Τhe Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture will present a lecture about the Hellenes in the service of the Ottoman Empire in the 17th and 18th centuries, as part of the Greek Community of Melbourne’s seminar series.

Emeritus Professor Robert (Bob) Milns will preside a discussion on the administration of the Roman Empire before the division into west and east and the involvement of Greeks, especially in the eastern provinces.

Particular emphasis will be laid on the Phanariote Greeks’ involvement in the running of the Ottoman Empire, with especial reference to the position of the Orthodox Patriarchy in Constantinople.

Ottoman offices as the Grand Dragoman, the Dragoman of the Fleet and the office of Hospodar or Prince of the Danubian principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia will also be a focus.

The discussion will then touch upon the career of the Philhellene Dimitrie Cantemir, and the question of the ‘Secret Schools’ will also be touched on briefly.

Emeritus Professor Robert (Bob) Milns is currently an Honorary Research Consultant in the discipline, lecturing and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students. In December 2012, the University of Queensland awarded Milns the degree of Honorary Doctor of Letters in recognition of his distinguished career. His academic interests and publications deal with the culture of both ancient Greece and Rome.

Meanwhile, he is involved with several cultural organisations concerned with the Mediterranean world, while for the past 18 years he has acted as leader of tours to most of the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea.

This is a free entry event. For more information phone 03 9662 2722.

When: Thursday 20 August at 7.00 pm

Where: Greek Centre, mezzanine level, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.