Is it true, Mr. Erdogan: "The Fall of Constantinople is above all a victory of knowledge"? Do you know the meaning of the word "KNOWLEDGE"?!
By Professor Peter P. Groumpos, Emeritus Professor,
groumpos@ece.upatras.gr
On the occasion of the 572nd anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople, Turkish President Erdogan indulged in delirium about the conquest of Constantinople, interpreting the historical events based on his political beliefs and the knowledge he was taught. He considers it a victory of “Knowledge”. He even dared to say: "The Conqueror was not only a great military man, but also a scientist." He also said: "The cannons that the Conqueror built completely changed the philosophy of war of that time and remained in History. Today, we keep alive this “knowledge”, this spirit of innovation that we received from our ancestors in the same way and we transmit it to future generations. We continue to change the current philosophy of war with drones, unmanned submarines and many other technologies." BRAVO. Is this the "KNOWLEDGE" that will save the World? Do you base the future of humanity on the philosophy of war as proposed by Mr. Erdogan? Praise him, Gentlemen and Ladies of the West. And let him protect you from nonexistent "evil enemies." The war industries will certainly get rich at the expense of the common people.
However, there is another path that will offer the world (real peace, prosperity and true "KNOWLEDGE"). The “Knowledge” that promotes hope, freedom, love and truth that has been sought by every “PEOPLE” through the ages. Something that I believe the practices of Mr. Erdogan and Turkey in general, have not been able to and cannot offer to humanity. The last 600-650 years of their presence in the Balkans and Europe have proven it.
This other path can be realized ONLY through the eternal values of HELLENISM. And this is assured to us by the poem by Odysseas Elytis and set to music by the late composer Mikis Theodorakis, "Intelligible Sun of Justice" («της Δικαιοσύνης Ήλιε Νοητέ»). Listen to it here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGfgcbpv-K0
What does this HYMN tell us? The song of justice, "Intelligible Sun of Justice", from the emblematic work "Axion Esti" by Odysseus Elytis, is one of the most important works of modern Greek music and poetry. The title and lyrics of the song contain deep spiritual and social messages, which reflect the philosophical, political and artistic concerns of all centuries.
Every “PEOPLE” (ΛΑΟΣ) who live in a hardest and shameful slavery from an authoritarian regime or in a time of intense political unrest and social reforms, seeks ways and resistances to shake off the slavery. They fight for democracy and human rights. All the “PEOPLE” who had been enslaved by the Turks rebelled many times to gain their freedom, as they suffered from the Ottoman sword and the brutalities of their conquerors. The Greeks did the same with the revolution of 1821. And how did the Ottoman Empire deal with them? (since 1923, present-day Turkey). With violence and repression, flooding the places where they rebelled with rivers of blood. The song of justice, "Intelligible Sun" expresses precisely this pursuit of justice and freedom, through the symbolism of the sun as the bearer of light and truth.
The word “intelligible” suggests a justice that is not immediately accessible or tangible, but ideal, a justice that must be sought and earned. A deeper moral justice, which transcends everyday human issues and concerns human existence itself. The sunlight, then, is a metaphor for hope, freedom, and truth that is sought through struggle. Odysseus Elytis' lyrics in Axion Esti reflect the basic principles of Greek spirituality, nature and national identity. The sun, a symbol of justice and truth, is associated with spiritual rebirth and hope for a better future. References to light and darkness play a crucial role in Elytis' poetry, creating a timeless sense of struggle between good and evil, justice and injustice.
The song of justice, the sun of understanding, is not just a literary or musical work: it is a timeless call for justice, freedom and truth. Elytis' lyrics and Theodorakis' music complement each other, creating a work that expresses the Greek soul, philosophical quest and political struggle. The sunlight symbolizes the hope and truth that we all seek, whether on a personal level or as a society. The work remains timely, reminding us that justice is an enduring demand worth seeking in every era.
This peaceful way of life for all the peoples of the Earth is the answer to the warmongering and barbaric way that Mr. Erdogan proposes and praises. It is up to us who we will choose to bring to the “PEOPLE”: peace, justice, freedom, happiness, joy and prosperity. Surely the future of the world depends on the Greek Light that spreads love, justice, freedom and true “KNOWLEDGE”. Darkness can never defeat the Light, especially the Greek Light.
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