Stavros Niarchos Foundation Centre for Hellenic Studies

The SNF Centre for Hellenic Studies, along with the SNF New Media Lab, is dedicated to bringing the latest in mobile technology and pedagogy to the teaching and learning of Greek, and seeks to promote a better understanding of Hellenism in the community by staging events for academic and lay audiences throughout the year. At its core, the Centre focuses and supports research at SFU on Hellenic topics, from Antiquity to present-day Greece, through grants and postdoctoral fellowships. At the same time, the Centre supports undergraduate and graduate studies on Greece's history, language and culture through its home department of Global Humanities.

SNF CENTRE EVENTS

Looking for recordings of our previous events?

Visit our YouTube channel.

Updates from Gefyra

Geraki Weaving Collective | Part 9: Weavers and the Land

Mayor Dimos Verdos, of the Municipality of Evrotas, to which Geraki belongs, mentioned that Geraki is an agricultural community primarily sustained by income from olive trees, olive oil, and other citrus fruits. Despite the agricultural focus, there is growing concern about the impact of climate change on the region. Mayor Verdos mentioned that it is imperative to conduct studies aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change, addressing the apprehensions surrounding its potential impact on production, employment, and the way of life in the villages.

Geraki Weaving Collective | Part 8: Weaving for Dowries

In Geraki, as in many villages, it was customary for kilims to be included in dowries. Dowries were frequently showcased to the community, serving as a display of the gifts exchanged between families. Weddings were once week-long celebrations, during which the dowries, including woven items like kilims, were exhibited in the village. Nevertheless, kilims from Geraki were sought-after items for dowries beyond the village. Individuals familiar with the reputation of Geraki kilims would specifically travel to the village to place orders. This was because the weavers in Geraki were renowned for their expertise in operating looms, utilizing high-quality dyes and materials, and demonstrating exceptional skill in crafting kilims of superior quality.