Naval Battle of Navarino, a decisive victory for modern Greece

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At noon on October 20th, 1827, in the bay of Navarino, in the bay of Pylos in the Western Peloponnese, one of the largest natural harbors in the world, one of the most brilliant victories of the Greek War of Independence and the greatest naval disaster in world history took place.

In 1827, a year after the Exodus of Messolonghi, the looting, barbarities and atrocities against the Greeks strengthened Philhellenism in Europe. The Great Powers intervened in the Greek question, supporting the Greeks and paving the way for independence with the Naval Battle of Navarino.

The British Philhellene Prime Minister George Canning, has given clear instructions to implement the Treaty of London, even by force of arms. British Admiral Edward Codrington enters the Bay of Pylos with his fleet, and sends a Greek officer to deliver a message to Ibrahim. He is shot by a Turkish sailor and the naval battle begins.

The naval Battle of Navarino is the culmination of naval operations during the Greek War of Independence and the only naval battle worldwide that took place with anchored ships. The Turkish-Egyptian fleet, with 89 warships and over 100 including the transport ships, estimates that it is superior to the only 27 ships of the allies and opens fire.

The ships were so close that their masts were entangled. The noise of the cannons echoed in Zakynthos and Kythera, while clouds of smoke covered the wider area. The allied ships, in addition to the cannons of the opponents, also faced cannons from the Turkish forts on mainland. By the afternoon, the seamanship of the allies and the unity of the Greeks had determined the victory. The armistice was signed aboard Codrington’s flagship.

European public opinion perceives the victory at Navarino as a victory of civilised peoples who united to reverse the bloodshed of the struggling Greeks. It was the first military operation in history aimed at supporting a nation struggling for its independence.

During the 20th century, Jacques-Yves Cousteau explored the bottom of the bay, even locating wrecks of the ships that participated in the naval battle, evidence of Greece’s struggle for freedom.

On three islands surrounding the Bay of Navarino, an equal number of monuments commemorate the contribution of the allied Philhellenes to the creation of the independent Greek state, while in the center of Athens three streets bear the names of the Philhellenes who led to the historic victory (Codrington, Derigny, Hayden).

At the Philhellenism Museum, important historical documents, rare works of art, and personal belongings of leading figures depict the emblematic Naval Battle of Navarino.

 

Above is depicted an 1831 oil painting by the British painter John Christian Schetky (1778-1874)

 

Information:

SHP | Philhellenism Museum

www.eefshp.org  | www.phmus.org

T. +30 2108094750

 

Conference: The French Scientific Mission of Morea today – Discovering the Peloponnese

 

*Under the auspices of H.E. the President of the Hellenic Republic Mr. Konstantinos An. Tassoulas
*In collaboration with the Hellenic Parliament

 

Date: 10 October 2025

Hours: 09:00 – 19:00

Venue: Auditorium Theo Angelopoulos – French Institute in Greece – 31, Sina Str., Athens

Free admission | Simultaneous translation  | Live broadcast!

The French Institute in Greece (Institut Français de Grèce), the French School of Athens and the Institute of Historical Research of the National Hellenic Research Foundation are organising, with the participation of the Publishing House Anavasi, on Friday 10 October 2025, a conference on the topic of the “French Scientific Mission of Morea”, which took place in the Peloponnese in 1829.

Almost 200 years since this significant Mission, the conference is aiming to commemorate and comment on the important work that was accomplished, to explore the scientific imprint of the work and the ways in  which it influenced the subsequent interdisciplinary and iterative approaches to the field.

This conference will be the first in a series of actions that will be completed in 2029.

Scientific and Organising Committee

– Matthieu Abgrall, Educational Attaché for Scientific and University Cooperation, Deputy Director of the French Institute in Greece
– Véronique Chankowski, Director of the French School of Athens
– Gilles de Rapper, Director of the Department of Modern and Contemporary Studies of the French School of Athens
– Ourania Policandrioti, Director of Research, Institute of Historical Research / National Hellenic Research Foundation, Coordinator of the Modern Greek Research Sector – IHR/NHRF
– George Tolias, Professor, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Paris – former Director of Research, Institute of Historical Research / National Hellenic Research Foundation
– Yannis Saitas, Architect, Urban Planner, Ethnologist. Research, design, editing of the publication “The Work of the French Scientific Mission of Morea 1829-1838, Part A”, 2011 and Part B”, 2017, published by Melissa House”.
– Katerina Spiropoulou, Deputy Cultural Attaché for scientific and university cooperation, French Institute in Greece
–  Ivi Adamakopoulou, Anavasi Publications

The French Scientific Mission of Morea

On March 3, 1829, twenty French scientists, geographers, naturalists, architects and Hellenistic scholars, at the request of Governor Capodistrias, landed in Navarino, which had just been liberated by Ibrahim’s troops (1827) and the French military expedition under General Maison (1828), in order to explore Greece. Their aim was, on the one hand, to gain an in-depth understanding of the nature and culture of Greece and, on the other hand, to offer the Greek administration modern management and development tools. French scientists explored mainly the Peloponnese, but also the Cyclades and Attica. They mapped the area and collected data on the demography, natural resources and infrastructure, nature and antiquities of the fledgling Greek state.

The French Scientific Mission of Morea (also referred as “Morea Expedition”) consisted of three Departments of specialists in natural sciences, archaeology and fine arts and a Topographic Company of 25 army engineers. The findings of the work were published in maps and in 8 imposing volumes between 1831 and 1838, which are accompanied by significant pictorial and cartographic documentation.

The significance of the Mission is manifold. It offers a complete and thorough depiction of the Peloponnese and other regions just after the Revolution, which is an example of the scientific methodology of the era and the emergence of new sciences and cutting-edge technologies, which is an example of the scientific methodology of the era and the emergence of new sciences and cutting-edge technologies, such as statistical demography and geodesy, the interpretation of geological formations and the network of water resources, the excavation and topographic documentation of monuments, the inventory of minerals, fauna and flora.

Upon completion of the activities on the 200th anniversary of the Mission, we want to believe that we will have covered all aspects of its scientific work and will have highlighted its current impact and continuity.

CONFERENCE PROGRAMME

│ 09:00 – 10:00 │
OPENING – GREETING REMARKS
🔹Embassy of France in Greece, French School of Athens, National Hellenic Research Foundation

INTRODUCTION
🔹 The publication “The Work of the French Scientific Mission to Morea 1829-1838, Part A, 2011 and Part B, 2017, published by Melissa House”.
Yannis SAITAS (Architect, Urban Planner, Ethnologist)

│ 10:00 – 11:30 │ FIRST SESSION – THE CARTOGRAPHIC WORK 

Moderator: Matthieu ABGRALL (Associate for scientific and university cooperation, Deputy Director of the French Institute in Greece)

🔹The geodetic works of Moreas (1829-1830) as a foundation for cartography
Pierre BRIOLE, (CNRS Research Director, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris)

🔹Geographies of the possible: society, environment and national identity in the work of the Morea Scientific Mission (1829)
George TOLIAS (Professor, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Former Director of Research, Institute of Historical Research – National Research Foundation)

🔹Digital reconstruction of the cartographic work of the French Scientific Mission
Eleni GKADOLOU (Digital Asset Manager, British School of Athens, Doctor of Geography, Agronomist and Surveyor Engineer)

🔹The map of the French Scientific Mission as evidence for the study of the settlements and population of the Peloponnese during the period of the Revolution: research results and future prospects
Michalis FESTAS (Postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) of the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), member of the Digital Historical Cartography Laboratory of the IHR/NHRF)

│ 12:00 – 13:30 │ SECOND SESSION – LIFE AND EARTH SCIENCES
Moderator: Gilles DE RAPPER (Director of Studies – Department of Modern and Contemporary Studies)

🔹The Botanical Mission to the Peloponnese
Sophia RHIZOPOULOU (Professor Emeritus of Plant Ecophysiology, Department of Biology, Section of Botany, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Head of the KEDIVIM “Cultural Botany” programme)

🔹The Morea Scientific Mission: the origins of the geoarchaeological approach
Eric FOUACHE (Professor, Sorbonne Université – UR Médiations)
and Antoine CHABROL (Doctoral Candidate, Sorbonne Université -UR Médiations)

🔹The Morea Mission in the Plantarium of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris
Clémence PAGNOUX (Associate Professor at the National Museum of Natural History, BioArch UMR 7209 MNHN CNRS Inrap, Paris)

│ 15:00 – 17:00 │ THIRD SESSION – HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY
Moderator: Ourania POLYCANDRIOTI (Director of Research, Institute of Historical Research / National Hellenic Research Foundation)

🔹Letters, press, books, for the love of Greece. Ambroise Firmin-Dido and the Scientific Mission of the Morea.
Emmanuelle COLLAS (Historian, Doctor of Philology and Associate Professor of Greek History, publisher)

🔹A different scientific mission of Morea: the “humble” Viety discovers the Peloponnese
Clémence WEBER-PALLEZ (Associate Professor of Greek History, Laboratoire PLH – Université Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès)

🔹Raybaud’s journalistic adventure in Greece
Vincent TOUZE (Doctor of Political Science, Graduate of Higher Studies in Public Administration)

│ 17:00 – 18:30 │ FOURTH SESSION – FROM PAST TO PRESENT. THE EVOLUTION OF CARTOGRAPHY IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Moderator:  Pinelopi MATSOUKA (Anavasi Publications)

🔹Geoinformatics and applications for the future of cartography
Angelos ADAMAKOPOULOS (Creator IGN RANDO App)

🔹Map reading modeling
Vassilis KRASSANAKIS (Associate Professor, University of West Attica, PhD in Engineering, NTUA, Diploma in Agronomy and Surveying Engineer, NTUA)

🔹Challenges in Future Cartography: Artificial Intelligence and Big Geospatial Data
Christos CHALKIAS (Professor, Harokopio University of Athens)

CATALOGUE OF PARTICIPANTS

– Matthieu ABGRALL (Associate for scientific and university cooperation, Deputy Director of the French Institute in Greece)
– Angelos ADAMAKOPOULOS  (Creator IGN RANDO App)
– Ivi ADAMAKOPOULOU  (Anavasi Publications)
– Pierre BRIOLE (CNRS Research Director, Ecole Normale Supérieure Paris)
– Antoine CHABROL (Doctoral Candidate, Sorbonne Université -UR Médiations)
– Christos CHALKIAS (Professor, Harokopio University of Athens)
– Emmanuelle COLLAS (Historian, Doctor of Philology and Associate Professor of Greek History, publisher)
– Michalis FESTAS (Postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) of the National Hellenic Research Foundation (NHRF), member of the Digital Historical Cartography Laboratory of the IHR/NHRF)
– Eric FOUACHE (Professor, Sorbonne Université – UR Médiations)
– Eleni GKADOLOU (Digital Asset Manager, British School of Athens, Doctor of Geography, Agronomist and Surveyor Engineer)
– Vassilis KRASSANAKIS (Associate Professor, University of West Attica, PhD in Engineering, NTUA, Diploma in Agronomy and Surveying Engineer, NTUA)
– Pinelopi MATSOUKA (Anavasi Publications)
– Clémence PAGNOUX (Associate Professor at the National Museum of Natural History, BioArch UMR 7209 MNHN CNRS Inrap, Paris)
– Ourania POLYCANDRIOTI (Director of Research, Institute of Historical Research / National Hellenic Research Foundation)
– Gilles DE RAPPER (Director of Studies – Department of Modern and Contemporary Studies)
– Sophia RHIZOPOULOU ((Professor Emeritus of Plant Ecophysiology, Department of Biology, Section of Botany, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Head of the KEDIVIM “Cultural Botany” programme)
– Yannis SAITAS (Architect, Urban Planner, Ethnologist)
– George TOLIAS (Professor, École Pratique des Hautes Études, Former Director of Research, Institute of Historical Research – National Research Foundation)
– Vincent TOUZE (Doctor of Political Science, Graduate of Higher Studies in Public Administration)
– Clémence WEBER-PALLEZ (Associate Professor of Greek History, Laboratoire PLH -Université Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès)

 

More information: https://www.ifg.gr/events/imerida-galliki-epistimoniki-apostoli-tou-moria/

© Travelogues – Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation │ Fondation Aikaterini Laskaridis

Hydra: The SHP and the Philhellenism Museum at Miaoulia 2025

 

A delegation from the SHP and the Philhellenism Museum, participated on June 27-29, 2025, in the celebration of Miaoulia 2025 in Hydra, and honoured the struggle of Greeks and Philhellenes for the liberation of Greece.

The delegation included Mr. Christos Paraskevopoulos, member of the Advisory Committee of the SHP and descendant of the Italian Philhellene Giuseppe Chiappe who participated in the Greek Revolution of 1821.

During the events, the SHP participated in the official ceremony organized by the Municipality of Hydra for the naming of a central street of the island, with the names of the Italian Philhellenes Giuseppe Chiappe and Felice Caserta, who were active in Hydra during the period 1821 – 1831. The SHP members participated in the conference that followed, coordinated by the Mayor of Hydra, Mr. Georgios Koukoudakis.

For information: info@eefshp.org

 

 

 

The story of Rosa Botsari, Philhellenism and the cultural dialogue between Greece – Germany

 

The one and only Greek woman in the “Gallery of Beauties” in Munich, from now on has her permanent place in Athens.

The famous portrait of Katerina (“Rosa”) Botsari, a work by the leading German painter Joseph Karl Stieler, has been on display in Athens, at the Philhellenism Museum.

The unveiling of the portrait of the 19th-century Greek beauty Katerina (Rosa) Botsari, daughter of the glorious fighter Markos Botsaris, took place in March 2025 at the Philhellenism Museum, in the presence of descendants of the Souliot Botsaris family and H.E. German Ambassador to Greece, Mr. Andreas Kindl.

 

The eventful life of the daughter of the Greek fighter Markos Botsaris

Markos Botsaris’ daughter, Rosa, sealed the history of the 19th century with the unparalleled beauty of her appearance as a mostly admired woman throughout Europe, as well as the first Greek Court Lady in the service of Queen Amalia.

Rosa, a nickname she received from the characteristic rosy color of her cheeks and lips, became the protégé of Queen Amalia, and a rare variety of Danask rose species was named after her in constant remembrance of the beauty and freshness of her youth.

 

Stieler’s two unique artworks in Munich and Athens

The figure of Rosa painted in 1841 by the leading German painter Joseph Karl Stieler (1781-1858), re-established the dialogue for the promotion of European cultural heritage.

The portrait of Rosa was commissioned by King Ludwig I of Bavaria in order to be included in the “Gallery of Beauties” at Nymphenburg Palace in Munich, which nowadays functions as a museum. The Nymphenburg Archives evidence that the artist created two identical copies, a common practice for important portraits of the time.

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SPH) and the Philhellenism Museum in Athens acquired the work in December 2024 with the aim of incorporating Rosa’s physique in the collection of a Greek museum, and highlighting her life and family history that implies a deep connection with this of Philhellenism.

This second existing portrait, of even higher value than the first, came back to public view after 42 years, as it had remained in a private collection since it was auctioned by Sotheby’s in 1983 in London. The Philhellenism Museum acquired the work by purchase, setting a world record for the highest price ever paid for a work by the famous German portraitist Stieler.

 

The ongoing cultural dialogue between Greece and Germany

During the inauguration of the portrait in Greece, the founder and president of the Philhellenism Museum, Constantinos Velentzas, underlined the strong bonds between the two countries: “Ludwig I of Bavaria of the House of Wittelsbach was a Philhellene, a fanatical Hellenist, a collector and a friend of the arts. During his reign, Munich rose to prominence artistically with the construction of many neoclassical and neo-humanist buildings, modeled on the architecture of ancient Greece. One of these is the Propylaea of ​​Munich, the only monument internationally dedicated to the Revolution of 1821. Markos Botsaris, who was identified in international public opinion with Leonidas of Sparta, is the central figure who inspired Philhellenic art and Philhellenism internationally.”

The German Ambassador to Greece, Andreas Kindl, expressed his great pleasure and happiness that this major work of art will now be in Athens as well, stating in fluent Greek that “more than 400,000 people visit the “Gallery of Beauties” in Munich every year. The portraits of the Gallery were created by Louis with the aim of representing the ideal of beauty of the time and Rosa Botsari was the only Greek woman among them”. Moreover, he jokingly noted “Today we would say that Rosa was the Miss Greece of the 19th century!”, pleasantly surprising those who attended the ceremony.

The unveiling of the painting was carried out by the young Rosa Botsari, daughter of Kitsos Botsaris, grand-nephew and descendant of Markos Botsaris. Rosa spoke publicly for the very first time about her ancestor, revealing the charm that Rosa even exerted on Washington’s nephew, who was longing her to become his wife – although he did not succeed to make so.

Given the historical, cultural and artistic interest of the existence of the painting in both countries, the formation of programmes and synergies between the Nymphenburg Museum in Munich and the Philhellenism Museum in Athens will be announced soon.

 

For information: info@phmus.org

 

Philhellenes Contribution to the Hellenic Army and Navy

 

It is with respect and a sense of historical debt, that modern Greece paid tribute to the Philhellenes in a glorious ceremony that took place at the Cadet Academy of Greece in Athens (Evelpidon) on May 9, 2025, highlighting the principle of solidarity among people and the importance of the ideal of Freedom.

The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, the Chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff, General Dimitrios Choupis, the Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, representatives of the Chiefs of the General Staff of Navy (GEN) and the General Staff of Air-Force (GEA), the Commander of the Cadet Academy of Greece in Athens (Evelpidon), Major General Anastasios Polychronos, the representative of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Ioannis Tragakis, and the Founder and President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, Constantinos Velentzas, welcomed 24 descendants of Philhellenes in the context of the official ceremony and special event on “The contribution of Philhellenes to the organisation of the Greek Regular Army and Navy”.

The ceremony and event were co-organized by the Cadet Academy of Greece in Athens (Evelpidon), and the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and Philhellenism Museum.

The Minister of National Defense attended the religious memorial service at the Heroes’ Monument, which was held by His Eminence Metropolitan of Glyfada, Elliniko, Voula, Vouliagmeni and Vari, Mr. Antonios. This was followed by 9 honorary cannon firings in memory of the Philhellenes from Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, the UK, the USA, Italy, Poland and Portugal, in the presence of the Ambassadors of these countries, and the laying of wreaths by the political and military leadership of the Armed Forces of Greece.

In the afternoon of the same day, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, welcomed the descendants of the Philhellenes and the diplomats of their countries of origin to the Parliament’s Reception Hall, while a guided tour of the Parliament’s exhibitions on Philhellenism was held.

This was followed by a visit and guided tour of the Philhellenism Museum, by its founder Constantinos Velentzas, and by Irene Kairi, President of the Lilian Voudouri Foundation and Vice-President of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum.

The descendants of the Philhellenes, with feelings of emotion and gratitude, thanked the organisers, expressing their admiration for the ideals of Greek culture and the continuous evolution of Philhellenism.

The events honouring the Philhellenes were also attended by the President of the Academy of Athens, Michael Tiverios, the Political Governor of Mount Athos, Lieutenant General Alkiviadis Stefanis, the Mayor of Vari – Voula – Vouliagmeni, Grigoris Konstantellos, the Vice President of the Council of State, Dimitrios Emmanouilidis, the President of the Court of Appeal, First Judge Michael Tsiloglou, the Director of the Diplomatic Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Michael Diamesis, Embassy Attachés, Military Attachés, Defense Attachés, the Mayor of the Sacred City of Messolonghi, Spyridon Diamantopoulos, the Mayor of Vyronas, Alexios Sotiropoulos, the Director General of Harvard University in Greece, Christos Giannopoulos, the Dean of the Cadet Academy of Greece (Evelpidon), Professor George Kaimakamis, professors of the Cadet Academy of Greece (Evelpidon), as well as representatives of scientific, political, cultural and social institutions and organizations.

 

 

For information:
SHP – Philhellenism Museum
12 Zisimopoulou Str., 115 24 Athens
+30 2108094750
E. info@eefshp.org & info@phmus.org

9 May 2025: FESTIVE EVENT AT THE CADET ACADEMY OF ATHENS (EVELPIDON)

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) and the Philhellenism Museum, cordially invite you to the ceremony co-organised along with the Ministry of National Defence / General Staff of the Hellenic Armed Forces and the Cadet Academy of Athens, on Friday, May 9th, 2025, at 10.00, at the premises of the Academy in Vari, to honour the Philhellenes who actively participated in the liberation of Greece and contributed decisively to the creation and organisation of the Regular Army and Navy of Greece, in the context of the Greek War of Independence.

Twenty (20) descendants of distinguished Philhellenes will participate in the event and will be honoured with diplomas for the contribution of their ancestors, who gave their lives for Greece.

Descendants of Frank Abney Hastings, Jean – Gabriel Eynard, Charles – Nicolas Fabvier, Edward Codrington, Samuel Gridley Howe, Olivier Voutier, Heinrich Treiber, Wilhelm Bellier de Launoy, Jean-François Maxime Raybaud, Antonio Figueira d’ Almeida, Giuseppe Chiappe, Michele Gramsi, Henri Fornèsy, Pasquale Gambini, Michele Roccavilla, Karl Friedrich Lebrecht von Normann Ehrenfels, will be honored.

The ceremony will be attended by government officials, the hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Greece, and by Ambassadors of the countries of origin of the honoured Philhellenes.

The SHP will offer, in the evening of the same day at 19:30, a visit to the Philhellenism Museum and a reception at the Museum’s Roof Garden to honour the descendants.

The SHP / Philhellenism Museum may offer a limited number of invitations to its friends.

Interested parties can request an invitation by email: info@eefshp.org

RSVP: by Tuesday, April 29, 2025, 12:00

Tuesday, 18 and Wednesday, 19 March 2025 – Rosa Botsaris presents Rosa Botsaris

 

 

The SHP and the Philhellenism Museum are organizing in the context of the National Anniversary of March 25th, a special and meaningful ceremony.  The emblematic portrait of Ekaterini (Rosa) Botsari, created by the leading German Philhellene artist Joseph Karl Stieler, is presented for the very first time in Greece.

The portrait was acquired in December, 2024, by the Philhellenism Museum and from now on will be in its collection in Athens.

Rosa Botsaris, daughter of the great fighter of the Greek War of Independence, Markos Botsaris, stamped the history of modern Greece as one of the beauties of her time. The glorious journey of Markos Botsaris, as well as the tragic story of his daughter Rosa, placed them among the most influential figures of Philhellenism, worldwide.

As the interest in attending the event is enormous, the ceremony will take place over two consecutive days.

Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19, March 2025, at 19.30. Philhellenism Museum, Zisimopoulou 12, 11524 Athens.

A cocktail will follow at the new Roof Garden of the Museum.

Free admission, by required reservation.

For reservations and information: info@eefshp.org

Victoria Hislop and Alicia Elsbeth Stallings Awarded the Lord Byron Philhellenism Medal 2025 at the Academy of Athens

 

 

In a truly touching atmosphere, full of pride and emotion, took place the awarding of the Lord Byron Philhellenism Medal 2025 on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to two internationally renowned and acclaimed ladies of Literature, the British author Victoria Hislop and the American poet and Professor of Poetry at the Oxford University, Alicia Elsbeth Stallings.

The distinction of the Lord Byron Medal is an initiative of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism since 2021 and in collaboration with the Academy of Athens is awarded, annually, to distinguished persons from the fields of diplomacy, culture and academic education, whose careers have contributed to society with work and actions that are in harmony with the values ​​of Hellenism. Moreover, the medal is also awarded  to descendants of Philhellenes who offered their support during the period of the Greek War of Independence.

The presentation of the diploma and the Lord Byron Medal was made by the President and founder of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas, the President of the Academy of Athens, Mr. Michalis Tiverios, and the Secretary General of the Academy of Athens, Mr. Christos Zerefos.

”The Academy of Athens and the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism wish, through the Lord Byron Medal and Lord Byron Award, to honour the concept of Philhellenism, as an ideal which expression thrived during the 19th century with the support of the Greek Revololution, but its existence and continuity has a timeless definition”, said the President of the Academy, Mr. Michalis Tiverios.

And he continued: “At present day’s laureates, have as their own “excavation site” the ancient Greek Literature and classical studies, and as their constant field of research, the interpretation of the Greek landscape and the people of this land. Both ladies have worked and are working for a number of years, for the promotion of Greek culture and its dissemination as a common point of reference for all of us. Both of them chose to share their lifetime among their countries of origin, their working places, and Greece. For them, as well as for Byron, Greece is their homeland by choice.

” The founder of the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism, Mr. Constantinos Velentzas, presented to a multitude of people who honoured the ceremony at the  Academy of Athens, the most important stages along the career and the admirable work of the two laureates, characterizing them as “two outstanding personalities of the Letters and the Arts, internationally acclaimed, that throughout their intellectual and social work, they bring to life what is defined nowadays as Contemporary Philhellenism”.

“Victoria and Alicia proudly walk the path blazed by the great Romantic poet, reinforcing, each one with her very own unique writing skills, the ideals of ​​liberty and amity, against all kinds of injustice. Like Byron himself, Victoria Hislop and Alicia Stallings chose to live in this land and by reflecting its history to illuminate modern Greece through their words.”

“When in 2024 Victoria became a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, she was asked to choose the pen of a distinguished author of her country to sign her entry into the Society. Those pens belonged to Charles Dickens, George Eliot, and Lord Byron. She chose Lord Byron’s, declaring of her choice: I like to imagine that Byron carried it with him on his travels in Greece!’

Inspired by Lord Byron’s well-known phrases Many hearts join together in one common cause and Never fail those who fight for a great cause, Constantinos Velentzas referred to the heartfelt participation of the two laureates in the most emblematic action that took place in October 2024 at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodeion), in Athens, in order to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the death of the Romantic poet and the Year of Philhellenism, where the breathtaking recitations of Victoria Hislop and Alicia Stallings on stage – along with Lina Nikolakopoulou – brought about the unanimous and enthusiastic response of all spectators.

Victoria Hislop and Alicia Stallings thanked the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism and the Academy of Athens for their awarding, and reiterated their love for Greece and Hellenic culture, affirming that the spirit of Lord Byron remains ever-present.

In particular, Victoria Hislop referred to Lord Byron and his love for Greece, as well as to his poetry, and as she said “As an author, he managed to write with passion, originality and sincerity, and finally to touch the heart of every reader, thus knowing from his manuscripts that he struggled to find the right words, although the result looks as if it came effortlessly from his pen and it is as if you hear his voice.”

“Lord Byron is a great inspiration to all writers. He, surely, is for me. There are many times that Byron wrote for some important purpose to influence and lead others to action. Rarely were his texts merely for fun. His word for supporting Greece in Europe, was important.”

“If I were to discuss with Lord Byron, my first words would be You succeeded. Your great struggle has been justified.”

Alicia Elsbeth Stallings expressed her honour to receive the Lord Byron Philhellenism Medal, especially when this bears the name of the greatest Philhellene of all time. She clarified that “Lord Byron is not known enough for his heroism in English-speaking countries, and he is not known enough for his poetry in Greece. If the Greeks know something about his poetic work, it is usually the first four stanzas of his famous poem, The Isles of Greece“.

And she continued, “Byron, the man of Letters, the greatest comic and satirical poet of his time, and the man of action and political mobilization, were not two different men, but one poet. But Byron knew that both words and deeds, both swords and odes, reach their height, and shine brightest, in the darkest of times.

Poets sharpen words. They help them keep their wits sharp, at a time when tyrants and oligarchs are blunting them with the back-and-forth blows with which they try to tame societies. When the battle seems lost, then more than ever, we need poetry.”

Wishing to strengthen the extroversion of the Academy of Athens, its President, Mr. Michalis Tiverios, stated that for the first time within the context of the collaboration with the Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism, and the awarding ceremony of the Lord Byron Philhellenism Medal, a concert with a multi-member orchestra takes place at the premises of the Academy of Athens.

The Hellenic Air Force Band with its maestro, Mr. Alexandros Litsardopoulos, and with two special and talented performers, the baritone Angelos Mousikas and the soprano Sophia Zova, left the attendees literally dazzled.

Photos of laureates Victoria Hislop and Alicia Elsbeth Stallings are hereby attached, along with various views of the event.

For further information you may contact: info@eefshp.org and T. +30 2108094750

 

 

Victoria Hislop, Alicia Elsbeth Stallings: Award of the LORD BYRON Medal 2025 Tuesday 4 February 2025, 19.00 Academy of Athens, Panepistimiou 28, Athens

 

 

The Society for Hellenism and Philhellenism (SHP) has instituted since 2021 and awards, in collaboration with the Academy of Athens, the Lord Byron Philhellenism Medal in the name of the great poet and Philhellene, Lord Byron.

The first Lord Byron Medal for 2025 is awarded to the British author and member of the Royal Society of Literature, Victoria Hislop, and to the American Professor of Poetry at the Oxford University, Alicia Elsbeth Stallings, a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

As part of the award ceremony, a classical music concert will be conducted by the Hellenic Air Force Band in favourite compositions by Verdi, Bizet, Puccini, Léhar and Strauss under the musical direction of Alexandros Litsardopoulos and performances by baritone Angelos Musicas and soprano Sophia Zova. It is the first time that a multi-member orchestra will present a concert at the Athens Academy.

A reception will follow.

An initiative of the SHP, in collaboration and co-organisation with the Academy of Athens and the Philhellenism Museum.

Free admission with reservation required

Limited number of seats

Information and reservation at: info@eefshp.org

 

 

Award_Ceremony_2025_EN01

 

A Harvard University workshop in collaboration with the Philhellenism Museum

 

 

The Philhellenism Museum in collaboration with the Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece are organizing the workshop titled “The Reception of the Philhellenic Movement from 1821 until the End of the 19th Century by the Press and Literature of the Time.”

The workshop will take place on 8 & 9 March 2025, 11.00-15.00, at the Philhellenism Museum in Athens.

The academic coordination will be undertaken by Ms. Chrysa Theologou (2024-25 Harvard CHS Fellow in Philhellenism, Adjunct Faculty at the University of Ioannina) and the activity administration by Ms. Matina Goga (CHS Greece).

Limited number of 24 participants

Application period: January 14 – February 14, 2025

Information and applications: https://forms-greece.chs.harvard.edu/reception-of-the-philhellenic-movement-workshop/

The selection of the participants will be made by the workshop coordinator based on their CV and the details they will declare in their online application. Prior knowledge of the subject is not required. Participation in the workshop is free.

The CHS and the Philhellenism Museum will grant the participants a letter of thanks that will certify their participation in the workshop.

All applicants will be notified by February 20, 2025 by email of the progress of their application. Participants need to confirm their participation by email and will be informed of their participation and relevant forms they will need to submit. For clarifications about the workshop and the application process, you can contact the Center Hellenic Studies (+30 27520 47040), daily (10:00 am-5:00 pm).

About the workshop

Overview

The Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece is collaborating with the Philhellenism Museum in organizing the workshop titled “The Reception of the Philhellenic Movement from 1821 until the End of the 19th Century by the Press and Literature of the Time.” CHS Greece, through its annual workshop series, aims to support Hellenic Studies and the broader field of Humanities, and to offer intergenerational, interdisciplinary, lifelong learning opportunities to the public.

This workshop focuses on examining the reception of the Philhellenic movement, which developed throughout much of the 19th century not only in Europe but also in America, through the Greek press. The existence of the Greek Press even before the establishment of an independent Greek state underscores its significance and role in the initiation and progress of the Revolution. In the post-revolutionary years, the notable “expansion” of the press is a remarkable phenomenon directly linked to political and social developments.

Therefore, the reception of the Philhellenic movement by the Greek press, which originated with the Greek Revolution but continued with significant peaks throughout the 19th century, is an important field of research. Its findings are expected to shed more light on the development and spread of Philhellenism.

Based on the above, the workshop aims to delve deeper into the study of this highly significant Philhellenic movement through the press and literature, highlighting lesser-known aspects as revealed in newspaper pages and literary works of the time.

Thematic areas – Workshop structure

The approach to the topic will be organized around the following thematic axes:

  • Pre-revolutionary daily press and the press of the Revolution
  • Literature of the Revolution
  • Creation and evolution of the Philhellenic movement
  • Reception of the movement by the daily press and literature
  • Key milestones in the reception of Philhellenism by the press and literature throughout the 19th century
  • Philhellenism and the Greco-Turkish War of 1897

During the workshop the coordinator will introduce the above topics, and participants will actively engage in discussions. The workshop includes a documentary screening about the significant role of Philhellenes by the Society for Philhellenism and an interactive tour of the museum’s rich Philhellenic collection. Ten days before the workshop, participants will receive relevant reading material that they may optionally study in advance.