In honor of the bicentennial of the Greek Revolution, the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation together with TEMES S.A. developed the MORIAS ’21 initiative, inviting Greeks the world over to come together in the Peloponnese and experience the history of the land that became the cradle of the Greek struggle for independence. All this through thematic routes and interactive experiences.

The University of the Peloponnese is responsible for the scientific documentation of the initiative. Professor Nikolaos Zacharias is coordinator; emeritus professor Thanos Veremis and professor Thanasis Christou are the supervisors on matters of documentation.

Via its main message, “This year I, too, am in Morias,” the initiative reveals to the visitor the organic relationship between the Peloponnese and the Greek Revolution of 1821 through thematic routes across emblematic cities, villages and citadels, dwelling towers and ramparts, historical monasteries and warrior lairs, as well as fields where critical battles and political decisions took place in Eastern and Western Mani, Kalamata, Corinth, Monemvasia, Nafplio, Pylos and Tripoli, areas that were selected according to the research of the University of the Peloponnese. The Memoirs of warrior Theodoros Kolokotronis and other written sources provide the historical background of these routes, which will last three, five or seven days. At the same time, other actions will be implemented in the Municipalities of Messini, Oechalia and Trifylia.

Turning memory into a destination and destination into experience, this fascinating journey will be complemented by a series of actions centering on History, Art, Gastronomy and Nature. More specifically:

 

  • History: Using high technology and modern audiovisual media, paintings by Greek and foreign artists donated by the Benaki Museum, the National History Museum and the Folklore Museum of Kalamata will come to life digitally in selected cities of the Peloponnese, accompanied by the narration of the events by their protagonists. Moreover, in collaboration with the George and Victoria Karelia Foundation and the Kalamata Lyceum Club of Greek Women, a presentation of traditional local costumes of the Peloponnese and the Saronic Gulf will take place.
  • Art: Young artists intervene in the urban landscape of selected cities of the Peloponnese, creating contemporary murals (graffiti) on the theme of the Revolution and its heroes.The program is an initiative of the 13th Studio of Painting of the School of Fine Arts. President of the Department of Fine Arts Dr. Erato Hadjisavva is responsible for the historical documentation and artistic supervision of this project.
  • Gastronomy: The eating habits of the warriors of 1821 provide the opportunity for a unique culinary journey across time, in collaboration with the Chambers of the Peloponnese. Inspired by the flavors of the past, endorsed by popular chef Lefteris Lazarou and based on the research carried out by the University of the Peloponnese, the menu, dedicated to 1821, will be available in restaurants across the area. Moreover, the initiative is extending an invitation to all prestigious restaurants in the country to integrate into their menus dishes inspired by the Revolution, to which they have given their own unique creative touch.
  • Nature: Thirty centenarian trees of the Peloponnese narrate important moments of the War of Independence and acquire special signage. In this way, they become living witnesses of the events of that time.

The MORIAS ’21 initiative will develop dynamic collaborations that will promote the Peloponnese’s historical significance and its central role in the Greek Revolution of 1821. These collaborations will be announced very soon. The initiative already enjoys the support of Lamda Development and attica, the Department Store, within the framework of which important actions will be implemented.

Regarding the initiative, chairman of the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation and TEMES S.A. Mr. Achilleas Constantakopoulos said: “It is the duty and responsibility of all those with a vision and the means to participate in this national effort and ensure that our history not only is not forgotten, but it is the strongest lesson from which to build a better future for the next generations. Despite the difficult health and economic conditions we are all experiencing because of the pandemic, we have decided to proceed with the Morias ’21 initiative, contributing to the celebration of the bicentennial of the Greek Revolution. We hope that the stories, experiences and routes we create will be a strong call to Greeks from all over the country and the world to visit the Peloponnese and become part of history, imparting it to the future generations with respect and pride, as the basis of the wisdom we need to go into the future.”

The innovative MORIAS ’21 initiative of the Captain Vassilis & Carmen Constantakopoulos Foundation and TEMES S.A. is under the auspices of the “Greece 2021” Committee and is implemented under the following strategic partners: The Peloponnese Region and the Municipalities of Eastern Mani, Western Mani, Kalamata, Corinth, Monemvasia, Nafplio, Pylos-Nestor, Tripoli, Messini, Oechalia and Trifillia, in collaboration with the “1821-2021 Initiative.”