Invitation to a Book Presentation at IMMA

The Foundation of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle and Modern History of Macedonia (IMMA) and Kyriakidis Publications invite you to the presentation of the book by Emeritus Professor of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Paraskevas Savvaidis, titled:
“Between the Waves and the Maps of the Aegean”.

📅 Date & Time: Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 18:30
📍 Location: Museum of the Macedonian Struggle (Proxenou Koromila 23, Thessaloniki, “Alexandros Chaitoglou” Hall)

The book presentation marks the conclusion of a series of guided tours, lectures, and school visits at IMMA, focusing on the history behind the creation of nautical charts from Professor Savvaidis’ personal collection. These charts have been on display in the museum’s temporary exhibition since November 2024 and will remain until March 30, 2025.

Both the exhibition and the book transport us to the mid-to-late 19th century, following the pioneers of that era—the hydrographers of the British Royal Navy—as they undertook the arduous task of measuring and preparing reliable nautical charts of the coasts and islands of the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea.

Through vivid narration and a socio-historical perspective, the book unravels the adventures of key figures who laid the foundations for maritime cartography. These were men of naval duty, self-taught antiquarians in search of ancient artifacts—yet not looters. At the same time, they were skilled naturalists, documenting the rich flora and fauna of the regions they explored. Among them were Admiral Sir Francis Beaufort and distinguished hydrographers William Henry Smyth, Thomas Graves, and Thomas Abel Spratt.

Speakers:

• Dimitrios Patsikas, Captain HN – Commander of NASVE, Director of the Hellenic Navy’s Museum Ship A/T VELOS
• Alexandros Garyfallos, Emeritus Professor, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
• Konstantinos Chatzaridis, President of the Thessaloniki Sailing Club
• The Author, Paraskevas Savvaidis

A welcome address will be given by Athina Pavlidou, Director of IMMA, Philologist – Museologist.
The event will be moderated by Katerina Tzavara, Author and Head of Educational Programs at IMMA.