The Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization, invited to the launch of the “Byzantine Thessaloniki” project

November 28^th – 29^th 2018

Over the past two years, a particular emphasis was placed both on underlining the clear and definite historical identity of the city of Thessaloniki, and on efforts to make the municipality engage more with the outside world through the exploitation of its historical itinerary. The Commercial Association of Thessaloniki, the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki and the “Aristotle” University are the authors of an ample initiative titled “Byzantine Thessaloniki,” which frames the historical past of the city as an integral part of its economic development. The Byzantine character of Thessaloniki, evidenced through its culture, traditions, history and collective memory is rightly considered the primary resource for sustainable touristic development.

The Institute for Advanced Studies in Levant Culture and Civilization was invited to attend the official launch of the event, held in Thessaloniki. There, the General Director of the IASLCC, Andreea Grecu–Ciupală, together with the creators of the “Byzantine Thessaloniki” initiative, discussed avenues of cooperation for their common effort to promote Byzantine culture worldwide and to present this common culture as a model capable of promoting sustainable economic development.