‘An integral part of history,’ says Tamis about the final volume of his Hellenes in Australia book

·

Shortly after the third and final volume of his book “Hellenes in Australia”, was published, we caught up with Professor Anastasios Tamis, President of the Australian Institute of Macedonian Studies (AIMS) and Director of the Australian Institute for Hellenic Research, to chat about the book’s thematology and its importance as a legacy for the future generations of Greeks in Australia.

“The first volume, published in 1997, deals with the years from 1830 to 1958. The second volume with the years 1958 to 1974 and the latest one from 1974 to 2016,” explains Professor Tamis.

The third volume of the History of Hellenes in Australia is written in English and in 650 pages, it presents the story of Hellenic settlement and organization, the socio-economic, cultural and religious trends as well as the achievements attained by more than 540,000 Australians of Hellenic background in Australia, between the years 1974 to 2016.

“This volume is the most important one, as it describes the emergence of the middle class. Prior to 1974, most of the -otherwise intelligent and curious- Greek and Cypriot immigrants who arrived in Australia were unskilled workers and farmers. There was no leadership.”

“After the first years of survival, when their children established themselves and adapted to the Australian culture, they claimed positions of influence and thus created, the so-called middle class. This was only due to the sacrifice of the first generation of Greek immigrants. Today, these children are the ones who lead Greek organisations, unions and communities,” said the Greek academic.

But why is a book about Hellenes in Australia written in English?

“Because the children and grandchildren of those first immigrants must read it,

“The content of this book is an integral part of Australia’s and Greece’s national history,” he said, adding that “unfortunately, the Greek language skills they have are not sufficient for them to understand historical or spiritual books”.

“The Greek language, is a bet we’ve lost. Yet, it is of great importance for the Australian-born children and grandchildren to read and learn about the history written by their own parents and grandparents,” Professor Tamis concludes.

Professor Tamis’ book will be launched as part of The Greek Festival of Sydney on Thursday, April 14 at the Marrickville Town Hall at 6.30pm. The NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP, will be launching the book.

Bookings are essential here.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Sydney remembers Cyprus’ fight for freedom ahead of National Day anniversary

Cypriot and Greek Australians gathered in solemn remembrance on Sunday, 30 March, for a memorial service marking Cyprus National Day.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA celebrates 204th year of Greek Independence

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia commemorated Greek Independence Day with joyous festivities on Sunday, 30 March.

From alleyway to legacy: Coburg’s Kastoria Lane project gains momentum

Merri-bek City Council has greenlit public consultation for the naming of Kastoria Lane, a project set to transform a neglected alleyway.

Burwood Council celebrates Greek National Day with local community

On Wednesday, March 26, Burwood Council hosted its annual Greek National Day celebrations, marking the 1821 start of Greece's Revolution.

Canberra remembers Greece’s fight for freedom with wreath laying and cultural display

On Sunday, Canberra’s Greek community came together to celebrate one of the biggest celebrations in Greek history, Independence Day.

You May Also Like

Maria Alexiadis no longer President of Karate Victoria

Due to "ongoing governance issues," Maria Alexiadis is no longer the President of Karate Victoria and she won't be on the board.

Klearhos Murphy named 2023 Young Composer of the Year

Willoughby Symphony Orchestra (WSO) has announced its Young Composer of the Year for 2023 is Klearhos Murphy.

Greek and Cypriot contestants on The Block 2020 reveal their strong bond

We touched base with Harry and Tash Pavlou from Melbourne and George and Sarah Bragias from Sydney to see how they’re coping.