The Greek Culture Ministry announced that it would be prioritizing the restoration and protection of key cultural landmarks in the region in Thrace, northern Greece.
“Culture in Thrace is a pillar of identity, progress and national pride,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during a recent visit to the region.
Mendoni inspected the progress of works at the Bayezid Mosque in Didymoteicho, and visited the archaeological site of Plotinopolis, where excavation and protective works are underway. She was also briefed on a major project to protect and promote the burial mound of Mikri Doxipara-Zone near Orestiada, one of the region’s most significant archaeological sites.
The Bayezid Mosque in Didymoteicho, Greece. Photo: Greek Culture Ministry
In a statement the Culture Ministry said the projects were aimed at showcasing Thrace’s archaeological and architectural heritage while contributing to more balanced regional development and bringing greater attention to the cultural wealth of Greece’s remote northern areas.
In addition to the archaeological monuments, Mendoni also visited two former primary schools that are being transformed into museums as part of the Evros Rural Museums Network, currently under development by the Culture Ministry in collaboration with the Ethnological Museum of Thrace.
The network aims to preserve and showcase the region’s intangible cultural heritage and the traditions that have shaped life in the villages of Evros.
A mosaic in Plotinopolis, an ancient Roman city in Thrace. Photo: Greek Culture Ministry
In Karoti, the former primary school will become a museum dedicated to the region’s distinctive “musical ecosystem”, exploring the musical traditions and networks of Thrace. The exhibition will also feature prominent figures such as celebrated Thracian musician and singer Chronis Aidonidis.
In nearby Ptelea, another former school will be transformed into a museum dedicated to the region’s rich weaving tradition. The traditional weaving process will be featured in three different exhibition halls.
The two rural museum projects have a combined budget of 205,000 euros, financed through national resources.
