BROOKLINE, MA – The Maliotis Cultural Center hosted a landmark event celebrating its new partnership with the Benaki Museum of Athens, paying tribute to the rich history of Asia Minor Hellenism. Attendees were taken on a virtual tour of the Benaki Museum’s critically acclaimed exhibition, Asia Minor Hellenism: Heyday-Catastrophe-Displacement-Rebirth, presented by Dr. George Manginis, Academic Director of the Benaki Museum.

Dr. Manginis guided the audience through the exhibition with captivating 360-degree panoramic visuals. “Asia Minor isn’t just a geographical location,” he explained. “It’s part of history—50% of the Greek population has roots in Asia Minor.”

The exhibition, which took four years to complete, highlights four major regions of Asia Minor: Smyrna, Cappadocia, Pontus, and Thrace, showcasing aspects of everyday life, education, religion, and sports within these communities. While focusing on Asia Minor’s prosperous periods, it also explores the tragedy of the Smyrna Catastrophe and its aftermath.

In collaboration with the Center for Asia Minor Studies and curator Evita Arapoglou, the Benaki Museum brings these stories to life. Manginis shared, “300,000 stories, photos, and interviews were preserved by Octave and Melpo Merlie, forming an archive that stands as a testament to the survival of these communities.” The most emotional moments of the exhibition, according to Manginis, occur when visitors recognize images of their relatives.

The event drew a diverse group of attendees, including His Grace Bishop Anthony of Synada, Acting Dean of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, as well as prominent members of the Greek-American community, scholars, and students from Boston’s universities.

From left to right: George Manginis, Inge Nikolaou, George Cantonis, Chrysoula Kourkounti, Nikos Trivoulidis, Marilena Gropatsakis, photo by: Maliotis Cultural Center

A key highlight of the evening was the formal celebration of the new partnership between the Maliotis Cultural Center and the Benaki Museum, solidified on August 1, 2024. The collaboration aims to promote Greek cultural heritage worldwide, fostering a deeper understanding of Hellenic history and strengthening connections within the Greek diaspora. Nikos Trivoulidis, Development Director of the Benaki Museum, and Inga Nikolaou from the Benaki Museum underscored the importance of this collaboration. “The Benaki Museum has always aimed to broaden its reach and share Hellenic culture beyond Greece’s borders,” remarked Trivoulidis, who played a key role in establishing the partnership. “We never overpromise; we never underdeliver,” he added, emphasizing the significance of the initiative.

Chrysoula Kourkounti, Executive Director of the Maliotis Cultural Center, also expressed her enthusiasm. “We are honored to begin this collaboration with such a significant exhibition that reflects our commitment to broadening the reach of Greek cultural experiences in America,” she said.

Looking ahead, George Cantonis, former president of Hellenic College Holy Cross and a key figure in realizing the collaboration, highlighted the exciting opportunities this partnership presents. “This collaboration offers the Greek American community and the broader American public a unique opportunity to deeply engage with Greek history and culture.”

The exhibition, which was first showcased in Nashville, TN, will continue to grow as the partnership plans future exhibitions, cultural programs, and educational initiatives. As the evening concluded, attendees gathered for a reception, reflecting on the powerful stories shared and the promising future of the collaboration.

The 360 virtual tour of the exhibition will be available to the public in December 2024.