What did he say about the subject of events in archaeological sites
The Minister of Culture, Lina Mendonigave a special interview to Ertnews’s “In the Center” show. On the occasion of the presentation of the album of photographs of internationally renowned photographer Robert Mchakeb, Mrs Mendoni discussed with journalist George Kouvaras from him Delphi archaeological sitefocusing on the challenges and possibilities that exist for the promotion of ancient Greek heritage.
Among other things, the Minister of Culture likened the archaeological sites with living organisms that want care and “Due to their aging they need and from care“, Describing them as” a perpetual inspiration for modern creators. ” Talking about Robert McKeib, He said that ‘because of him, we have a ark of historical evidence for the archaeological site [των Δελφών]with the monuments, with the guards, with the people who are here at that time, “something we are” really grateful “for him.
“Our goal and a key policy is for archaeological sites to join the daily lives of Greek citizens. Be inclusive, accessible, transmit their emotion and values to our fellow citizens and of course thousands of visitors. I think in recent years many steps have been taken in this direction. After all, what I always said, even in my lessons, is that our archaeological sites, our monuments, are like humans. They are living organisms, who want care, they want emotion, they want the right approach as a human being wants it, and of course because of their age they need care. So at some point, when projects are done, they are more or less intense or a milder recovery process, in order to deliver them to the principles of sustainable development, if possible, if possible than we received, “Ms Mendoni said, answering a question about whether they were alive today.
Asked if the Greeks have an experiential relationship with archaeological sites, he said that “all this is directly related to the family from which everyone comes from education.”
“But if we do the report at the end of the day, I think Greeks are particularly interested in their cultural heritage, they love their cultural heritage. And when one trusts them, then they protect it. In general I absolutely believe, this is what international conventions say, but we see it … That an archaeological site, a monument, is much better protected when the society surrounding it, the local community, feels it. And I see this quite a bit here in Delphi, “Ms Mendoni underlined, explaining that for this reason,” we take care of our archaeological sites anymore that more events that connect the then today. Events related to our contemporary artistic creation. “
«Why? Why our archaeological sites and tradition are a perpetual inspiration for modern creators“, The Minister of Culture stressed, adding that” a modern event, as the artist will see, often helps the specialist scientist to perform the space better. So it’s a win win approach and that’s our policy. “
Referring to the subject of events in the archaeological sites, Mrs Mendoni noted that there are two approaches to the subject: “They are really people who are very conservative and believe that monuments should not use them, not integrate them into modern creation, not integrate them into our daily lives. I think this has been overcome by the events themselves, the quality they create and the emotion created by these events. On the other hand, the monuments need the required respect. There must be a measure. And I think that the international conventions that our country has adopted for several years, primarily the Valletta Convention, as well as the archaeological law of ours, gives all these outlets really in an exemplary way. We must use the monuments. The monuments must be alive, host events, but these events are compatible with the values and symbols that the monuments themselves emit».
Called to say what he would say to a young man who would tell her that she wanted to become an archaeologist, Mrs Mendoni said that what she would say to him is that “if she really loves the past, the roots, what connects us to today, because in fact, our cultural heritage is in fact, our cultural heritage, […] If we want to have a better and sustainable future, we need to know our history, our tradition, the symbols that emit our monuments, the presumption themselves we see right now. And of course let us not forget that the offering of archaeologists, the archaeological service and the industry in general is very important in development, because culture is directly intertwined and associated with the development perspective and dynamics of every local community and ultimately in our country. “
Speaking on the issue of advertising the sports shoe over the Acropolis, the Minister of Culture explained that “The lawsuit was imperative because of the clear violation of archaeological law“But that the infringement was not about the Acropolis but the Zappeion.
“The Zappeion, which is a major younger monument and which it should – in essence – have to inform the Ministry of Culture. This shoe, of course, was not above the Acropolis, but the photos were traded by some – and here is an issue for themselves – are the ones who have caused morality, if you will, damage to the Acropolis.“, Mrs Mendoni said and asked:” Those who have traded the image have no responsibility on the moral level? “
Concerning the number of tourists, the Minister of Culture said that “There are no more tails of tourists on the Acropolis thanks to traffic zones».
“The whole day of the visit, from 8am to 8pm, is divided into zones by one hour and depending on the time and demand a high level of visitors has been adjusted. […] For a year now, this has been applied to all areas that have great traffic. “
He also announced that the old Acropolis Museum will be rendered at the end of the first half of 2026while the project in Tatoi said the first phase would be completed in 2026.
«In recent years, significant steps have been taken to reunite the Parthenon sculptures, […] Discussions with the British Museum are not easy. We are doing well“, The minister finally said, adding that the Ministry of Culture implements more than 850 projects totaling € 1.3 billion.