As part of the “ARISTOTELIS” initiative of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), the training of students from the Supreme Joint War College (HJWC) , and under the auspices of the Ministries of Culture of the Hellenic Republic and the Republic of Cyprus, a conference titled “The Protection of Cultural Heritage in Times of War – 70 Years since the 1954 Hague Convention” was held at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh) (Ceremony Hall) on May 8 and 9, 2025.
The conference was organized by the AUTh Law School with the support of the School of Humanities, Social and Economic Sciences of the International Hellenic University and the Law School of the University of Nicosia.
The main focus of the conference was the connection between theory – practice – fieldwork. Academics, officers, and representatives of international organizations exchanged knowledge and experiences regarding:
- The typology of attacks on cultural property,
- Modern strategies for the protection of cultural monuments,
- The applicable international and national legal framework,
- The importance of protecting cultural heritage during wartime for Hellenism, nations, and the global community.
The conference aimed at a new mapping of the relationship between law, defense, and culture in the modern and unstable international environment, bringing together scientists, Armed Forces personnel, and representatives of institutional authorities.
The event marked a significant step in strengthening dialogue and cooperation for the defense of cultural heritage in times of crisis and armed conflict.
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