On 1 November 1920 — in the wake of the Treaty of Sèvres and the grand vision of a “Greece of the Two Continents and the Five Seas” — Eleftherios Venizelos suffered a stunning electoral defeat. Taking this unexpected turning point as a starting point, “Historical Walks” traces the paradox of a leader who, though now revered as the “Father of the Nation” and a unifying symbol across the political spectrum, was once the most divisive figure in modern Greek history.
How did Venizelos transform from a polarizing politician into a national icon? And how has his legacy been reinterpreted over time — used by different political forces to lend weight to their own narratives and ideals?
Historian Christos Triantafyllou joins the program to discuss his book “The Making of a Greek ‘Father of the Nation’: The Afterlives of Eleftherios Venizelos, 1936–1967” (Themelio Publications), a study of how the statesman’s image was reshaped after his death — reconstructed, mythologized, and ultimately enshrined as “the right side of history.” When did Greek cities begin to fill with his statues, when did streets and squares bear his name — and how did even Greece’s international airport come to honor him?
The episode is enriched with music and songs from films, documentaries, and even operas inspired by Venizelos, along with rare archival recordings featuring his own voice.
*The tribute unfolds over two episodes, airing on Saturday 01 and Saturday 08 November.
Produced and presented by Marilena Katsimi
Broadcast: Saturday 01 November 2025 | 13:00–14:00 (Athens time)
