On Wednesday, May 28, I had the pleasure of being at the Hellenic Diaspora World Cultural Center, invited within the framework of the Municipal Free Open University of the Municipality of Nea Filadelfia – Nea Chalkidona. The theme of the evening was “Days of Refugee Tradition” and I truly felt grateful to have the opportunity to speak in such a meaningful context.
I shared with the audience the art of natural dyeing, a craft with deep roots in Asia Minor, intrinsically linked to the region’s carpet weaving tradition. A tradition that has been passed down through generations and, despite hardships, managed to survive and reach us today.
To prepare for my talk, I researched the literature on the era and its traditions. Dyeing was an integral part of daily life, with families participating in every stage of production, from spinning and dyeing to weaving. The stories of the people, their techniques and everyday practices shaped an entire cultural framework. For me, the challenge but also the joy lies in bringing this tradition into the present: connecting it with sustainability, creativity, and our everyday lives. It’s not just a technique, but a whole way of thinking that can teach us how to live closer to nature, without losing the aesthetics and the value of the handmade.
It was an inspiring experience, showing that tradition is not something old or outdated. It is a foundation on which we can build something new, creative and absolutely contemporary.
