The Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS) has announced the arrival of Dr. Constantinos Hatzidimitriou, a distinguished scholar with a doctorate in Byzantine, Ottoman, and Modern Greek history from Columbia University.

As the recipient of the Christos Mantzios Visiting Scholar Award for 2023 Dr. Hatzidimitriou will be engaging in various academic activities during his stay in Melbourne and Sydney from October 19 to 28.

An expert in Asia Minor history, he is also an accomplished writer affiliated with the American Hellenic Institute & St. John’s University in New York. He has held various academic positions and is currently the managing editor of the American Journal of Contemporary Hellenic Issues and the Journal of Modern Hellenism.

Dr. Hatzidimitriou has authored multiple books and articles in the fields of Byzantine and Modern Greek history and education, with ongoing projects focusing on Philhellenes during the Greek Revolution and Central Greece during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. His extensive knowledge and expertise make him a valuable contributor to the academic community and beyond.

To facilitate Dr. Hatzidimitriou’s visit, AIMS has joined forces with several organisations and institutions including the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV), Alphington Grammar School, the Branch of the National Research Foundation “Eleftherios K. Venizelos,” the Cultural Centre Palamas of the AHEPA, the Greek Community of Sydney and NSW, the Sydney Greek Festival, the Hellenic Club of Canberra, and benefactor Kostas Tsoulias.

During their stay in Melbourne and Victoria, Dr. Constantinos and Peggy Hatzidimitriou are scheduled to engage in a variety of activities, including visits to cultural sites as well as participating in seminars and social gatherings, including the Greek Film festival, providing information on their area of expertise.

The Schedule

– Monday, October 23: Dr. Hatzidimitriou will conduct a seminar at the Lyceum Theatre of Alphington Grammar, focusing on “The Role of Eleftherios Venizelos in the Asia Minor Expedition and its Outcome.” Historian Terry Stavridis will contribute insights from British and Australian sources, with moderation by Prof. Anastasios M. Tamis.

-Wednesday, October 25: A public lecture titled “Understanding Two Important Commemorations: America’s Involvement in the Greek Revolution of 1821 and the Smyrna Catastrophe of 1922” will be presented at the Lyceum Theatre of Alphington Grammar. This event will engage students of Year Levels 10 and 11 from daily schools and Greek afternoon schools.

-Friday, October 27: Dr. Hatzidimitriou will deliver a lecture at the Lyceum Theatre of Alphington Grammar, exploring “Who Destructed Christianity in Asia Minor?” This lecture targets students, teachers, and the broader public.

Sunday, October 29: A public lecture with the same theme as the October 25 event will be held at the hall of the Greek Community of Sydney and NSW in Lakemba, organised by the GOCNSW and the AHEPA.

– Monday, October 30: Dr. Hatzidimitriou will conduct a seminar at the University of Sydney, organised by the Department of Modern Greek Studies, delving into “The Role of Eleftherios Venizelos in the Asia Minor Expedition and its Outcome.”

-Wednesday, November 1: The final public lecture, focusing on the same topic, will be presented at the Alexander Theatre of the Hellenic Club in Canberra.