Introduction

Have you ever wondered about the history behind the iconic buildings that surround us?

These structures stand out for their monumental architecture and public significance. Many of them are found in Athens, the capital of the Greek state—the Academy, the University, the National Observatory, the Archaeological Society, and the Ophthalmology Clinic, to name a few. Others are scattered across the provinces, such as in Serres, where the city's old hospital now houses the Third High School.

What unites these landmark buildings? Benefaction. They exist thanks to individuals who dedicated a significant part of their wealth to the public good. Dating back to the 19th century, they continue to serve charitable purposes to this day. Their benefactors are honored annually on September 30th.

These monuments were built by Aromanian (Vlach) Greeks, who excelled in trade and business within Greek communities across the northern Balkans and Central Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries. This period saw a broader migratory movement from Ottoman-ruled northern Greece toward the north.

Their contributions extended far beyond constructing buildings or donating land. They supported various aspects of social, economic, and intellectual life, directing resources not only to their homelands but also to the countries where they had settled.

With this exhibition, the Folklife and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace aims to highlight the Vlach-speaking Greek diaspora as a key force in shaping the modern Greek state and to showcase benefaction as a timeless institution—one that still inspires today, fostering social solidarity and responsibility.

We explore benefaction from a historical perspective, examining the conditions that allowed it to flourish. We travel to the benefactors' birthplaces, uncovering the foundations of their communities and how these shaped their experiences over time. This context encouraged their geographic mobility, which, in turn, fueled an outward-looking spirit, most vividly expressed through trade.

We then shift our focus to the individuals themselves—the protagonists. We examine the places where they resettled, the economic networks they built, and the way they operated as small yet powerful communities. We also explore the factors that shaped their patriotism, leading them to donate vast sums for their homeland—a land that some had never even set foot in.

Our goal is not to idealize these figures. The impact of their generosity speaks for itself. Their motives, intentions, personal interests, and ambitions can be interpreted in different ways, depending on ideological perspectives. But the key question remains:

What does benefaction mean today? Who does it concern, and in what forms does it exist? Can the charitable acts of the past inspire meaningful contributions to today’s society?

Our journey follows the paths of the Aliakmonas, Axios, Morava, Sava, and Danube Rivers. We invite you to explore this exhibition and uncover little-known aspects of this history. And perhaps, the next time you visit your village, you will see its church or stone-built school with new eyes…