In a series of seminars through October 28, Dr Constantinos Hatzidimitriou, invited by the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS), will look at the historical significance of America’s role in the Greek Revolution of 1821 and on the tragic events surrounding the Smyrna disaster. 1922.
An esteemed scholar with a doctorate in Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Greek history from Columbia University, and also the recipient of the 2023 Christos Mantzios Visiting Scholar Award, Dr. Hatzidimitriou will also expand on the role of Eleftherios Venizelos in the Asia campaign Minor, as recorded in US records.
As a specialist in the history of Asia Minor, Dr. Hatzidimitriou is also affiliated with the American Hellenic Institute and St. John’s University in New York. He is the author of numerous books and articles, with ongoing projects relating to the Philhellenes during the Greek Revolution and Central Greece during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
His tour began yesterday with a seminar at the Lyceum Theater at Alphington Grammar on “The role of Eleftherios Venizelos in the Asia Minor expedition and its results”, with insights from historian Terry Stavridis and moderation by Professor Anastasios Mr. Tamis.
Events to follow:
Wednesday October 25: A public lecture titled “Understanding Two Important Commemorations: America’s Involvement in the Greek Revolution of 1821 and the Smyrna Disaster of 1922” will be presented at the Lyceum Theater at Alphington Grammar, targeting students in grades 10 and 11.
Friday October 27: Dr Hatzidimitriou will give a lecture at the Lyceum Theater at Alphington Grammar, exploring ‘Who Destroyed Christianity in Asia Minor’, aimed at students, teachers and the general public.
Sunday October 29: A public lecture on the same theme as the October 25 event will take place at the Greek Community of Sydney and NSW hall in Lakemba, organized by GOCNSW and AHEPA.
Monday October 30: Dr Hatzidimitriou will lead a seminar at the University of Sydney, organized by the Department of Modern Greek Studies, focusing on ‘The role of Eleftherios Venizelos in the Asia Minor expedition and its results’.
Wednesday November 1: The final public lecture on the same topic will be presented at the Alexander Theater at the Hellenic Club in Canberra.
Dr Hatzidimitriou’s lectures and events are supported by AIMS in collaboration with the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV), Alphington Grammar School, the National Research Foundation branch “Eleftherios K. Venizelos”, the Cultural Center Palamas of AHEPA, the Greek Community of Sydney and New South Wales, the Sydney Greek Festival, the Hellenic Club of Canberra and benefactor Kostas Tsoulias.