On Monday July 17, the Hellenic Parliament Foundation for Parliamentarism and Democracy in Athens, will launch a new publication The Aegis of Hellas: The Continuing Vigour of Philhellenism, by Professor Anastasios Tamis, the Director of the Australian Institute for Hellenic Research.
The event, taking place at the café in the Garden of the Numismatic Museum (12 University Street, Athens) also marks one of Alison Duncan’s, the new Ambassador of Australia to Greece, first official events in Greece.
The new book by Prof. Tamis is a fulsome record and analysis of the multiple forms of interest in Hellenic culture – from ancient times to the present day – around the world.
His book examines the Greek Diaspora and the cultural networks formed by people who study Greek culture.
Not only is the scope of this research effort vast, but it is also a testimony to the endurance, and contemporary character of Greek culture and the Greek Diaspora.
It examines the events that shape the world and seeks to locate the influence of global Greek culture and heritage in their proper context geographically, and historically.
The Hellenic Parliament Foundation believes that this work will contribute to the ongoing discussion about the role of culture, transnational movements and especially philhellenism in the shaping of the contemporary world.
In a statement from the Hellenic Parliament Foundation its says that “this publication as an expression of its profound respect for the numerous people throughout the globe – Greeks by descent, but also so many of them Greeks by choice – who either dedicate their lives to the study of Greek culture or take an active interest in it as a cultural reference.”
“In a world that moves at breathtaking speeds, and in an era in which constant change is the order of the day, the activity, contribution, work and impact of these people are a great honour for the whole of the Greek nation.”
According to the statement the book is an expression of gratitude for the Greeks of the Diaspora.
The book will be launched by Georgios Babiniotis, Emeritus Professor of Linguistics, former Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens / President of Arsakeio Schools; Iakovos Michailidis, Professor of Modern and Contemporary History, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki; Anastasios M. Tamis, Professor of Sociolinguistics and History of Greek Diaspora / Director of the Australian Institute of Greek Studies, President of the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies.
The event is coordinated by Evanthi Hatzevasileiou, Professor of Post-War History, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens / Secretary General of the Hellenic Parliament Foundation.
Greetings will be delivered by H.E. Alison Duncan, Ambassador of Australia to Greece, and the Secretary General of the Hellenic Parliament Foundation, Mr Evanthi Hatzevasileiou.
Admission is free for the public.
For more information: foundation.parliament.gr
