SYROS INSTITUTEInstitute of Research for Sustainable Development, Culture and Traditions

table of contents

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aims

location

administration

principal scientific commitee

scientific advisor and collaborator

objectives

Welcome

Syros Institute is an Interdisciplinary Research Institute, launched by the Centre for Historical

Studies of the Catholic Diocese of Syros (K.I.M.K.E.S.), in a continuing effort to engage

actively with the support, conservation and dissemination of Syros’ historical and cultural

heritage.

The institute is open to research and teaching faculty & staff of Higher Education

Institutions in Greece and worldwide, as well as to independent researchers

and practitioners active in the fields of historical, cultural and/or critical studies.

Consequently the Institute aims to function as a hub, both for individual researchers, and for entire academic

departments or research centers, enabling study & research groups to conduct

fieldwork or on-site residencies, visit the center’s historical archives, and stay in the premises of the historic Jesuit Monastery,

founded in 1744 in Ano Syros.

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Τhe Institute is a Non-Government, Non-Profit Organization, which aims to sup-port, protect, disseminate and sustainably develop local cultural heritage, under-stood both historically and as a set of active, continually evolving contemporary traditions. In its effort to meet these aims, the Institute:

• Offers an open platform for dialogue between scholars, researchers, practitioners and the local community

• Promotes the communication of ideas and provides a context for the devel-opment of new perspectives and practices in the fields of historical and cultural heritage and identity

• Contributes to education and vocational training on a local and trans-local basis

• Assists in the promotion and dissemination of relevant research • Is concerned with familiarizing and engaging the public in the protection, con-servation and promotion of local heritage and cultural potential

• Collaborates with Greek as well as international scientific, technical, artistic and cultural institutions that are involved with issues of heritage, cultural identities and sustainable development

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location

The Institute’s name, as well as its activities and aims, are directly associated with its location in the Jesuit Monastery of Ano Syros. Ano Syros, which is the primary springboard for the Institute’s activities, constitutes a characteristic traditional settlement exemplifying the living conditions and cultural identity of the popula-tions inhabiting the Aegean islands. As such it provides fertile ground for research into the cultural processes that can be broadly grouped under the general term “tradition”.

However, the site’s geographical position, and the wealth of historical records and cultural artefacts in the area (that in fact predate the settlement’s establishment in medieval times) extend beyond the relatively limited notion of “tradition” and merit a wide array of research approaches. The area of the Cyclades in the Aegean sea constitutes the birthplace of ancient Greek civilization. In this sense the roots of the grand narratives of Greek and Western history can be traced back to this region. In this context, the Institute’s name is indicative of a broader endeavor that focuses on the study of heritage but also of traditions. In order to draw attention to this two-fold perspective we should also underline the close, symbiotic con-nection between Ano Syros and the adjacent city of Hermoupolis, whose name, location and neoclassical architecture are indicative of the importance of the an-cient Greek paradigm in defining contemporary cultural and political identity. This ancient Greek archetype includes not only the Athenian paradigm but elements of ancient Aegean civilization as well.

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administration

The Administrative Board of the Institute, as elected on January 2013 is as follows:

President: Joseph Stefanou, Architect, Urban Planner, Emeritus Professor N.T.U.A., former dean of A.S.PE.T.E.Vice-President:Aliki Tzika-Hatzopoulou, Lawyer, Emeritus Professor N.T.U.A.Secretariat: Roido Mitoula, Political Scientist, Associate Professor at Harokopeion University Bursar: Ioannis Drakoulis, economistMembers: Constantinos Moraites, Architect, Professor N.T.U.A Danae-Maria Stefanou, Musicologist, Assistant professor A.U.TH Pavlos Chatzigrigoriou, Civil Engineer, Phd in Urban Planning N.T.U.A, Head of Planning and IT in the Municipality of Syros/Hermoupolis Vice Members:Smaragda Petratou-Fragkiadaki, Architect N.T.U.A., Researcher in the laboratory of Urban Synthesis N.T.U.A. Michael Proveleggios ArchitectHonorary President: Reverend Fragkiskos Papapmanolis, Catholic Bishop of Syros and Milos, Bishop of Santorini and Apostolic Administrator of Crete

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principal scientific commitee

Furthermore, the Institute benefits from ad hoc collaboration with the following ap-pointed committee members:

1. Aggelidis Minas, Professor, NTUA2. Avgerinou Sofia, Professor, NTUA 3. Veremis Thanos, Professor, UOA, President of the National Educational Board (ESYP)4. Georgitsogianni Evangelia, Professor, Harokopeion University 5. Darzentas Ioannis, Professor, Aegean University 6. Zerefos Christos, UOA Professor, Member of the Academy of Athens7. Theodoropoulou Eleni, Professor, Harokopeion University 8. Kontogiannopoulou Georgia, Professor, UOA 9. Maistrou Eleni, Professor, Dean of the School of Architecture, NTUA10. Menoudakos Constantinos, President of the Council of State11. Morfakidis Morfos, Professor in the University of Granada, Spain12. Beriatos Ilias, Professor, University of Thessaly13. Botsiou Konstantina, Professor, University of Peloponnesus14. Pataryias Panagiotis, Professor, University of Peloponnesus15. Panagiotopoulos Themis, Professor, University of Peireus16. Polydoridis Nikos, Professor, University of Patras17. Prevelakis Georgios, Professor, Sorbonne University, Paris, France18. Rimbert Sylvie, Emeritus Professor, University of Strasbourg, France19. Sideris Dimitris, Emeritus Professor, University of Ioannina20. Stathakopoulos Panos, Professor, AUTH21. Stathopoulos Theodore, Professor, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada22. Touliatos Panagiotis, Emeritus Professor, NTUA23. Tripodakis Alexander, Professor, University of Crete24. Chatzopoulos Vasilis, Professor, University of Trace25. Chatzopoulos Miltiadis, National Research Institute, Member of the Academy of France

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scientific advisors and collaborators

1. Vasilara Arhontoula, Phd Architect, NTUA2. Vlahadi Maria, Lecturer, University of Crete3. Georgilakis Markos, Professor, Athens School of Fine Arts4. Crescenzi Edith, Professor, Ecole Superieur d’ Architecture, Paris LaVillete, France5. Daleziou Maria, Art Historian6. Dounavi Loukritia, Literateur-Poet7. Zaharopoulos Ilias, Professor, NTUA8. Kaldis Panagiotis, Professor, TEI Athens9. Kapetanaki Briassoulis Helen, Professor, Aegean University10. Karagiannis Stefanos, Associate Professor University of Central Greece11. Kokkosis John, Professor, Aegean University12. Kosmopoulos Panos, Associate Professor University of Thrace13. Kotsonis John, Artist14. Koulouras Babis, Reporter15. Kotsi Aggeliki, Professor, TEI Athens16. Lettinga Gatze, Emeritus Professor Wageningen University, Netherlands17. Maratou Theodora, Architect, PhD NTUA18. Mitoulas Nikos, Educator, PhD NTUA19. Botsari Evanthia, Professor, ASPETE20. Briassoulis Demetres, Professor, School of Agriculture21. Brisnovali Angeliki, Assistant Professor, Aegean University 22. Economou Agesilaos Environmentalist, PhD NTUA.23. Papaioannou Tassis Professor NTUA24. Papanikolaou Kyparissia, Assistant Professor ASPETE25. Proveleggios Stefanos MD, Director, Orthopaedic Clinic, LAIKO Hospital26. Robin Christelle Prof. Ecole Sup. d’ Archit. Paris LaVillette27. Rotas John, Economist28. Sakelariou Evangelia, Topographer Engineer29. Samaras Nikos, Professor, TEI Larissa30. Sgoutas Vasillis, former president of UIA31. Sevastakis Dimitris, Assistant Professor, NTUA32. Serraos Konstantinos, Associate Professor, NTUA33. Spiliopoulou Ioanna, Assistant Professor, University of Peloponnesus34. Stefanou Ioulia, Architect, Urban Planner35. Stefanou Vasileia, Professor, Deree College36. Sotiropoulou Anastasia, Professor, ASPETE37. Terkenli Theano, Professor, Aegean University38. Tourkiniotis Panagiotis, Professor, NTUA39. Tsakatika Eleftheria, Lecturer, NTUA40. Chaniotou Eleni, Assistant Professor, NTUA41. Psicharis John, Associate Professor, Panteion University42. Theodoropoulos Georgios, Professor, School of Agriculture

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objectives

The Institute is housed in the Jesuit monastery of Ano Syros and utilizes the mon-astery’s facilities for multiple activities in accordance with the Institute’s objectives. These can be grouped as follows:

1. Academic Research, analysis and evaluation of the cultural significance of the islands of the Aegean in general and Syros in particular throughout history. To that end the Institute openly invites researchers that are actively interested in this sub-ject. The Institute will also provide accommodation for them and make all efforts to facilitate their research for as long as it is necessary. In addition, the Institute will host interdepartmental research groups and will pursue funded research programs pertaining to relevant subject areas (see below). One of the Institute’s aims is to be able to acquire enough resources so as to be able to have its own funded schol-arship programs that will support dissertations, post-graduate degrees, doctoral theses and post-doctoral research programs.

2. Continuing education. Among the Institute’s primary aims is to provide educa-tion in the areas of preservation, conservation, promotion and development of cul-tural heritage and tradition. In this spirit training seminars with university-affiliated academics are organized every year, such as the Interdisciplinary Seminar Series on Sustainable Development, Cultures and Traditions. In addition to specialist semi-nars aimed at researchers and academics the Institute organizes seminars aimed at educating the general public in subjects pertaining to historical and cultural her-itage, and covering an array of disciplines including Philosophy, History, Religion, Social Anthropology, Cultural Geography but also the Arts such as Architecture, Music, Theater, Film etc. Furthermore, in order to retain a constant connection with mainland Greece and the surrounding islands the Institute is fully equipped with the technical facilities to facilitate e-learning and potential use of the Institute’s ed-ucational programs, seminars and conferences in Post-Graduate Programs, Training Sessions, Continuous Education, Lifelong Learning and Distance Learning.

3. Vocational training. Continuous and systematic training is also essential in order to ensure that practical or orally transmitted elements of cultural history and heri-tage are appropriately conserved, restored and protected and to ensure that crafts-men are adequately trained and familiarized with ancient and modern techniques. Building techniques using stone, dry stone wall building, structural design, the coating art of the Cyclades, carpentry, masonry, blacksmithing, bee-keeping, vine growing, semi-arid agriculture etc are all essential parts of local cultural heritage with the potential to become a vital driving force for the development of tradi-tional island economies. The Institute will frequently organize thematic vocational training seminars as part of its educational curriculum. Such seminars may also

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objectives

take place on other islands in order to make this knowledge available to anyone in Cyclades may benefit from it.

4. New approaches to the subject of traditions. A place’s cultural wealth is its historical and traditional heritage. This specific place has inspired the ideas and the love that led its citizens to create one of most unique and significant civilizations, whose heritage spans through the centuries from prehistoric and classical times till today. The heavy moral obligation of preserving and enriching this heritage is now on our shoulders.

In this spirit, the Institute will make every effort to support and promote the living aspects of tradition and facilitate the development of the ever-evolving logos and mythos of the region. The aim is to promote the exploration of contemporary forms of artistic expression that will make use of every aspect of the place and that will approach with fresh eyes (and ears) the aspects of life that gave birth to traditional folk art. The notable local architectural tradition, for example, should be protected and conserved but it should also be approached anew. In this way the more remarkable elements of traditional architecture will be used as material for contemporary architectural approaches that will address practical everyday needs and will create new living architectural traditions. The same goes for artistic, reli-gious, social and every other aspect of tradition that remains alive and that shapes the current cultural identity of the region as a dynamically evolving process.

5.Communication. The Institute aims to make information on subjects of historical and cultural heritage easily available and accessible.

In line with this effort, the following actions have already been implemented: 5.1 Construction of website with specialized forums that will function as a plat-form that will encourage the exchange of ideas and promote discussions on all aspects of Syros’ culture. 5.2 Use of social networking sites (such as facebook, twitter etc) 5.3 Journal publication of specialist academic articles in both printed and online form 5.4 Presentations in local, national and international television and radio

6. Lectures and Events. Invited academics, researchers and scientists from a wide range of disciplines based in Greece and abroad will be visiting the Institute on a regular basis to give open lectures on issues of cultural heritage but also to present

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objectives

their research (or showcase their work in the arts). Already several distinguished scientists (such as members of the Academy of Athens, university professors and members of the National Hellenic Research Foundation) have participated in such actions. At the same time, the Syros Sound Meetings initiative, active since 2012, combines visits and residencies by distinguished artists and theorists with work-shops and concert presentations of their work hosted at the Institute’s premises.

7. Conferences. Among the institute’s plans is to organize and/or host at least one yearly academic conference with a different agenda every year that will focus on showcasing and investigating new theses and practices in the areas of protection, conservation, promotion and development of historical and cultural heritage. In addition the institute will co-organize conferences in collaboration with other insti-tutions. The formation of a Conference committee composed of University Pro-fessors will be formed for this specific task and due to the complications that may arise during the organization of national or international conferences. This commit-tee will propose, organize and monitor the conduction of each conference

8. Publications. All the research and scholarly studies that take place in the context of the Institute’s activities will be documented and disseminated in partnership with collaborating universities. These publications will be available both in elec-tronic and printed form and will become the primary material for the Institute’s library in order to create a specialized academic resource. Also the Institute’s re-search activities will be documented and published in a bilingual academic journal that was launched in 2012, under the title SDCT (Sustainable Development, Cul-ture, Traditions), and is available both online and in printed form. Anyone interested in publishing in the Institute’s Journal should send their scientif-ic paper (in English or Greek) until the 15th of September or the 15th of February of each year. If the paper is accepted by two specialist academics, the writer should provide a translated version of the paper in the second language of the journal in order to be published. Roido Mitoula (e-mail: mitoula@hua.org) is responsible for any publications of the Institute. The web page of the Journal can be found at www.sdct-journal.com.

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9. Participatory initiatives. The Institute’s team of researchers and academic con-sultants will organize specific participatory actions aiming at protecting and pro-moting local cultural heritage. These actions include the following:

9.1 Young people preserve their heritage. As part of this initiative several youth groups, such as sport and culture clubs, student communities etc, are invited to select one specific aspect of local tradition and folklore and become responsible for its conservation and public promotion. For example the local hunting club could take part in conserving, protecting and promoting the area’s caves and water-springs by taking it upon themselves to clean and conserve the specific areas and the foot-paths leading to them but also by becoming responsible for conserving the folk and oral traditions surrounding these areas, including stories, myths, and legends.

9.2 Volunteer work. Groups of volunteers including students, collaborators of the institute as well as locals will take part in excursions in the countryside of Syros and neighbouring islands and will work in repairing, cleaning and restoring minor architectural structures with historical significance such as wells, threshing floors, wine presses, stockades, furnaces etc

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Syros InstituteHistoric Jesuit MonasteryAno Syros, 84100Greece

tel 6974883954email syrosinstitute@gmail.comwww.syrosinstitute.euFacebook: Syros Institute