international organizations
• Participating in the European Union Working Group on enhancing the resilience of cultural heritage to the impacts of climate change
• Creating a dedicated program within the Forum of Ancient Civilizations and drafting a memorandum of cooperation with all member states, as well as establishing a network of contact points within the Forum to ensure coordination and coherence of activities in the field of cultural heritage protection from climate change
• Participating in national and international research initiatives

(Source: https://www.culture.gov.gr)

Firefighting systems at the archaeological site of Mystras. Within the framework of the project, infrastructure and risk management interventions were also implemented, such as the installation of fire protection systems in Philippi and Mystras, flood protection works in Dion and Malia, as well as measures to mitigate landslides and rockfalls in Delphi. These interventions clearly reflect the transition from scientific knowledge and strategic planning to the implementation of concrete protection policies

Minister Lina Mendoni stressed, among others, that “the Ministry of Culture, since 2019, has been implementing a comprehensive program for the identification and assessment of climate risks, as well as for prevention and resilience-building, in alignment with international standards and in harmony with the broader National Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change. Our aim is for it to serve as a reference framework for all relevant state institutions in safeguarding monuments and archaeological sites, while promoting the integration of cultural heritage management with climate resiliency. The National Strategy follows a long-term plan with a horizon extending to 2050, including intermediate targets every five years. It provides for adaptation plans for 40 archaeological sites by 2030 and makes use of modern technologies and planning tools.

“The National Strategy is structured around 4 pillars of action: Diagnosis, Monitoring, Prevention, and Response. These pillars do not operate in isolation, but in an interconnected and functionally sequential manner. They constitute a unified risk management cycle: they begin with the scientific understanding of threats, move on to systematic monitoring, organize prevention, and culminate in targeted field interventions. This is a structure that allows the Strategy to be translated into practical public policy,” added L. Mendoni. “It is part of a broader, dynamically evolving international, European, and national institutional framework, which in recent years has been gradually shaping a new approach to environmental governance and climate policy”.

Readiness drill at Mystras

The Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, stated that “the protection of monuments can no longer be limited to restoration after damage, but must be based on prevention, preparedness, and systematic planning.” He also referred, among others, to the cooperation developed in recent years between the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, which was established with the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2021 and further strengthened in subsequent years through more targeted actions, particularly in addressing the risk of wildfires. He also referred to the establishment of a special Fire Protection Regulation for archaeological sites and monuments, being developed jointly by the two ministries. This regulation provides for specific preventive measures, such as the systematic management of vegetation, improved access for firefighting forces, the provision of safe evacuation routes for visitors and staff, and the strengthening of preparedness procedures in emergency situations.

At the Minoan Palace of Malia in northern Crete, an integrated drainage network and upgraded protective canopies help safeguard the archaeological site from rainfall and erosion

The National Strategy for the Protection of Cultural Heritage from the Impacts of Climate Change represents the first comprehensive national effort to assess climate risk and design adaptation measures for the protection of cultural heritage. The methodology developed is based on a multidimensional approach to climate risk assessment, with a pilot application in 19 archaeological sites across the country. It serves as a reference framework for all relevant institutional and administrative levels—the Ministry of Culture, particularly the Ephorates of Antiquities, the competent ministries, regional and local authorities, as well as academic and research institutions and local communities—strengthening the connection between cultural heritage management and climate resilience. At the same time, it constitutes a dynamic strategic planning tool that can be adapted to new scientific data, updated climate projections, and evolving needs for the protection and management of cultural heritage.

(Source: https://www.amna.gr, https://www.culture.gov.gr)

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