The Digital Management of the Archive of the Hellenic Institute for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies of Venice has recently been completed and is already operating through the digital infrastructure of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, making it accessible to a global audience. It offers free access to an invaluable treasury of materials—including registers, documents, heirlooms, icons, works of art, miniatures, manuscripts, and early printed books—and sheds light on the historical trajectory of the Greek diaspora from the 15^th to the 20^th century.

As was emphasized during the events held following the completion of the project, the Archive of the Greek Community, and later the Archive of the Hellenic Institute of Venice, constitutes one of the most valuable cultural assets to have been digitized in recent years. The archival holdings date from 1498 to 1954 and document the history of the Greek Brotherhood in the city of the lagoons, as well as that of the broader Greek population under Venetian rule. These records, however, are far more than the documentation of routine administrative procedures—they are living history. (Cover photo: Deputy Minister of Education K. Vlasis and the contributors of the digitization program in Venice)

The reconstruction of the church of St George began in 1536, on land purchased a few years earlier by the Greeks of Venice and was completed in 1577. The work was supervised by the architects Sante Lombardo and Zuanantonio Chiona, while the well-known architect Andrea Palladio was the consultant for the construction of the women’s balcony. The church was decorated with icons brought by refugees from Constantinople, such as the Grand Duchess Anna Paleologina Notara, but also from other regions, with works by important painters such as Michael Damaskinos, Emmanuel Tzanes Bounialis, Thomas Bathas and others. The illustration of the dome was entrusted to John the Cyprian, who worked under the supervision of the remarkable Venetian painter Jacopo Tintoretto. (Photo: https://www.ertnews.gr/)

Thirteen years after the Fall of Constantinople (1453), the great wave of exodus from the Byzantine capital—a migration that would permanently alter the course of European history—carried thousands of scholars, philosophers, and theologians to the Italian peninsula. They brought with them precious ancient Greek manuscripts in what may be regarded as the first great "brain drain" to the West. They were followed by heirs of the Byzantine Empire, architects and mosaic artists, painters, craftsmen, aristocrats, members of the imperial court, descendants of noble families, former soldiers, and many others. Venice became their principal destination, owing both to its extensive maritime trade network and to the presence of an already established Greek confraternity. This community would soon develop into one of the most important strongholds of the Greek diaspora and the foremost center of Hellenism in Italy before the Greek War of Independence of 1821.

The formal establishment of the first Greek Community in Venice in 1498, at a time when approximately 5,000 Greeks lived in the city, and the construction of the Orthodox Church of St. George a few decades later, mark what historians describe as a milestone in the history of Hellenism. It was the first organized Greek community, founded some 333 years before the establishment of the modern Greek state.

For five centuries, the Greeks of Venice have maintained a continuous presence, preserving—as the Greek Deputy Minister of Education, Konstantinos Vlasis, aptly remarked in a public address—"the language, the faith, the educational tradition, and the identity of Hellenism." From the late fifteenth century onward, they played an active role in every major period of the nation's history. Following the end of the Second World War, the movable and immovable property of the Greek Community, together with its few remaining descendants, was transferred to the Hellenic Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice. Today, the Institute stands as the historical continuation of that Community, preserving its legacy across both time and place.

The Institute’s Digital Repository now presents to the world hundreds of its rare printed books, most of them in Greek (148), Italian (123), Latin (105), and French (81). As reported to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (APE-MPE), the program coordinator, Professor of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Ch. Arabatzis, stated that a total of 140,000 documented records are now accessible in high resolution and with thorough documentation to every student, specialized researcher, and interested citizen. This includes approximately 1,000,000 digital images, 10,000 items of images and ecclesiastical artifacts, 1,000 rare printed books, and 47 valuable Byzantine manuscripts. An important aspect of the program was the development of applications with a clear educational orientation. ‘Students and university learners no longer study copies or editions—they work essentially with the original sources themselves, in their physical form and chronological sequence.’ He added that the completion of the project represents an important step in linking Greek cultural institutions with corresponding European programs that are gradually being integrated into Europeana.”

"The Digital Management of the Venetian Archive is a project of exceptional scholarly and national importance," Professor Stratos Stylianidis, former Vice Rector of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA). "It brings to light," he added, "through the use of advanced digital technologies, an invaluable archival heritage of Hellenism. It constitutes a unique testament to the historical memory, intellectual continuity, and cultural presence of the Greeks within the European world." According to Professor Stylianidis, a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Vice President of the International Scientific Committee for Heritage Documentation (CIPA – Heritage Documentation), the digital management, documentation, and dissemination of the archive "are far more than a technological intervention. They represent an act of safeguarding our collective memory and an investment in future research, education, and the dissemination of cultural heritage."

The Alexander Romance by Michael Damaskinos, Theodoros Poulakis, and the Cretan School: Portrait of Alexander the Great standing, dressed in the costume and crown of a Byzantine emperor (left); Alexander the Great dining with Darius (upper right); Alexander the Great conversing with the Gymnosophists (lower right)

Occupying a place of distinction in the new digital portal—as in the cultural heritage of the Greek Community as a whole—is the Alexander Romance, the celebrated and uniquely illustrated fourteenth-century Byzantine manuscript by Michael Damaskinos, Theodoros Poulakis, and the Cretan School (Codex 5, Narrative of Alexander, Pseudo-Callisthenes). The manuscript contains 250 remarkable miniatures embellished with gold leaf, depicting—and imaginatively narrating—the life and legendary exploits of Alexander the Great. Comprising 193 parchment folios bound into twenty-three quires (measuring approximately 32 × 24 cm), the codex recounts the principal events of Alexander's life. He is portrayed not merely as the ancient Macedonian king but as a Byzantine emperor and protector, embodying the cultural legacy of Hellenism while leading campaigns beyond the boundaries of his empire as both a military leader and a just ruler. The Alexander Romance is a work of imaginative literature that achieved worldwide renown and has been translated into eleven languages. The manuscript's extraordinary illustrations vividly portray Alexander's birth and upbringing, his military campaigns, battles, sieges, encounters with foreign rulers, and his death. It is also presented on the digital platform through an interactive application. The Institute also preserves a further forty-seven manuscript books, forty of them in Greek, all of which have now been digitized in their entirety.

Noah’s Ark, second half of the 17th century, work by Theodoros Poulakis (https://istitutoellenico.org/museum/)

At the top of the digitized and documented images and artifacts are the works of Michael Damaskinos, the distinguished Cretan painter of the 16^th century, who managed to ideally combine the strict Byzantine tradition (maniera greca) with the innovations of the Italian Renaissance and the Venetian School (maniera latina) during the period he lived in Venice. The digital archive also presents the entire collection of Orthodox art inherited by the Institute from the Greek Community. This includes masterpieces of Byzantine iconography, such as the icons brought from Constantinople in the 15^th century by Anna Palaiologina Notaras, as well as dozens of works by well-known painters: Georgios Klontzas, Emmanuel Lambardos, Victor (painter), Franghias Kavertzas, Theodoros Poulakis, Ioannis Moskos, and Emmanuel Tzanes and Konstantinos Tzanes, among others. This collection allows every visitor to follow the evolution of Cretan painting from the 15^th to the 17^th century and to be taken on a journey from Byzantium to Crete and Corfu during those centuries. Also available on the same website are impressive icons by unknown artists, such as The Descent into Hades (late 14^th  century, unknown Constantinopolitan painter), The Dormition of the Virgin (second half of the 15th century, unknown painter from a Cretan workshop), and The Ascension (second half of the 15^th century, unknown painter from Candia).

(Source: https://www.amna.gr/)

Read also:

“Alpha Beta: Learning Greek in the West: Byzantium – Italy – Europe”

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«Ὡς χαρίεν ἔστ’ ἄνθρωπος, ἂν ἄνθρωπος ᾖ» - How beautiful—mature—a person is when they are truly humane

94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums - 12 regions - 190 events – 95 productions featuring music, theatre, visual arts/performance (1 July to 31 August 2026)

The Ministry of Culture’s initiative “All of Greece, One Culture” returns for a seventh consecutive year in the summer of 2026 to present its richest and most diverse programme to date. An inextricable part of Greece’s cultural map and a vibrant meeting point where cultural heritage and modern creativity intersect, the initiative has been substantially enhanced this year, with the number of productions increasing, more than 900 artists featured in the programme, and greater participation from local communities. For two months, from the 1st of July to the 31st of August 2026, emblematic archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across Greece will come to life through original works of the performing arts, offering audiences a unique cultural experience. The Ministry of Culture provides free admission to all events in the “All of Greece, One Culture” 2026 programme.

Launched in 2020 during the pandemic, the Ministry of Culture’s “All of Greece, One Culture” programme has become one of Greece’s leading cultural institutions. Every July and August, it presents high-quality events at archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, creatively connecting contemporary art with cultural heritage. The programme also supports cultural professionals and local communities, attracting enthusiastic audiences from Greece and abroad. The initiative has its own website (www.allofgreeceoneculture.gr ), which is compatible with all mobile devices. Through the platform, users can be informed about the full programme of events and about each production separately, as well as make the necessary bookings for all the events. At the same time, this website offers an interactive map showing all performances by region, and in the “Sites & History” section, one can find presentations of all the archaeological sites that have hosted the events from 2020 to the present day.

All of Greece, One Culture 2026 - Locations & history: 94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums - 12 regions. With the unique privilege of presenting its events at archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across Greece, the programme has been enhanced this year with 19 new venues, further expanding the initiative’s map. Through the inclusion of new archaeological sites, monuments, and museums, the programme strengthens its presence across the country, bringing to light locations of special historical and cultural significance as venues for modern artistic creativity and cultural dialogue.

The programme’s seventh run centers on a thematic focus inspired by the famous line from Menander’s play O Dyskolos (The Difficult), “How beautiful—mature—a person is when they are truly humane.” Creators and artistic groups have been invited to measure themselves against the enduring question of humanity and the need to return to humanity as a measure of artistic creativity in modern times, and to create original works of performing arts, as well as hybrid forms of artistic expression in dialogue with the specific thematic field. At a time when humanism and meta-humanism, live spectacles, and the digital condition coexist and confront one another, the return to humanity as a measure of artistic creativity is a necessary gesture. The context of “All of Greece, One Culture,” grounded in a dialogue between modern culture and the cultural repository of emblematic archaeological sites, is the ideal framework for creating works that explore the broad scope of wonder opened by Menander’s quote.

The programme includes 95 new productions featuring music (23), theatre (34), performances/events for young audiences (13), dance (14), visual arts/performance (8), and music theatre (3). The productions will be showcased in two performances each at 94 archaeological sites, monuments, and museums across 12 regions of Greece, excluding Attica, highlighting each place’s uniqueness and enhancing cultural decentralization. A total of 190 events will be held at various venues, including ancient theatres, Roman Odeons, Byzantine monuments, museums, castles, mosques, mansions, and sacred monasteries.

The events featured in 2026’s programme were selected by a special evaluation committee of the Ministry of Culture, following an open call issued via the Ministry’s online portal: drasis.culture.gr. In line with the initiative’s philosophy, these events are directed towards innovative and hybrid forms born of the dialectical pairing of multiple art forms in each event. The productions were developed from original proposals submitted by artistic groups. The evaluation committee, in collaboration with the pertinent authorities of the Ministry of Culture, selected the archaeological sites to showcase the productions across 12 regions of Greece.

This year’s TV spot for the “All of Greece, One Culture” programme draws inspiration from human nature. Filming took place at the National Archaeological Museum and features two students from the GNO Professional Dance School, Georgia Dimou and Georgios Tsiggos. The video was created using 3D animation techniques. Among the museum’s precious exhibits, human figures depicted on ancient statues come to the fore. In the spot, as the statues crack, the human figures within them come to life, move, experience emotions, and create. The campaign’s main concept highlights the connection from ancient times to the present, with humanity serving as the common thread linking all cultures and the driving force of creation throughout the centuries.

Events On Demand: The “All of Greece, One Culture” 2026 platform also offers audiences 30 selected filmed productions from 2024 and 2025, available on demand and free of charge

Booking for events is open through the programme’s official website:

www.allofgreeceoneculture.gr

The post All of Greece, One Culture 2026 appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

The International Training Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals (ICSJ) organized a two-day joint training program at the facilities of the School of Advanced Training and Professional Development (Continuing Education) of the Hellenic Police in Northern Greece in Veria, creating a shared training environment for media professionals and security personnel.

The initiative, supported by the OSCE and conducted under the scientific supervision of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, brought together representatives of the security services and media professionals, focusing on the exchange of best practices and a practical approach to crisis management. Its objective was to develop common practices and strengthen cooperation in the field during the coverage of crises and high-risk incidents. The training concluded with participants gaining practical tools and collaborative strategies for covering high-risk events safely and effectively.

(Photo: https://www.facebook.com/dkirmikiroglou )

Secretary General for Communication and Information, Dimitris Kirmikiroglou, addressing the trainees, noted, among others, that the joint training of journalists and security personnel brings together two professional communities that are often required to operate under conditions of tension, such as demonstrations and social mobilizations. Through this process, both sides gain a better understanding of each other's roles and needs.

He stressed that the ICSJ has successfully translated ideas and proposals into practical initiatives with tangible results, while highlighting the role of training and systematic cooperation in fostering a culture of mutual respect and a deeper understanding of each other's roles. The Secretary General further emphasized that the State consistently supports initiatives that strengthen the safety of journalists and promote institutional dialogue among all stakeholders, noting that safeguarding freedom of information is a fundamental prerequisite for the proper functioning of democracy.

Professor Nikos Panayiotou of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Director of the Peace Journalism Laboratory and Head of the ICSJ, stressed that this training forms part of a series of initiatives implemented since the establishment of the ICSJ. As he explained, these initiatives not only enhance the country's international profile but, more importantly, bring to the forefront of public discussion the issues facing journalists, particularly those related to their safety while carrying out their professional duties and fulfilling their vital role.

He noted that the initiative, implemented with the support of the OSCE, seeks to address a range of critical issues arising in the practice of journalism during crisis situations, with particular emphasis on relations and interactions with security forces. According to Professor Panayiotou, this issue has proven to be of major importance, as significant challenges have emerged over time that require meaningful responses and practical solutions. "Our goal is to provide solutions in the field, not theoretical approaches detached from reality," he said, while also expressing his satisfaction with the work carried out by the ICSJ. "We address the real challenges journalists face in their work and strive to tackle them through practical interventions and initiatives," he concluded.

Christos Frangonikolopoulos, Dean of the School of Economics and Political Sciences at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, referred to the importance of the training implemented by the International Center for the Safety of Journalists. As he noted, at a time when freedom of expression—and journalists' freedom in particular—faces significant challenges, initiatives that promote understanding and cooperation among all stakeholders are essential. The attacks and pressures faced by journalists, whether through social media or while covering events in conflict zones and other critical situations, make such initiatives all the more necessary, he emphasized.

He described the seminar as particularly important, as it helps inform the security services—and especially the Hellenic Police—about the framework within which journalists operate, their rights and responsibilities, and the unique conditions they face in carrying out their profession. At the same time, he stressed that free and independent journalism is a fundamental prerequisite for pluralism and diversity of voices in a democratic society. He added that state support and the cultivation of relationships based on mutual understanding between journalists and public institutions contribute to strengthening the journalistic profession.

The training concluded with the presentation of certificates of participation to all attendees by the Commandant of the School, Sofia Gaitanidou, and the Training Coordinator, Dr. Ilias Nikezis, Executive Director of the International Center.

(Source: “Veria: The International Center for the Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals Focuses on Crisis Coverage and Field Incident Management”,  https://www.amna.gr/ )

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.

Read also:

Greece announced a three-year roadmap for the National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists

Greece Strengthens Global Efforts to Protect Journalists and End Impunity

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The Athens Epidaurus Festival is Greece’s leading cultural organisation and one of the oldest continuously running festivals in Europe. Spanning 71 years, the Festival has welcomed some of the greatest music, dance, and theatre artists of the international and local scene, in collaboration with the most prestigious Greek and international organisations, attracting large audiences from around the world.

Athens Epidaurus Festival 2026 (Official Trailer)

Beginning on May 29 and running for 92 days, with 104 productions and more than 2,500 artists and collaborators from 26 countries, this year’s edition marks the beginning of the three-year tenure of the new Artistic Director, Michail Marmarinos. It also coincides with the landmark 20^th  anniversary of Peiraios 260 as a central artistic hub of the institution.

Michail Marmarinos, speaking at the presentation of the artistic program of the Athens Epidaurus Festival for 2026 in his capacity as Artistic Director, described the Festival as a dynamic space for encounter and exchange of ideas, connecting Greek audiences with the latest currents of contemporary artistic creation on the international stage. He focused on the concept of “Vertical Time” — the time of personal experience that excavates emotion — and described the darkness of the theater hall as therapeutic, since it functions as a passage toward a new, unknown self that reveals itself to us after the performance. Within this context, the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus reconnects this year with the sanctuary of the Asklepieion of Epidaurus, recalling the “healing” nature of Art.

In addition to the nine major productions that will be presented at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, innovative initiatives are also being introduced this year, such as Narrative Archaeology at the archaeological site of the Asklepieion of Epidaurus and the new thematic series 1-1-1 at the Ancient Stadium — where music plays the leading role in the interpretation of ancient drama. Particular emphasis is placed this year on dance, which takes center stage as an open field of encounter between bodies, memory, and collective experience.

The new visual identity for 2026 was presented by the founders of the creative studio Polkadot Design, Klairi Georgelli and Nearchos Daskas. As they explained, the Festival’s visual language emerged through a handcrafted and almost ritualistic process, in which a simple gesture is transformed into trace and image.

Up until 2005, the Festival had been held exclusively at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. In the summer of 2006, five brand-new theatre stages were launched at the Peiraios 260 industrial venue which has since emerged as an important springboard for contemporary art. Artistic productions and site-specific performances are also presented at other venues in Attica and various locations as part of the Festival.

(Source: https://aefestival.gr/ )

ODEON OF HERODES ATTICUS

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus – known as the “Herodeon” – is located on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. Entry to the Odeon is from the pedestrianised Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, a walkway linking Athens’ main archaeological sites (Source: Athens Epidaurus Festival, © Thomas Daskalakis)

Stamatis Kraounakis, Lysistrata, A hilarious opera (12-13.6.2026) (left), Stathis Livathinos, Hecuba, Euripides (25-26.6.2026)(right)

In the shade of Plato’s Republic

As has already been announced, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus will open to the public for one month and will then close for several years so that essential restoration work can proceed, allowing the Roman theater to enter a new era. The venue will mainly host musical events and major tribute performances. Michail Marmarinos emphasized the importance of these tributes, noting that “through this, the festival expresses gratitude to individuals who shaped its course and what we are today as artists.”

PEIRAIOS 260

The Athens Festival venue at 260 Peiraios Street is a former industrial space  located at the Tavros district of Athens, and shares a city block with the Athens School of Fine Art (Source: Athens Epidaurus Festival)

This year, the venue is celebrating its 20th anniversary, with a diverse program and various innovations aimed at keeping visitors at the venue until very late at night. As part of its anniversary celebrations, the festival is paying tribute to George Loukos, the artistic director who first established this venue, transforming a former industrial complex into the principal home of the Athens Epidaurus Festival and opening it to international artists and pioneering avant-garde works. Dance will take center stage this year, with a number of international productions making their Greek premiere. This year sees the debut of Gen 260, a platform designed to showcase and amplify the voices of young performing artists. In addition to dance, this year’s festival will spotlight contemporary music through the C-Music Now series and Greek theatre through new dramaturgical works alongside modern reimaginings of classical texts.

Teaċ Daṁsa – Michael Keegan-Dolan, MÁM (10-11.6.2026) (left), Tribute to Georges Aperghis, Quatuor Diotima, Works by Aperghis, Tzortzis, Ligeti (28.6.2026)

Gemma Hansson Carbone, The Gospel of Cassandra, by Dimitris Dimitriadis (4-5.7.2026)

Pireos 260 will once again keep the party going late into the night with its popular live events in the Garden and the Square, newly renamed AFTERS. This year, the festival is also introducing screenings of recorded stage productions, presented in the atmosphere of an open-air summer cinema as part of a new series, Starry Sky – Starry Nights.

ANCIENT THEATER OF EPIDAURUS

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus is located within the archaeological site of the Sanctuary of Asklepios, in the Argolis prefecture of the Peloponnese. It is a half-hour drive from Nafplio and approximately two hours from Athens (Source: Athens Epidaurus Festival)

Alan Lucien Øyen, Antigone, Inspired by the work of Sophocles (7-8.8.2026)

At the Epidaurus Festival 9 different interpretations by Greek and international creators will be presented, based on both well-known and lesser-performed texts. The Festival opens on June 20 with the revival of Medea by Luigi Cherubini, the highly anticipated co-production with the Greek National Opera. This will be followed by The Persians by Aeschylus, directed by Christos Theodoridis (July 2 & 3), and The Bacchae directed by Deyan Donkov Gardev, featuring The Tiger Lillies live on stage (July 17 & 18). Next come Alcestis by Euripides, directed by Dimitris Karantzas, and Peace by Aristophanes, directed by Nikos Karathanos (July 24 & 25). The next production at the ancient theatre is The Trojan Women, directed by Eleni Efthymiou (July 31 and August 1), followed by Antigone by the Norwegian director and choreographer Alan Lucien Øyen, a choreographic approach inspired by and giving rhythm to tragic poetry. The Epidaurus Festival concludes with Lysistrata by the National Theatre of Northern Greece, directed by Asterios Peltikis (August 21 & 22), and Ion, directed by Thomas Moschopoulos.

LITTLE THEATER OF ANCIENT EPIDAURUS

The Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus is located in the Argolis prefecture of the Peloponnese. It is a half-hour drive from Nafplio and approximately two hours from Athens (Source: Athens Epidaurus Festival, © Thomas Daskalakis)

Marta Górnicka, Mothers – A Song for Wartime (4.7.2026)

In recent years, Little Theatre of Epidaurus has no longer been intended solely for musical events, as it was in the past. This year, dance is also being incorporated into the program.

SYSTEMA

A major cultural policy announcement of the Festival is SYSTEMA – For the Greek Performing Arts, an important partnership between the Athens Epidaurus Festival, the National Theatre of Greece, and the Kalamata International Dance Festival, aimed at dynamically promoting Greek artistic creation abroad. In a joint statement, the Artistic Directors of the three institutions presented this initiative as a gesture of collaborative ethos.

VISUAL ARTS

VISUAL INSTALLATION Objects of Common Interest. The original light installation by the award-winning design studio Objects of Common Interest returns to Peiraios 260 this year, having by now become an integral part of the site’s visual identity. Founded by architects and designers Elena Petaloti and Leonidas Trampoukis – who work between Athens and New York – the studio focuses on the creation of sculptural objects and immersive environments that foreground the relationship between materiality and space.

(Source: https://www.athensvoice.gr/ /)

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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

The post Lesvos in the Spotlight of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network appeared first on Greek News Agenda.

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/

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