Nikos Kazantzakis’ literary legacy and strengthening of Armenian-Greek academic ties: YSU as a platform for intercultural communication

The themes and ideas expressed in the works of Nikos Kazantzakis (1883-1957), one of the greatest Greek writers and thinkers of the 20th century, remain relevant and significant to this day. His creations are marked by a humanitarian emphasis and carry universal value. It is perhaps this enduring relevance that explains the growing love and interest in his literary heritage, which continues to expand worldwide as time goes on.

The Writer and His Legacy: A Guiding Light for True Values

Nikos Kazantzakis authored novels, plays, essays, and poems, yet it was his novel Zorba the Greek ("The Life and Adventures of Alexis Zorbas"), and its subsequent film adaptation, which won three Academy Awards, that brought him global fame. 

Kazantzakis was a person of wide-ranging interests —a cosmic thinker, philosopher, and traveler—whose works delve deeply into the most profound concerns and challenges of the human soul. During his travels, he visited Armenia in 1928, where he explored sites including the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and the Symphony of Stones, a natural monument in the Garni Gorge. The archive of the Kazantzakis Museum holds a historic photograph taken by the author during his visit to Armenia, featuring the majestic Mount Ararat. 

The Rector of Yerevan State University, Hovhannes Hovhannisyan, welcomed attendees and underscored Kazantzakis’ significant literary contribution, which continues to reinforce universal values.

"Nikos Kazantzakis's name is intrinsically linked to the questions of life's meaning, the role of humanity, and our place in the world. Through his works, he addresses the eternal questions of freedom, suffering, faith, and human destiny. His creations have enriched world literature. He is not only a writer but also a great thinker and philosopher, deeply concerned with the human soul, inner world, and fate. His works inspire a quest for identity and the pursuit of inner freedom. Through his writings, readers learn to view the world not just as it is, but as it could be, shaped by love, struggle, and faith," emphasized the rector, highlighting the significance of organizing this event from the perspective of strengthening Armenian-Greek academic ties.

Strengthening Armenian-Greek Academic and Spiritual Ties: The Role of Greek Studies Center 

The International Association of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis, based in Geneva, Switzerland, makes every necessary effort to promote the popularization of the famous Greek writer’s works. The association has many branches worldwide, including one in Armenia, represented by Liza Karimyan, Director of the Research Center-Library of Greek Studies at YSU, Associate Professor, PhD in History. 

In collaboration with the Embassy of Greece in Armenia, the event honoring Kazantzakis was brought to life at YSU, where Liza Karimyan highlighted the center’s functions and achievements. The Center for Greek Studies focuses on teaching the modern Greek language, conducting research, and strengthening Armenian-Greek cultural ties. The Greek government has donated an extensive library to the center, including works of classical and contemporary Greek authors, textbooks, academic manuals, dictionaries, and encyclopedias. 

YSU collaborates with the "Yason" program, offering students the opportunity to participate in one-month and eight-month courses on the Greek language and culture. The center’s activities contribute to the development of Armenian-Greek relations across cultural, educational, and other domains, aimed at strengthening the spiritual ties between the two peoples.

L. Karimyan also discussed the key moments in Kazantzakis’ life and literary career, emphasizing the significance of his philosophical ideas. "Nikos Kazantzakis, as a thinker and creator, developed a profound philosophy that addresses the fundamental concerns of human existence. His ideas combine elements of existentialism, religious inquiry, and philosophical humanism, while his thought is characterized by a vigorous struggle for freedom, creation, and self-realization," she remarked. 

"I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free." – Nikos Kazantzakis 

Kazantzakis’ characters teach us to love humanity, life, overcome difficulties, and not fear death. "Look fear in the eye, if you can and fear is going to get scared and go away. "The soul is like water. When it is turbulent, it is difficult to see. When it is calm, everything becomes clear." With this philosophy, Kazantzakis calms the reader’s mind, helping them find their own path to truth through delving into his works. 

In his autobiographical work Report to Greco, Kazantzakis outlines his spiritual journey and philosophical explorations. One of his core messages is to never surrender to difficulties: "Life is a battle, and the world is a battlefield; victory is your only duty. Do not sleep, do not adorn yourself, do not laugh, do not speak, your purpose is one—war. Fight!"

The event was also attended by Archbishop Yeghishe Petrosyan, Spiritual Dean of the St. Karapet Church in Heraklion, Crete. He highlighted Kazantzakis' views on religion, humanity, and faith, especially the idea of not placing one’s hope on hope. "Kazantzakis fights against the injustice perpetrated by those who call themselves Christians. It is no accident that Kazantzakis said: 'I hope for nothing. I fear nothing. I am free.' You should not place your hope on hope, but you must be able today to create the life that Christ wants, so that you may truly call yourself a Christian." 

These ideas are deeply explored in Kazantzakis’ novel Christ Recrucified, where he reflects on the intertwining of religion and societal injustices, writing: "Christ is crucified every day in the souls of those who love Him and refuse to let Him die." 

The event included readings of Kazantzakis' works, which showcased the stylistic features of his language, his contribution to enriching the Greek vocabulary, and his philosophical and aesthetic worldview. Students and professors from the Center for Greek Studies presented excerpts from Kazantzakis' works, accompanied by Greek national music, along with musical and dance performances.

The famous Greek "Sirtaki" dance, as well as performances featuring the santur, completed the artistic part of the event. Attendees also watched a documentary film prepared by the Center for Greek Studies and explored an exhibition of photographs, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Nikos Kazantzakis' life, work, and the lasting impact of his literary heritage on global art.