Visit to Pylos by a delegation of the Committee "Greece 2021"
SPOTLIGHT

Visit to Pylos by a delegation of the Committee "Greece 2021"

  • The Committee “Greece 2021” visited Pylos of the Battle of Navarino which paved the way to freedom for the Greeks
    Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki: The anniversary of 2021 is the portal that leads us into the next century of our modern history
  •  A Committee "Greece 2021" delegation visited Pylos, where, in 1827, the historic Battle of Navarino led to the destruction of the conqueror's fleet and paved the way for long-desired freedom for the Greeks.

"In the Battle of Navarino, the geopolitical games of history favored us. The Great Powers helped us. But we must not rely on luck alone. We have to acknowledge that we are the masters of our own fate. And as we have demonstrated throughout our history, we can endure, despite the difficulties, and move forward", said Committee President Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki and added: "Here in Pylos, in Maniaki, one can appreciate the greatness of Papaflessas' sacrifice. Of the chieftain-holy man, the hero of the Revolution who forced Ibrahim to kneel by his lifeless body and, in this way, declare his infinite respect."

Committee Assembly members professors Paschalis Kitromilidis and Despoina Mouzaki participated in the delegation.

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From Pylos of the Revolution to Pylos of progress

The Mayor of Pylos-Nestor Panagiotis Karvelas welcomed the President and the Members of the Assembly at the 3 Admirals Square. "Pylos is a historical, sacred place that symbolizes the immortal Greek spirit through the ages. It was here, 193 years ago, that the Battle sealed the establishment of the modern Greek State, justifying the sacrifices of the Greeks," said Mayor Mr. Karvelas.

However, Pylos is a reference point for the Revolution and, also, for the present and the future, a fact on which much of the discussion the Committee delegation had with representatives of the local community was focused. The participants in the discussion were, among others and in addition to the Mayor of Pylos, the Mayor of Trifylia Georgios Leventakis, the Regional Vice Governor of Messinia Stathis Anastassopoulos, cultural and business associations from Koroni, Methoni, and Maniaki, as well as the Director of Development and Marketing of the TEMES Group, Maria Papatsoni.

During the discussion, it was stressed that the city's exceptional architecture, the area's archaeological sites, the museums, the unique lagoon of Yalova, and the top rate hotels have ascertained the area's role as a major tourist, transportation, and commercial center. "We are moving vigorously towards 2021, seeking growth and progress. We live in an area where the Revolution of 1821 grew roots. The entire Region of Peloponnese is filled with vivid memories of the events, a fact we must wisely evaluate and elaborate," said Regional Vice Governor Mr. Anastassopoulos.

In her statement, the President of the Committee urged all those present to proceed with synergies in order to maximize the benefits that result from each area's distinct characteristics. In particular, she referred to the distinguished Mediterranean food products of the region, such as oil, olives, figs, wine, and raisins. "We must create transactions, collaborations between the local producers. Demonstrate exceptional traditional techniques. And regard 2021 as the portal through which we enter the next century of our modern history," she said.

"Our interaction with the places we visit and the people we meet is a lesson for us. We learn new things about the history of each place. And we witness how progress is coming based on the productive wealth of each region", stressed Paschalis Kitromilidis during the visit. "This place, with its historical and symbolic significance, was and is an inspiration to us. Through tourism, green development, and its proposals, Pylos provides us with the confidence we need to face the future," said Despoina Mouzaki.

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The proposals of Pylos for the 200 years focus on Navarino and Maniaki

For the bicentennial of the Revolution, the Municipality of Pylos-Nestor has submitted to the Committee "Greece 2021" two proposals, with which it plans to honor the two important historical events that took place in the region. The first proposal concerns the reenactment of the Battle of Navarino. The second is associated with the Battle of Maniaki. It involves creating a monument for the preservation of Papaflessa's remains at the spot where the great hero of the Revolution lost his life.

The Committee delegation visited the famous Castle of Pylos (Niokastro), where they toured the Church of Transfiguration (Metamorphosis Sotiros) and the two museums located inside the Castle. The Museum of Underwater Antiquities, the first museum for the exhibition of underwater archaeological finds in Greece, and the Archaeological Museum.

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