Greek painters of Istanbul*
The subject of this book** which has been painstakingly and loving prepared by Mayda Saris, is about Greek painters who were either born in Istanbul or raised there. A unique work which sets the example for more to be done and conquer the freedom and peace of reality; this book must be in everybody’s coffee table, in every library around the world as the spearhead of peace!
Filiz Cagman’s foreword, and Mayda Saris preface tells it all! It is generally recognised that Greek painters from Istanbul contributed to a great extent to Ottoman and Turkish culture, beginning during the Byzantine era. Even after the end of the Byzantine era, Greek painters continued to play an active role in the development of art in Istanbul.
Going through this book one can find the biographies of over twohundred Greek artists and many painting depict the sea and sealife in its entirety and the grandeur of an empire. Icons and paintings at its best! At the end of this magnificent book, when one reads the acknowledgements, then you can realise why this book is Excellent!
Congratulations to all involved in this production, from His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, to the benefactors Marios and Maria Dalezios, Pinar Osep Tokat and Gefso Papadaki Elmatzioglou, to all the collectors who opened their homes!
*In Turkish: Istanbullu Rum Ressamlar
**Info and source: The book itself and Katy Stavridou
