A twofold event-tribute to the legacy of one of the greatest modern Greek authors, Nikos Kazantzakis (1883–1957), and his special relationship with China, was co-organized by the Embassy of Greece in China and the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilisations at Southwest University in Chongqing, on Wednesday, 3 December.

Greek experts from the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis (ISFNK), who travelled to China, delivered keynote speeches on the global impact of Kazantzakis' work to a large audience of scholars and students, shedding light on the life and works of the Cretan writer.

In his opening remarks, the Ambassador of Greece to China, Dr Evgenios Kalpyris, highlighted Kazantzakis' contribution to Greek literature, stating: “Kazantzakis, as a writer, is the bearer of the Greek language and, by extension, of the Greek culture. As a carrier of culture, the Greek language has the rare privilege of being written and evolving continuously for the last 4,000 years. This places it among the oldest languages still in use today. Let us view today's event in light of the recent proclamation of 9 February as World Greek Language Day by the 43rd UNESCO General Conference, which took place a few weeks ago in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.”

Professor Cui Yanqiang, Director of the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilisations in Southwest University, pointed out that the event would contribute to perceiving the charm of Kazantzakis' thought in a more profound way and better understand notions that are common in both the Chinese and the Greek civilization, such as the pursuit of truth, kindness, beauty, and peaceful development.

In his speech, Mr George Stassinakis, Honorary President of the ISFNK, paid tribute to Li Chenggui, a Chinese translator of Kazantzakis, while Dr Katerina Zographistou, President of the ISFNK, focused on the global impact of Kazantzakis’ work and the Society’s mission. Ms Elena Avramidou, Member of the ISFNK and Director of the Greek Center for Sinology, Ionian University, talked about Kazantzakis’ relationship with China.

Professor Wang Yong, Secretary-General of the Center for Chinese and Greek Civilizations, stressed the significance of the event by calling it "Kazantzakis' third visit to China” and encouraged the Chinese and foreign students in attendance to become envoys of civilisation mutual learning.

After the speeches, the screening of the international award-winning Greek biographical film “Kazantzakis”, directed by Yannis Smaragdis, took place, followed by an inspiring discussion with the students. The event offered a comprehensive overview of modern Greek culture with a focus on literature and cinema and was warmly welcomed by all attendees.

Earlier, Ambassador Dr. Kalpyris and the members of the Greek delegation met with the President of Southwest University, Mr Wang Jinjun, and exchanged ideas on ways to further enhance their cooperation in the future.