General Director: Aristodimos Paraschou Human Resources: Olympia Datsi Press Officer: Korina Branioti Managers: Matteo Scarpa, Jelena Vujanovic
The volunteers responsible for this publication are hosted in Greece in the framework of the European Youth in Action programme, Action 2 - European Voluntary Service. This project has been funded with support from the European Commision. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commision can not be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
1st of June
E
Children’s Day
verybody knows that the 1st of June is the International Children’s Day. This day is recognized in many countries in order to honor children globally. In many places, children’s rights are abused, especially in case of African countries. Today we have so many facts about what’s happening there and in many cases we cannot protect them. The main problems are, first, violence, second, the use of child labor and third, homeless children and Orphans’ Homes where nurses are often very harsh. How to solve these problems? UN Children’s Founds work on this but in many occasions it is not enough. The main reason for that is that the civil society mentality traditions gender balance. If the world’s societies will stand up against these problems together, I think we can save the children’s future. Let’s have a look at a short history of the Children’s Day.
T
he International Day for the Protection of Children, observed in many countries as Children’s Day on June 1st since 1950, was established by the Women’s International Democratic Federation on its congress in Moscow on 22nd November 1949. This day is observed to promote the objectives outlined in the charter and for the welfare of children. On November 20th in 1958 the United Nations adopted the declaration of the Rights of the Child. The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child in November 1989. In September 2012, the Secretary-General Ban ki-moon of the United Nations led the initiative for the education of children. He firstly wants every child to able to attend school, a goal be 2015. Secondly to improve the skill set acquired in these schools. Because of in the world many children’s does not know write and read. I think in the
21st century this should not be a problem, but unfortunately this problem exists. Many volunteers go into some countries to give them education, with the UN support, of course. International Children’s Day is not simply a day to celebrate children for who they are. It is just a day for bringing awareness to children around the world who have succumbed to violence in forms of conflicts especial in African countries, living on streets, suffering for manner of religion, minorities’ issues, or disabilities. About more children’s labor currently there are about 153 million children between ages of 5 and 14 who are forced into child labor. Also I want to write one important issue it is about child prostitution and child pornography. This is really awful. It’s the same as selling drugs. They are destroying their future. The international Labor organiza-
tion in 1999 adopted the Prohibition and Elimination of the worst Forms of child labor including slavery, child prostitution and Child pornography. The problem with the child soldiery starts from 1990 year in many African countries Somalia, Sudan, Liberia, Ethiopia, Mali, after eastern Asia Pakistan, Libya, Yemen, and Syria. In these countries government is military dictatorship, many military bands and they use children’s like soldiers. Today human right watch estimate that 200,000 to 300,000 children are currently serving as soldiers and most part in African countries. You will agree that the statistics are really a serious warning. And what we can do? P.S. I hope step by step our world civil society will reach the development on a level, where children’s rights will be defended and their future will be relatively safe. Badri Pataraia
“Brain Drain”:
The new emigration phenomenon
M
igration issues have always been at the heart of the Greek reality; about half a century ago, the first wave of emigration from Greece was referred by the international community as a mass exodus of unskilled workers and farmers that were searching for a better life in European countries. Today, the country faces another kind of migration that is called as “brain drain” or “brain circulation” and includes a “flee” of young scientists, who leave the less developed countries in order to find most promising jobs in more developed countries. The “brain drain” is not a new phenomenoni; actually, one can find the first references since the period of the Ancient Greece where scientists moved to
Athens, mainly because of the existence of Plato’s Academy and Aristotle’s Lyceum. Years later, many scientists moved to Alexandria in Egypt and the city became a “hosting” city of intellectuals. However, the phenomenon was investigated for the first time by the Anglo-Saxons, when the term “brain drain” appeared in 1963 and was referred to the immigration of British scientists to the USA. The “brain circulation”, was a rare phenomenon until then; nowadays one could assume that it is a result of the serious social and financial crisis or even more a trend of the globalization. However, the “brain drain” doesn’t exist only in Greeceii. There is data that confirms the existence of the phenomenon in all south countries of Europe, concretely in Italy, Spain and Portugal.
Furthermore, the “human capital flight” could be divided in several types: The first one is the “basic brain drain”, where the scientists moved to developed countries and they didn’t come back to their origin country. Also, there is a kind of emigration, where the scientific workforce returns back to their origin countries after several years of being abroad. At the end, there is the “circulation of brains” where the scientists live between the “hosting and sending country”.
What the statistic data says?
Survey results of the European University of Florence (EUI) in collaboration with the Trinity College of Dublin, the Elcano Royal Institute in Madrid and the Technical University of Lisbon show
Why this “brain waste?”
that in 2011 and 2012 “brain drain” has been increased robustlyiii. According to the research, Greek scientists seek employment mainly in the UK (25%) followed by Germany (in 2013 became the first destination), Holland, Belgium and the USA. The data shows also the phenomenon is even more extensive in Portugal and Italy. Especially for Greece, 90% of the total percent of immigrants hold a university degree; 24, 5% are engineers, 22.3% are economists, 19% are IT specialists and 12% mathematicians. Their ages are relatively low; 48% under 30 years old and 49% between 31-45 years old. Furthermore, it is worth to mention that more than half of the “brain drain” immigrants used to have a job before leaving Greece but they were not satisfied with the prospects of their work and their earnings. The most striking fact is that
the 46% of the immigrants live abroad for the first time without having any relatives or friends in the country that they are planning to move. Moreover, according to the relevant research ““Investing in flight: the brain drain from Greece in the age of globalization” by the professor of Economics, Dr. Lois Lamprianidis for the Regional Development & Policy Research Unit (RDPRU) of the University of Macedonia in Thessaloniki, 150.000 qualified youth has been searching for employment abroad during the last five years. Besides that, there are already 50.000 Greeks abroad due postgraduate and undergraduate studies, while the number is been increasing every year more and more.
All these data pose many questions about the factors that cause the “brain drain” phenomenon. As always, the pure economic factors are the most important. Particularly, the unemployment and the lack of a specific policy by the state for the absorption of the young population in the labor market are just some of the crucial reasons that lead young people to make the decision of leaving their homes. Moreover, some other causes are the higher level of earnings in the developed countries, a better life style, plenty of opportunities and the tendency of globalization which enhances the human capital to be concentrated in places where already exists abundance. Furthermore, there are some other factors mainly based on insufficient recognition of the talent of the young people and the feeling of the uncertainty about their future, which attract them to move abroad. On the other side, there is a tendency in Modern Greek society, coming from Greek families who support the idea of the emigration abroad; as it is believed “everyone has more opportunities abroad”. Many young people decide to emigrate even before they try their luck in their own
country. It seems that sometimes negative circumstances and fear of future failure have a result not to let the youngsters to have enough motivation in order to fight for their rights and dreams in an uncertain territory. In conclusion, there are many questions that arise considering this phenomenon; for example, is the phenomenon of “brain drain” the only solution in order to avoid the financial crisis, the bad political decisions and the lack of entrepreneurship? Is there still any courage in young scientists to contribute in their won homeland? Have we ever thought about the consequences of this “flee”? What happens next? The effects of the “brain drain” are not visible at the moment; however, the consequences will affect not only in the economy of Greece, but also in the fields of education, innovation, research and in the whole life of next generations. However, it should be underlined that of course there are not only negative aspects of this phenomenon. In any case, when this will become the only solution for one whole generation, maybe we should start to think how we can convert emigration from a need to a choice. Jelena Vujanovic
A Mysterious Ghost is Above Thessaloniki:
DÖNMEH
It might be biggest mystery of muslim world but there’s no doubt that it’s the biggest mystery of Thessaloniki. We don’t have enough information or resources to get information, that’s the reason there’s too many different thesis about who they are, who is “dönmeh” or what makes them different from muslims. Even, some claims that founder of Turkish Republic M.Kemal Atatürk is one of them but there has never been any proof found about that. According to some publications in Turkey, there’s 1.5 milion cripto-Jews.
D
önmeh (Turkish: Dönme) refers to a group of crypto-Jews in the Ottoman Empire who, to escape the inferior condition of dhimmis (Zımni), converted publicly to Islam, but were said to have retained their beliefs. The movement was historically centred in Thessaloniki. The group originated during and soon after the era of Sabbatai Zevi, a 17th-century Jewish kabbalist who claimed to be the Messiah and eventually converted to Islam in order to escape punishment by the Sultan Mehmed IV. After Zevi’s conversion, a number of Jews followed him into Islam and became the Dönmeh. Since the 20th century, many
Dönmeh have intermarried with other groups and most have assimilated into Turkish society. Dönmehs can be shortly described like this. Sabbatai Zevi, who is the man self-claimed himself Messiah largely believed who will end Jews’ persecutions, at the age of 40, he was able to shake jewish communities in the cities of Balkans with attracting attention of Ottoman state bodies. Born in Izmir during a period characterised by a wave of self-proclaimed messiahs, he went around the eastern Mediterranean and attracted followers with the promise that he shall bring them to the Promised Land (nowadays, this is reason for many to consider him as the founder of contemporary Zionism). Even though he was not seen good by Orthodox Jews, during those visits he had been escorted by a big
number of Jews. After a tour to Balkan citites on his way to Istanbul, Zevi was arrested. The Sublime Porte presented him with a choice: to be immediately beheaded and thus, to continue his saintly mission in the hereafter, or to convert to Islam. Zevi settled on the latter option without much difficulty and was released. Many of his followers went with him and this is how one of the strangest religious hybrids known in the region was created. Historians describe this denomination as mystical Islam with elements of Judaism. Its followers pray in mosques, make pilgrimages to
Mecca and abide by Ramadan’s rites. At home, however, they follow Judaic rituals. They pray to the Messiah in the name of “God, the God of Israel”. During the following centuries, the Dönmeh’s religious doctrine spread as far as Egypt, Italy and Poland, while being preserved in a modified form in Izmir and among the large group of Jews in Thessaloniki. Their position in the city changed dramatically. From the Jewish community’s pariahs, they became a part of the city’s avant-garde. In 1900, when the mosque-synagogue was built, they numbered between 10 and 15 thousand – a closed circle of well-educated people with exceptional financial means. Their economic and political influence in the city surpassed their community’s size by far. They even had a big impact on Ottoman Empire by Young Turk movement which fought for the transformation of Turkey into a secular state and introduced many other progressive ideas into the Ottoman Empire. Ozan Serhat Aka
Football World Cup 2014 The 2014’s World Cup in Brazil is finished and the cup will stay in Europe for the next four years. Young German star Mario Giotze scored in AET at the 113’ minute. Finally, this World Cup was one of the best in history. Most of the matches weren’t boring but spectacular. This was the first time that a European team won the world cup in South America, and Germany did it. By the way, this was the first cup which Germany won after the reunification. I don’t believe the dates but the fact is Germany won after 24 years: their last success was in the 1990th. The same for Brazil in
1994 and for Italy in 2006. Now in Europe, Italy and Germany have each four World Cups. Worldwide the country with the most cups is Brazil with five. Miroslav Klose becomes the top scorer in World Cup history with 16 goals. He improved the record of “The phenomenon”, Ronaldo. One more historical fact before this World Cup is that for the 1/2 final, no one lose 1:7 it did host Brazilian team against Germany. Brazil will never forget this shameful defeat after the lost match for the third place against Netherlands that finished 0:3. It’s a complete shock for
Brazil’s supporters. We watched so many amazing matches, incredible goals, impossible defeats, surprises that I don’t have enough words to describe everything. The first surprise was for Spain, one of my favorite team, champion in 2010. They couldn’t pass group stage during 6 years, Spain was dominant in each tournament but the first match in the World Cup 2014 against Netherlands, they lose 1-5, after that against Chile, and they lose 2-0. Another surprise is for the so-called group of death: Italy, England, Uruguay, and CostaRica. In the first place Costa-
Rica passed; second place Uruguay and the World Cup champions full of stars, Italy and England they returned home so early. Costa-Rica is the World Cup discovery, they
reached 1/4 final and they lose against Netherlands in penalty shoot-out . Also Portugal’s main power, C. Ronaldo, didn’t play so well. Finally they couldn’t pass group stage. Everyone said he was so tired of his last season in club. It is always like that, when a team depends on one player only. I want to talk about African teams’ unsuccessful games on the World Cup. Ghana, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Algeria failed in the group stage. Only the Nigeria team reached the round of 16s where they lost against
Germany 2-1 in AET. I am in Greece and I want to write about Greek team. Their games were not spectacular but they reached the round of 16s where they lose against Costa-Rica in penalty shootout. It was a really dramatic match. I want to say my respect for Greek footballers. They refused to get bonus money for Greek football development. As a patriotic
behavior, it’s an example for people. In this World Cup 2014 the best player become Lionel Messi. Many people are discussing if he deserves the golden ball or no, I think he deserves it, he is not like Maradona but if Messi wasn’t here, Argentina would not be in finals. In the finals, Messi didn’t play so well also, but this is German defenders’ merit. Golden glove owner becomes Manuel Nouer the German goalkeeper and the
Columbian young star James Rodriguez becomes the top scorer with 6 goals. His goal against Uruguay was the best in this World Cup. Referees of the World cup were good, of course they had little mistakes but in general everything was normal. We haven’t seen any rude mistakes. The main scandal was when Luis Suarez bit Georgio Chielini on the shoulder at the Uruguay vs Italy match. Referee did not see this moment but after, Suarez get a punishment from the FIFA Disciplinary Committee. He is sent off for 9 matches in national team and he doesn’t has right to play in football’s official tournaments. Clearly, that kind of World Cup can only be repeated in Brazil. Before, in the World Cup, there were many problems in Brazil but finally we saw amazing spectacular and this name is football. Some countries recorded the TV audience especially the semi finals and final matches. The closing ceremony of the World Cup was amazing: Shakira, Carlos Santana, Karlinos Brown, Ivete Sangalo, Wyclef Jean. They did everything perfect for spectators. So, the next World Cup, which will be held in Russia in 2018, countdown has already started. Badri Pataraia
FULL MOON EVENT
A Report From a Dream Night: After a long and painful departure, I finally arrived to my beautiful Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki didn’t let me down and showed her beautiful face with one more amazing event: a concert in Kastra. It was just like an oasis in an immense desert while we were about to kill ourselves because of boredom of Thessaloniki’s summer. If I have to describe the band that played music
in this event, with just one word, I’d say simply awesome. We should thank each one of them for their displayed unending energy, their smiling face and for making this event that much good. Especially for Turkish speakers there were some suprises in the end of concert. The concert started with the soundtrack of the famous movie of K.Ferris “Rembetiko”; if you thing that there were many foreigners around, this move was the
best choice to attract them and keep them interested. After the nice selection of “Rembetiko” soundtrack, hearts became softer and more open, conversations went deeper, new acquintances took place and the athmosphere needed only one thing: Dance. Musicians didn’t disappoint us since, they gave us what we needed to make ambiance more energetic, to strengthen bonds and to cherish the moment. At first, we thought that
venue is too small for that big audience because it was even impossible to find a space to stand and listen concert in front of stage, ultimately we perfectly fit the venue with help of people that we haven’t seen before. During the event, it was incredible to see the people who were dancing really in a small space with fully respect & fully helpfulness to the others. That’s how our dances went on until down. I was lucky enough to attend this magical night. As it’s said in old song from Istanbul “Farewell to you Madonna, we talked it through. It was just a dream, we forgot about it.” Ozan Serhat Aka
Greece by the people who doesn’t know
GREECE
For some minds, Greece is a country with white and blue houses, for others, it’s the ruins and the ancient wonders, or a poor country ruined by the crisis. But first of all, Greece is an amazing place, for the one who knows, this is an obvious fact. Myself, I was surprised about all the good things we can find here. So, I wanted to ask foreigners what are the first things passing through their mind when I evoke Greece, and here are the answers: ‘’Cultural cradle, strong identity distinguishes itself of its neighbors, tense and recent conflicts, youth on their own into a destroyed system, and a very-very beautiful country!’’ - Cecile, France ‘’Hot weather, Nikos Aliagas (greek/french TV animator), crisis.’’ - Marie, France ‘’Closed, Mediterranean, calm. I find they have a little rough side. I’m not generalizing of course, but I think they are a bit like that. When I was working in a restaurant, it was quite interesting to face full of different people. You can really see the differences, is pretty funny. We had groups of 20-50 people that came to eat (holidays groups for example), and depending of the country you really see how the behavior varies. I had a group of 40 Greeks which came, not that they were contemptuous, but no ‘’hello’’ or ‘’thank you’’, a withdrawn air, a bit ‘’rustic’’. And I talked to my boss who told me that it was often the case. Although, it’s not only the experience of the restaurant that made me think that, but it confirmed what I had seen or heard before.’’ - Maya, France ‘’Antiquity, democracy, parliament, philosophy, epicurism, stoicism, hemlock, ruins builders, fat, homosexuals, ephebe body and… Nikos Aliagas!’’ - Jeremy, France ‘’Unfortunately it’s a country that I don’t know but when I think about Greece the Antiquity come through my mind, it was a very powerful country (by the way the conquered the south of France and they named Nice ‘’Nikki’’, for victory). They invent democracy, I think, it was based on happenstance. Roughly, they chose citizen ‘’randomly’’, and they voted the laws. It’s fairer than our actual system, but I don’t know that much about it. And they have an enormous culture, especially for this time, that’s crazy.’’ - Schabbi, Japan
‘’Firstly the colors, blue and white. Then the light, bright. For the adjectives it’s more delicate… there’s the historical aspect also, the democracy cradle, the first big thinkers, the intellectuals.’’ - Nicolas, France ‘’Crisis, homosexuality, Hercules, and Salakis (cheese from sheep’s milk). Seriously, for have been once there, Greece reminds me of the archaeological footprint of Europe, of antiquity and philosophy… and it’s extremely hot!’’ - Rodolphe, Reunion Island ‘’Milking grease fatty part of meat, but above all the Greek mythology’’ - Cirine, France ‘’Well, feta, the Balkans, a white stone, and the Pantheon.’’ - Maria, France ‘’Strangely I first think about Rome, antic, statues, Mykonos, Zeus, Colosseum, gays, the Pantheon and the Golden ratio.’’ - Laurent, France And when I asked people who are in Greece, here is what they say: ‘’Malaka, rakomelo, palakalo, ti kanis.’’ - Badri, Georgia ‘’Exotic, historic, international cocktails and friends!’’ - Morgane, France ‘’Islands, Ouzo.’’ - Maria, Bulgaria ‘’Sun, sea… and then a thousand bad ones, then some good again, like tsipouro, mezes, music, good company, islands, fun, rest, beach bar, chicks, free camping, waterspouts, mountains, breeze, nature, philosophy, mathematics, physics, history, rich language, literature, ancient Greece, art, sculpture, museums. And the bad ones include poverty, corruption, politics, interests, under below average performance education.’’ - Thomas, Greece Wendy Bana-Etong
Guca Changing Mentality of Holiday A few days ago, while me and a friend of mine were preparing our trip to Skopje and Belgrad... something changed our plans! We had just learnt Guca Festival and spontaneusly we decided to go there! Soon, I’ll explain why our holiday mentality had changed but first, let’s talk about... Niš First of all, if your direction is towards north from Thessaloniki , first station will be Niš . The best way to
travel from Thessaloniki to Niš is by train because it’s cheaper and the view from the window will suprise you. Ok, maybe you will have to wait for a long time in the borders but beleive me, you won’t regret in the end of your journey. Niš is the largest city of southern Serbia and the third-largest city in Serbia. It is one of the oldest cities in the Balkans and from ancient times it has been considered a gateway between the east and the west. The cheapest way to accomodation is hostels and
our hostel was once before Ottoman Embassy and it is fully restorated . If I have to talk about the centre of the city, Morava river is the place you have to visit once you are there. The place is full of young people who spend time there. The river divides the city into two parts. In any case, once you are there, it is a great chance to taste Rakija, a really strong kind of brandy. Furthermore, I’m sure that you will be more thn satisfied if you try various food from the traditional kitchen on
Kazanci Street. On the other hand, cultural heritage of the country should be mentioned. I would like to talk more about this, starting form the Castle of Niš which is located next to the river and was occupied from more than tens of civilizations which means that inside the walls you ‘ll find elements from so many different civilisations like Roman Empire, Ottomans etc. Furthermore, inside of the castle, there is a park which is a small piece of paradise. Another important place is the Skull Tower “Cele Kula” which is a tower built by a conquering Ottoman army. İt is a monument to remind to Serbian people their past. One more important place is 12 February Concentration Camp , as you may know there were many horrible stories from Jews of Balkans abducted by Nazis before / during second war. All these stories are written on the walls of camp.
Guča Festival Now... let’s talk about Guča, the village of Guča is a colorful part of western Serbia became more famous because of the the Assembly of Trumpet Players which is the largest trumpet festival on the planet. The trumpet love began from Prince Milos Obrenovic, who ordered the formation of the first military band in 1831. Since then, this kind of music became very popular , not only to the local population, but has also warmed the hearts of foreignersa nd others. This year fourty fifth festival was organized . How could Guča Festival deserve a great title and became so famous? There are many reason. Firstly, when you enter the village , you can feel the positive energy that is full of joy, accompanied with the gentle sound of trumpet. First way to start taking part in festival is dancing everywhere and with everyone because you often see loads of trumpet bands, dancing
people and you can meet hundreds of people who are backpackers ,hitchkikers from differrents fields of education and from all over the world. After that, a great idea is to start drinking and eating a lot because for sure you will need energy while you will be have party accross the main street. You may taste roasted lamb or pork called as “Pecenje’s name of roasted in Serb”, so I wish you are not a vegan or vegeterian and try to avoid it. As far as daily life and accomodation are concered, all visiters are staying in a campous characterized as informal and free; in case you are worried, you should be informed that you will find anything that you may need there, such as shower ,toilet etc. Probably, next morning you will be tired because of having enjoying a long night, but after getting recovered you can continue enjoying more trumpet groups, international or local. I don’t know how but during the festival, you may feel relaxed and energetic, although you will be sleepless and tired. To include, I realised that alternative holidays without plans, it’s a great kind of holidays that you can enjoy and remember for a long time. For these reasons, I would definitelly recommend you to include Guca in your next year’s travel plans. Ozan Mert BALCI
Super SizeTraining From 23 to 29 June we had the opportunity to embark on a journey and gain knowledge in Italy and the city of Florence. An educational program that aimed to help educators, youth leaders and youth workers to enhance the skills of young people from vulnerable groups, supporting from the autonomy and personal hygiene professional development. The programme was held by the support of the Youth in Action programme of the European Union. Who was there? 5 countries which means five different civilizations: Greece-Italy-United Kingdom-Morocco, Jordan 25 participants Three instructors: Silvia-Aris-Anan 3 experts for yoga, the external technical education and counseling: Simna-Paolo-Simona 1 location: Campi Bisenzio space education Cooperativa Macrame Many targets for a common purpose... The specific objectives were: 1) The promotion of healthy lifestyles and autonomy of vulnerable young people 2) Strengthening ethaloton young people to be autonomous in their personal and professional development 3) Strengthening confidence of young 4) The form of yoga as skills development 5) The training activities through exotetikon
How absorbed this knowledge; Through daily 6 hour training we’ve learnt about the definition and understanding of soft skills and the importance for vulnerable young people in their path to autonomy By using different methods and techniques, it was clear that it is possible to strengthen skills of vulnerable young people. How it happened... The first day started with games dating to bring the team closer, talked about our expectations of the training for the program, the purpose and methodology. Then split into groups and talk about the responsibilities we have in collaboration with young people and followed a self-assessment. The second day was divided into groups and we had an outside activity in Campi Bisenzio, which helped the team to even come closer as they required cooperation and teamwork. Later we had meetings with the President of the region to talk to us and discuss about youth policies. After Simona gave us a counselling presentation and talked about the techniques and how to work with young people. Then there was an intercultural night at the theater CARLO MONNI. The third day started with yoga techniques and how it can help in our work with young people. On the fourth day were divided into groups, was the day of outdoor activities and then the workshop on soft skills where watched a video and try to get the position of these people and to speak in public about our beliefs. The evening followed a walk in beautiful Florence. The fifth and last day of education we talked about the Erasmus plus. Even discussions on the lessons learned so far, what we want and how to improve but also to apply them in our work. Follow the evaluation of training. The last evening ended with attendance certificates, gifts from Silvia and an Italian dinner menu. Great memories, nice discussions, new knowledge and experiences and what it is remained now‌ is to use the knowledge in practice! Katerina Triantafullou
Position of Women Politicians in Greece Greece, which had generally solved many problems about gender issue in daily life, surprisingly hasn’t got a political system woman visibility. Moreover Greece is one of the lowest in the European Union, of woman position of power and in decision making. Greek political culture is very complex and in some ways contradictory entity which combines in particular way traditional elements with aspect of modern culture¹. Also, women had right to be elected in 1952 later than many countries and even after those rights, they weren’t that effective many years. Although number of the woman parliament members and ministers increase, still they are more
able to get positions in welfare ministries (like Minister of Environment, of Health, of Education, Minister of Tourism, of Employment, of Culture, of Agriculture, … etc.) due to roles of society. Besides, there are qualified women politicians as well as usually political parties support the women PM candidates as manikins. This is the reason why Greek political life had many former models, actress, actors or TV reporters as politicians. TV reporters or actors who want to entire politics, made a breakthrough in broadcast or TV program and that process became a ordinary for Greek people. In each problem, the reasons of gender issue should be searched in roots of the modern Greece history and in
socio-economic life. Although women sacrificed themselves many times for Greece in liberation time, in conflicts and in war, they couldn’t win their rights. Women movements are not ignored in history of Greece, but generally it can’t be said that they were inclusive for all women, they were marginal groups. In Nikolaos Plastiras’ period (1952) women got the right to be elected but it was formed by wish of the government and for this reason it wasn’t public-based, it was overhand. Impact of the women movements was less than impact of European values of which Greece claimed inside. Yet, even when they won their rights to be elected in November elections in the same year,
women were not able to vote because they were not informed on time. Also till 1967 women unexpectedly –or maybe expectedlycouldn’t be effective in politics. Elections were held six times and women were elected 13 times in total and maximum 4 seats at the same time in parliament. Besides the unique and first woman mayor, Maria Desi was elected in Corfu in 1956. After the military coup of the colonels, they took all control over power and they didn’t participate in the parliament and when ministers were chosen they didn’t prefer women politicians. In 1974 Kostas Karamanlis was elected, thereafter women’s participation in political life increased as did the percentage of women in the Greek parliament and government². But big boom came with PASOK government. Andreas Papandreou declared relatively more women candidates and gained the
support of the feminists and women activists with his gender equality policies. In 80s, women paid this favor back with their votes to PASOK. But even though these policies provided gender equality in daily life and business life, same effect couldn’t take a part in politics. In 1989-90 government crises, because of the intense polarization, both political parties decreased their women candidates ironically in order to become more powerful. Until November 2009, votes gaining by Greek women politicians represented approximately 10 percent of overall. Although they began to take high positions especially in Left wing parties like Aleka Papariga, who was elected as General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party or Maria Damanaki was chosen as head of Synaspismos or from right wing Dora Bakoyannis (Minister of Culture and Foreign Affairs), that rate still was under the
EU standards. Even in local elections, rate of women candidates were under the 7%. Generally political parties more supported women in EU parliament elections which has discussable power. A record of female participation was marked at the last three elections. In October 2009, 52 women (17.3%) were elected, while another 8 entered parliament because of replacement. In May 2012, 56 women (18.6%) were elected, and a new record was set in June 2013 with 63 women MPs (21%). It is undeniable that woman participation increased conjunctively with EU standards, high level participation of young generations and broken family parties tradition. However, gender roles couldn’t be demolished in politics. Although there is high level participation of young generations, old generation still votes regarding to their values. It is in fact notable that the electorate in Greece still comprises voters that have had the unique experience of being adults without political rights; women over 70³. Maybe best thing about Greek economic crises is that broke family political party tradition and this situation gave women to become more politic and take role as active politicians. Another point that women became economic decisions makers and holders both in politics and business.
That economic power makes women indispensable in political life. That’s why despite of no quota regulation legislation, women can take the power thanks to their economical existence and statistics show us in this way. The following question should be asked; when will Greece have their first woman prime minister? ¹ http://www.grreporter.info/en/women_greek_politics/10819 ²Woman and Politics, by M. Pantelidou Maloutas, Professor, University of Athens ³A.g.e
‘’Sultan of the 11 months” Ramadan in Istanbul
during summer and quite hard for fasting but or course this wouldn’t be an excuse to not to do it. Many people are wondering if people are allowed to drink water during this time. The answer is “No”. Muslims refrain from letting anything to touch or pass their lips, whether it is food, smoke, chewing gum or liquids… There are two words you might want to remember on In Turkey, Muslims welcome this time “Sahur and Iftar”. the holy month Ramadan with Sahur is the start and Iftar is the Tarawih prayer. In order the breaking of the Ramadan to understand the meaning of fast at sunset. Before sunrise Ramadan it is so important to Ramadan drummer might get together with many people pass by your house and don’t and this prayer is just a start. get afraid of it, it is just for It is the ninth month in the you to wake up to eat before Islamic calendar and a time fasting. After the evening when Muslims around the prayer, Muslims start eating world focus on praying, again which is called “Iftar fasting, giving charity and Time”. Generally Iftar starts gathering. with drinking water and date. It is fasting month of the year Later on people prefer to eat and for whole month you Ramadan pita with the foods. start fasting from sunrise until Don’t think that it is not a sundown. In 2014 this holy good time to visit Istanbul. month was between 28th of This would be a great June and 27th of July. It was experience for you to discover
all the cultural activities. Nothing stops on this time. Even bars, clubs… but if you are coming to Istanbul during Ramadan, I would suggest you to do at least couple of the things from the below list. -After sunset, never loose to see Iftar Time. It is kind of a carnival on the streets. The municipalities are preparing free food areas for people to eat and on this time you might even want to join to see this atmosphere. -“Feshane” is the area you should definitely visit. It is in Eyup district. You will see a festival at Iftar time. Concerts, great classic Turkish cuisine, theater performances, and activities for children, shopping center and if you are lucky you would find traditional galanty show called “Hacivat and Karagoz”. -Sultanahmet is kind of the center for Ramadan. You will find all the activities here. The best is handcraft works to see. You should search places to listen some Sufism
instrument “Reet flute (ney)”. There are all the time bazaars and performances to see here. Definitely visit “Centuries-Old Tastes and Arts”. It is at the center of this district. -You will see some writing at the mosques. They are some
sentences about the meaning of Ramadan. For example “Welcome the sultan of the 11 months”, “Unity is the God’s mercy”… WHAT TO EAT? -Ramadan pita, date, Gullac, candy on stick, Boza which
is beverage made of slightly fermented millet, traditional syrup and of course some baklava to taste. I hope you to enjoy Ramadan in Istanbul… Şeyda Aydın
ROTUNDA
W
ith this article, I’d love to present one of the most enjoyable corners in our beautiful Thessaloniki. Rotunda is right behind of city’s juvenile spot Kamara and also very popular among young people. This area named after the monument “Rotunda of Galerius”. In order to give you a brief history of Rotunda which is also known as Church of Agios Georgios, Rotunda is an early 4th-century monument of Thessaloniki. Roman emperor Galerius built that structure as an element of an imperial area linked to his palace in Thessaloniki but after his death it had stood empty and deserted until emperor Constantine ordered it converted into a Christian church. The church was decorated richly with high quality mosaics but only fragments have survived from the original decoration, for
example, a band depicting saints with hands raised in prayer. The Rotunda has a diameter of 24,5m. Its walls are more than 6m thick, which is why it has withstood Thessaloniki’s earthquakes. A flat brick dome, 30m high at the peak, crowns the cylindrical structure. The building was used as a church for over 1200 years until Ottoman occupation. In 1590 it was converted into a mosque, mosque was called “Süleyman Hortacı Efendi” mosque, and a minaret was added to the structure. It was used a mosque until Ottomans left the city to Greeks during Balkan Wars (1912). After that time the structure was sanctified as a Greek Orthodox Church. Apart from historical value, Rotunda is still important for today’s use and people of Thessaloniki. Today Rotunda is a juvenile spot of the city like neighboring Kamara and
mostly controlled by anarchist groups, therefore it’s the most liberal area of the city. While you’re walking around the place, you can smell weed or you can smoke your joint without any interruption. Rotunda is vivid mostly during nights and while you’re wandering around during nights you can hear many types of music everywhere in square, if you want to join the music, you just have to sit and to start singing. If you’re lucky, you may come across with some good events like forums, concerts, book fairs etc. Rotunda is somewhere totally open to sub-cultures and any kind of people, more than you can imagine. Whoever you are, whatever you are, you won’t feel excluded in Rotunda. Long story short, when you come to Thessaloniki, do not forget to visit Rotunda!!! Ozan Serhat Aka
SUMMERMOVIES Summer is almost over, but before bursting into tears, we have a solution to keep some summertime flavor in our minds, until the next one. I made a little selection of summer movies, not specially movies about summer, but movies that, without being in summertime, would for sure not be the same. 1-Woody Allen’s Vicky Christina Barcelona (2008) As you can guess, the story takes place in Barcelona, during summertime. Two friends, Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Christina (Scarlett Johansson) go to Spain and meet Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) a charming and aesthetically appealing artist. The two girls have different way of thinking about love, one of them, that we can call conformist, and the other one, more passionate and ditherer. Christina felt immediately under the charm of Juan Antonio, and Vicky, more reluctant, was promised in marriage, but you know the warm nights, the red wine and some wonderful Spanish guitar’s melodies will confuse the fiancée. And the Juan Antonio’s ex-wife, Maria Elena (Penelope Cruz) will arrive then with her amount of troubles. 2- Michael Wadleigh’s Woodstock(with a little help of Martin Scorcese) (1970) It was 45 years ago now. Known for being one of the most crowed festival, Woodstock greeted the ‘’cream’’ of the 60’s musicians like Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Cocker, Jefferson Airplane, The Who, Santana, and many other. The festival took place at Bethel. Under the sun of New York, 50 000 persons attended the
festival, finally, half a million came and it was chaotic. But as it was announced, it was three days of peace and music, and it really was despite of the lack of basic needs, the rain and the mug, and the crowd. 3- Jim Gillespie’s I Know What You Did Last Summer (1997) This teenage horror movie with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Phillippe and Freddie Prince Jr. was the first of three others (I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, and I’ll Always Know What You Did Last Summer). The plot is that: freshly graduated, celebrating the national day, four friends kill a man on the road. They decided to get rid of the body and keep the secret until the grave. But someone knows, and will wait the next summer to take his revenge… ouuuh. 4- Jacques Deray’s La Piscine (1969) A little bit of French culture now with La Piscine (The Swimming Pool in English), and its glamorous cast: Romy Schneider (Marianne), Alain Delon (Jean Paul) and the young Jane Birkin (Penelope). The story takes place near St Tropez, in a beautiful villa where the tanned skins of the couple live a chilled life. After the arrival of the ex-lover of Marianne and his daughter, the things will change, and obviously, not in a good way. 5- Larry Clark’s Bully (2001) This true-story movie has something particular. The magic of Larry Clark put us into a teenager’s plot that want to take revenge of a Bobby Kent (Nick Stahl) who’s a real pain for his friends. Sensitive minds get hot and bothered easily in summertime. 6- Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) This is a classic, the “prototypical summer blockbuster’’ and not one of the movies that make us want to go to the beach. But at least, one of the best movie of all the time from the modern Hollywood business. 7- Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break (1991) Probably the favorite movie of all the women aged from 40 (my mother first), with Keanu Reeves and Patrick Swayze. In one side, a young FBI agent, Johnny(Keanu) who must infiltrate a robber-band called the expresidents, and on the other hand, the mystic surfer, Bodhi that everyone is listening like a guru (Patrick). Johnny will soon get drawn in the lifestyle of Bodhi and his friends, and will discover how much he like surfing and his beautiful surf-teacher (Lori Petty).
8- Randal Kleiser’s Grease (1978) The well-known musical romantic comedy starts in the summer holiday, in 1958, where Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) and Danny (John Travolta) felt in love on the beach. The movie then will have some sudden developments but as we know, everything turns good in songs, and the lovely happy end will not be missed. 9- Sydney Lumet’s Dog Day Afternoon (1975) It’s described like that: “The robbery should have taken 10 minutes. 4 hours later the bank was like a circus sideshow. 8 hours later, it was the hottest thing on live TV. 12 hours later, it was history. And it’s all true.” It happened in Brooklyn, New York, on August 1972. Three years later Al Pacino brightly takes the character of John Wojtowicz, the main robber in this story and we are following the humoristic-dramatic situation from his place, the hostages, from the large contingents of police and the media. 10- Joel Schumacher’s Falling Down (1993) The story of weakening, the extreme gloominess of a “very normal” man (Michael Douglas), who just want to go home. Recently fired, divorced, not allowed to see his child, Foster blow a fuse in an endless traffic jam, when his car air conditioning fails, and he will spend his day doing some strange meetings and take revenge on the others of all the troubles he could have had. Wendy Krüger
Youth at the heart of Europe. Interview with the Head Organizers of Thessaloniki International Forum.
Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki have been the heart beating of Europe for 9 days. From 10th to 18th August, the Thessaloniki International Forum of the European Youth Parliament (TIF) was held in these places with the support and cooperation of Thessaloniki 2014: European Youth Capital City. The meeting gathered more than 250 young people 15-25 aged from all over Europe, and represented a mix of cultures and ideas. The purposes of the forum were encouraging international democratic debate, and creating limitless bonds amongst nations through spreading the ideals of cooperation, equality and freedom of expression. On the last day of TIF working session we interviewed Ilias Marios Oikonomou (I.M.O) and Achilleas Platanitis (A.P.), representatives of EYP Greece and Head Organizers of Thessaloniki International Forum. Can you please briefly tell us about your work you’ve been involving in at EYP? I.M.O.: I have been active in EYP since November 2009, when I first got selected in Nationals Thessaloniki. Since then I am totally active and never stopped. I have three to four sessions, and the last year and half I was the member of the EYP Board in Greece. I have been international official, meaning that I have attended the milestone, the biggest high session that the EYP introduces. I have served at almost every position, such as journalist, deputy organizer, head organizer. I have more than 15 sessions and TIF is my second session I run. A.P.: I started doing EYP in 2009, when I was delegate in the national selection conference. I was selected to go to the International Session in Tromsø. Unfortunately, it was cancelled but I got the chance to go to Frankfurt to the 64th International session of EYP. After this event, I was actively involved in the activities organized by EYP Greece as the two national selections per year (in Thessaloniki and in Athens) for choosing 30 best delegates for the international session. In the recent years I have been actively involved in, and last year I achieved the position of vice President. Thanks to the national committees EYP Greece had a big progress in the last two years, organizing a lot of events and initiatives. What attracted you the most to the TIF? I.M.O.: TIF was a kind of my dream. When I first got selected back in 2009, we were the unlucky delegation that never got to flight to the international sessions we were selected for, even in that occasion we were stopped by a volcano eruption. Back at that day I felt really sorrow about the session we lost, so we said at some point that it would be so great to have a transnational session in Thessaloniki. Trying to combine this love and this dream with my studies, I came up to combine TEYC2014 and EYP in being voluntarily involved to create TIF. I think that what mostly made me do this is the love for volunteerism in TEYC and in EYP together with my love for the city. I am tremendously and pathologically in love with Thessaloniki, and I would just be happy if I knew that I made feel the same to the participants. A.P.: In August 2013 the idea of TIF was created. The initial plan was to make a session in Thessaloniki (the hometown of me and Ilias). It’s a great idea and we found support from many people, and I am glad that it has become true.
Left to right: Ilias Marios Oikonomou and Achilleas Platanitis What is the most important issue facing youth today? I.M.O.: If I go for my age around 20, I would say the fear of unemployment. Most of the people around 20s - who are either in the last year in the degrees, or they already got it -, can see only one light turning on, which is starting a small job, not full time but part- time, or even nothing. I feel like losing confidence on your studies, on your abilities is the greatest danger that the above mentioned situation can lead to. What I fear is that youth have abilities, but at the moment they do not receive the attention they need. A.P.: The youth unemployment is a big problem. In my opinion the issues of the youth nowadays are the same like the ones of the previous generation. I strongly believe that the active youth can deal with everything, because we have the knowhow, we have the technical skills, and we just need experience. To be youth means to be active, to fight with the unemployment and with any kind of issues. I strongly believe the youth have the power to change everything. To be young means to have the power to change. What advice would you give young people to involve them more in civil society? I.M.O.: There is one saying which goes more or less like this: being a citizen is not only about having rights, but also duties to be respected. In 21 century I cannot take as a point of view the fact that politics and things happening in your life are too far from you. If you want to learn and interfere in the civil society, you can do that. It can start from simple things like doing something in your city, getting involved in volunteerism, meeting people, discussing and so on. You can start by building your own basis, but it takes several sequential steps: from A to B and then from B to Z, but never from B to Z. I cannot guarantee that everyone can make the world better, but if we all try the possibilities are higher. A.P.: Big changes can be achieved through NGOs, Governmental Organisations, groups. You just need to choose a part of the society and make a positive change.
What are you hoping to see in terms of achievements after the TIF? I.M.O.: At the moment I am thinking of three achievements. First of all, Thessaloniki became more popular. We were lucky to have 26 nationalities, and I only wish that they love the city as much as we do. Secondly, participants have managed to meet new people and broaden their horizons that may make them feel differently. This experience made participants realize that the life can give you so many things, just if you go after that. Thirdly, I do not know if we created 250 people more active in EYPs, or active citizens, however I just hope that TIF will create 250 youngsters more outgoing, and more willing to help people. A.P.: We have great minds and great people with brilliant ideas and knowhow. All the resolutions approved by TIF will be sent to the European Parliament, for the consideration of MPEs. I strongly believe that during the discussions on topics related to current European issues, our good ideas and views will reach people that have the tools and the power to make the change happen. We are thankful that through TIF they can hear our voices. I truly hope that the good ideas will bring positive change in Europe. Written by Riccardo Rossi Pictures taken by Ivan Bianchini
My Trip in Chalkidiki
During the summertime it’s so hot in Thessaloniki as well in whole Greece. So the local people are going to Chalkidiki, this is a peninsula near Thessaloniki; it has three legs with really nice places. The first leg is full of young people; second one has some beaches with only families and old people without noisy music and many bars. Most part of the third leg is for monasteries where the monks live. It’s forbidden for women to enter there. So Chalkidiki is a perfect place for every kind of people to rest. After the vacations our lives
return into a usual rhythm so I want to write about my trip in Chalkidiki. It started in a really unlucky way for Wendy and me. It was raining all along the road. On the way we found out that Wendy forgot the notebook where was written the address of our destination place and me I forgot my flip flops. So we reached Chalkidiki, driving to the second leg in Nikiti. We started to look for a free camping place but it was impossible because the places were so crowded, we were so angry and full of bad energy that we couldn’t even
talk to each other. When I saw the beach, the sand and the blue sea I forgot everything. During approximately 2 hours we stayed in water, it was amazing. It is a little miracle when you are totally out of any problems, you’re just enjoying. In the evening after 7 o’clock, we started to try to find a place for camping. We were walking on foot during 6-7 km or might more, I don’t know exactly. “Saint John” (Agios Yanis) it is the name of the beach where we found the camping place. It was really nook and nice place.
We put up the tent in front of the sea, it was perfect we had one bottle of red wine that was a bit warm but it was ok. This night we didn’t sleep so well because the waves noise, morning fishing boats and divers. The second day, in the morning, we met an Italian family from Florence, they didn’t know English and we no Italian. When I told them some couple of words in Italian which I learnt with Matteo and Riccardo, they were so happy and after, one of them came and showed me a red sea star that children caught on the little island which is about 100m from the beach, it was so beautiful. After we removed to another
beach and we spend the whole day there. Our main problem was water to drink because it was quite far away from the center. This day we used hitch-hiking to move inside the city of Nikiti. If you are alone, don’t have big luggage and if you’re a bit lucky, you can travel easily. One unhappy thing was I got sunburn. In the evening we returned to our place to sleep. In the night our guest was a dog who stole my shoes which I fortunately found later far away from our tent. The third day we folded our tent and went to the nearest beach where we stayed till the afternoon. After we went to the center of Nikiti we returned to Thessaloniki.
These 3 days were so nice to remember because nevertheless we had many problems but finally we did everything perfectly and enjoyed a lot. If you would like to go for a trip with your tent to Chalkidiki, read this article and avoid the mistakes I did! Badri Pataraia
Jason Pumo Visual Artist
Photographer and videographer autodidact, Jason Pumo, 22 years old, is a visual artist born in Cannes and based on Nice, the south of France. Often jailed by his decency, Jason Pumo releases his need for expression by the image. The result is a visual work akin to conceptual photography. The boredom isn’t that evil, when you khow to tame it. When the minutes slowly escape, there is one way to avoid sinking, express yourself and be productive, and this thing is called Art. During his years in the university, the artist discovered the world of art, and in the same time the digital photography. He started by capturing some moments of his life but it wasn’t enough for this artist full of ideas. A concrete and coherent project, that’s what he was looking for. Colourful and abstract masterpieces were for his first step toward the conceptual art, with the series ‘’The Grasping Mind’’. If there is a difficult thing to figure out is that all these creations are taken from its own photos. The next series, and maybe the most impressive and expressive, is called ‘’Revival’’ and was achieved in 2013. Jason explains;’’It’s divided in five parts introducing the major steps that go through the subconscious during a dream or a ritual. The serial follows a progression between reality, lucid dream, limbs and unsettling visions. The passage from colour to black and white dissociates the reality of the fantasizing.’’ ‘’Revival’’ isolates the person into a confined and unknown place. In pursuit of an inner revival, he confronts himself to a feeling of physical and emotional loneliness. Jason Pumo is not just a photographer and editor; he’s also a webmaster, and above all a video maker. He started by making some experimental videos, like ‘’Coffee and Cigarettes’’, which were surprisingly subtle and aesthetically efficient. He worked with Anthony Mirial, a French photographer, and made two videos about the way Anthony works. Artistic perception of the backstage in black and white. His last achievement is the video clip made for the French pop/rock band Benjamin Fincher. The song is called “Long Distance”, and it’s a on a long way that Jason, with his hypnotic images, carry us. Transcendent alchemy with the sound, firstly mind-blowing then pulsating, the powerful mixture throws us in another planet. And believe it or not, the video is also made by his pictures. You can find the work of Jason Pumo on his website at the following address http://www.jasonpumo.com/ And on this blog: http://jasonpumo.tumblr.com/ Wendy Bana-Etong
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