ASSOCIATION OF GREEK ARCHAEOLOGISTS
Ermou 136, 10553, Athens. Tel-Fax.: 2103252214, E-mail:archaeol@otenet.gr, www.sea.org.gr
Athens, 2/7/2018
Pr. Number: 154
The Association of Greek Archaeologists expresses its deep concern at the possibility of the closure of the Norwegian Institute of Athens. The N.I.A. was founded in 1989 as the fourteenth archaeological school of the eighteen now active in our country. The establishment of archaeological schools and research institutes typically contributes to cultural interaction and scientific dialogue between researchers while promoting research in the field of humanities.
During almost 30 yearsof its operation, NIA has had uninterrupted research activity, reflected in its excavations projects and scientific publications. Despite its limited infrastructure, compared to other foreign research institutes in Athens, NIA is a gravity-well of attraction for Greek and foreign researchers alike, with a series of seminars and lectures organized in its small but hospitable space. NIA has been highly productive and often even a pioneer in Greek archaeological research. Among the programs in which NIA was involved, we mention, among others, a) the excavation at the sanctuary of Athina Alea in Tegea, Arcadia, which is one of the most emblematic archaeological sites in southern Greece; b) the program focused on the Kastro Apalirou fortress on Naxos, which represents a case of pioneering research on the period of medieval Dark Ages in the Aegean, c) the Aegean and Ionian underwater surveys, and many others.
Needless to say, there is an extremely wide space for expansion and further development of Norwegian research in Greece, especially in the field of medieval studies, where there is a point of cultural contact between our two countries.
At the same time, NIA, as demonstrated by its actions, aspires to be active in other aspects of humanities and in research other than only archeology, for example, in the study of the recent immigration issues.
The Association of Greek Archaeologists addresses this appeal to the pertinent Norwegian authorities and invites them to reflect on the negative consequences of the possible closure of the Norwegian Institute at Athens, both at the level of strengthening international and bilateral relations and for the cultivation of classical and humanistic studies in a difficult period for Greece and Europe.
During almost 30 yearsof its operation, NIA has had uninterrupted research activity, reflected in its excavations projects and scientific publications. Despite its limited infrastructure, compared to other foreign research institutes in Athens, NIA is a gravity-well of attraction for Greek and foreign researchers alike, with a series of seminars and lectures organized in its small but hospitable space. NIA has been highly productive and often even a pioneer in Greek archaeological research. Among the programs in which NIA was involved, we mention, among others, a) the excavation at the sanctuary of Athina Alea in Tegea, Arcadia, which is one of the most emblematic archaeological sites in southern Greece; b) the program focused on the Kastro Apalirou fortress on Naxos, which represents a case of pioneering research on the period of medieval Dark Ages in the Aegean, c) the Aegean and Ionian underwater surveys, and many others.
Needless to say, there is an extremely wide space for expansion and further development of Norwegian research in Greece, especially in the field of medieval studies, where there is a point of cultural contact between our two countries.
At the same time, NIA, as demonstrated by its actions, aspires to be active in other aspects of humanities and in research other than only archeology, for example, in the study of the recent immigration issues.
The Association of Greek Archaeologists addresses this appeal to the pertinent Norwegian authorities and invites them to reflect on the negative consequences of the possible closure of the Norwegian Institute at Athens, both at the level of strengthening international and bilateral relations and for the cultivation of classical and humanistic studies in a difficult period for Greece and Europe.
FOR THE BOARD
THE PRESIDENT THE GENERAL SECRETARY
TOULA MARKETOU THEMISTOKLIS VAKOULIS
TOULA MARKETOU THEMISTOKLIS VAKOULIS