Introduction
In English
In Greek
The Founding of EKA and its history
to the end of the 19th Century
In English
In Greek
EKA in the 20th century
In English
In Greek
EKA today
In English
In Greek
Past Presidents and Committee members of EKA
In English
In Greek
The Alexander the Great Centre of Post-Graduate Studies and Research
The Alexander the Great Centre of Post-Graduate Studies and Research, Alexandria, Egypt
Of all the places in the world which conjure up an image of Hellenistic culture and history, Alexandria, Egypt must surely create one of the most vivid. Since its foundation by Alexander the Great, Alexandria has always known an Hellenic presence, a presence which has had a profound effect upon the city, its life, its society, its history - and which can still be seen and felt today. The Hellenic Community of Alexandria (EKA) believes that this Hellenic presence should be preserved and that the cultural ties between Egypt and the Hellenes should be strengthened.
To this end we propose that a Centre of Post-Graduate Studies and Research, bearing the name "Alexander the Great" be founded in Alexandria.The buildings of the last Greek Quarter of Chatby, Alexandria stand as a monument to the greatness of the Hellenic past and the creative, philanthropic and altruistic nature of the Hellenic Community. It is these buildings, entirely owned by EKA, which we propose be renovated and put once again to a practical and creative purpose.
The First Step :
The Signing of an Official Agreement between the Greek State and EKA
(The Greek Foreign Minister, Mr. Theodoros Pangalos, being greeted upon his arrival to the Greek quarter of Chatby by Stefanos P. Tamvakis, President of EKA, Charalambos Katsimbris, Secretary of EKA and other members of the EKA Board.)22nd February 1998
It was with great enthusiasm that the Greeks of Alexandria welcomed the Greek Foreign Minister, Mr. Theodoros Pangalos, to Alexandria, for the signing of an agreement which marks a significant step towards the realisation of Alexander the Great Centre of Post Graduate Studies and Research.
The agreement between was signed in the Julia Salvagou Theatre within the Greek Quarter of Chatby by Mr. Pangalos, on behalf of the Greek State, and Mr. Stefanos P. Tamvakis, President of the Hellenic Community of Alexandria (EKA) and Regional President of SAE Asia-Africa, on behalf of the Hellenic Community.
Also present was H.B. Petros VII, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Mr. G. Asimakopoulos, Ambassador to Greece in Cairo, Mr. G. Papadopoulos, Greek Consul General in Alexandria, Mr. Vias Kyriakidis, Cypriot Consul in Alexandria, the Executive Board of EKA and members of the Greek community.
In the agreement the Greek government states its intention to proceed with plans for the establishment of the Alexander the Great Centre of Post Graduate Studies and Research in Alexandria, so realising an idea which was put forward many years ago by EKA. For its part, EKA expresses its intention to take part in the foundation, organisation and running of the Centre making available whatever tangible and financial contributions are within its means.
It is stated in the agreement that EKA will make available the necessary buildings of the Greek quarter in Alexander the Great Street, Chatby, which are wholly owned by EKA, for the housing of the Centre. The choice of which specific buildings will be utilised will be made by specialists and agreed upon by both sides and in accordance with the operational requirements of the Centre.
The Greek government will take on the technical work of repair and renovation and will make every necessary effort to support the maintenance costs of the buildings.
(Mr. Theodoros Pangalos, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs in this commemorative photograph with H.B. Petros VII, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and all Africa, Mr. G. Asimakopoulos Ambassador to Greece in Cairo, Mr. G. Papadopoulos, Consul General to Greece in Alexandria, Stefanos, P. Tamvakis, President of EKA and Regional President of SAE Asia-Africa and members of the Executive Board of EKA : Isidoros Vafeiadis, Ioannis Zachos, Michalis Arslanidis, Charalambos Katsimbris, Charalambos Charalambidis.)EKA will afford the Centre use of these building for as long as the Centre is in existence without financial recompense.
Any change in the nature of the use of the buildings or use by a third party must be agreed upon beforehand by EKA.
We look forward to further discussion and agreements between the parties to ensure the quickest and most efficient establishment and running of the Centre.
