In the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a memorandum of cooperation was signed for the establishment of a new academic chair at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), dedicated to Alexander the Great.
The chair, titled “Ancient Greek History: Alexander the Great and His Era,” will be part of the Department of History and Archaeology within the Faculty of Philosophy.
The initiative was proposed by Deputy Minister of Interior (Macedonia-Thrace Sector) Konstantinos Gioulekas, who invited five leading institutional organizations in Thessaloniki to fund the new chair: the Hellenic Association of Industries (SBE), the Hellenic Exporters Association (SEVE), the Thessaloniki Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBETH), the Thessaloniki Professional Chamber (EETH), and the Thessaloniki Chamber of Crafts (VETH).
The funding amounts to €48,000 annually for three years, with the possibility of adjustment.
The signing ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Education, Religion and Sports, Sofia Zacharaki, and Deputy Minister Nikos Papaioannou. The chair’s establishment had previously been approved by the Department Assembly (July 22, 2025), the Faculty of Philosophy Council (July 25, 2025), and the AUTH Senate (27 August, 2025).
The chair aims to serve as a research and study center for the era of Alexander the Great, promoting scholarly knowledge, training new researchers in ancient Greek history, strengthening international collaboration with academic and cultural institutions, and highlighting AUTH’s scientific and cultural role internationally.
Deputy Minister Gioulekas emphasized that “the establishment of the chair is a national priority, showcasing the global influence of Greek civilization,” thanking the supporting organizations.
AUTH Rector Professor Kyriakos Anastasiadis stated that the chair will become an international reference point, reinforcing the university’s academic and cultural standing while showcasing the historical heritage of Macedonia and Greece.
