On September 27, 2025, a significant literary event took place at the John Kapodistrias Amphitheater of the War Museum, where the book «Nikitaras Hero and Hubris – In the Pantheon of Heroes» by Zacharoula Papadaki was presented. The event drew a large audience, highlighting the importance of the subject matter. The foyer of the museum showcased a rare collection of historical artifacts from Spyros Katsiras, organized by the Cultural Association «Ellinomnimon,» which breathed life into the history of the 1821 struggle for Greece’s liberation.
This book serves as a tribute to a lesser-known hero, Nikitaras, who played a crucial role in the historical narrative of Greece. Esteemed experts in history, national politics, international relations, geopolitics, and strategy spoke at the event, enriching the discussion surrounding the book. Papadaki expressed her heartfelt gratitude to these scholars, emphasizing how their contributions illuminated the historical truths within her work.
Among the speakers were:
– Ioannis Matzis, Emeritus Professor of Economic Geography and Geopolitics at the National and Kapodistrian University, who is also an author, painter, and poet.
– Konstantinos Grivas, Professor of Geopolitics at the Hellenic Military Academy.
– Periklis Nearchos, former ambassador.
– Ismini Kriari, Emeritus Professor and former Rector of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences.
– Nicoleta Zigouri, historian and doctoral candidate, who served as the historical editor of the book.
The event also featured greetings from notable figures, including:
– Konstantinos Karamesinis, President of the War Museum.
– Dimitrios Ptochos, Regional Governor of Peloponnese.
– Dimitrios Schoinohoritis, President of the Development Organization of Peloponnese.
– Anastasios Liaskos, former Deputy Minister of Tourism and former President of the War Museum.
– Nina Diakovalasili, President of the UNESCO Arts, Letters, and Sciences Association of Greece.
– Maria Spiliotopoulou, Director of the Center for Research of Modern Greek History at the Academy of Athens.
– Stefanos Nikitas Stamatelopoulos, a descendant of Nikitas Stamatelopoulos.
– Konstantinos Chatzidakis, retired Special Forces officer.
– Father Vasileios Verginadis, representative and priest from Nikitaras’s birthplace, Nedousa, Messinia.
In a heartfelt announcement, Papadaki expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed to the completion, presentation, and promotion of the book. She poignantly stated, «With the pen of my heart, I sign this work as a tribute to the ‘Martyr of Truth,’ Nikitas Stamatelopoulos-Nikitaras.» She hopes that this collective effort will find its way into homes, schools, universities, and cultural spaces, emphasizing the importance of preserving history for future generations.
Papadaki stressed the sacred duty to respect and transmit history, particularly to the younger generation, who must take up the mantle of education and become steadfast builders of bridges in the world. She urged that history should be maintained in our memories to narrate the past, breathe in the present, and guide us toward a healthy future for a secure society.
The event concluded with a video presentation, further enriching the experience for attendees.
