In order to avoid misunderstandings regarding the content that will be presented below, we will attempt to provide definitions for the conceptually dense notions of the title:

Mores and customs (ήθη και έθιμα) constitute the core of long-standing tradition, combining social values and religious rituals.

Morality (ethics, ηθική) is a branch of philosophy that seeks to determine which human actions are socially acceptable and right, and which are improper and wrong.

Mores and customs are the long-standing practices that emerge from the way of life and functioning of small or large social groups with a cohesive ethnic basis. Τhe formation of customs and traditions is strongly influenced by the economic conditions of living, the terms of production, and the broader productive process, particularly in rural areas where, in earlier periods, the largest population of each region resided. A significant factor in the shaping of customs and traditions was, over a long period, how social groups of different origins either coexist or clash.

These conditions also exerted a decisive influence on the formation of strong rules of law that strictly governed both interpersonal and interfamily relations. A characteristic case of long-established rules of this kind is the custom of blood feud (vendetta), which functioned as a distinctive local rule of law. This custom, whose origins go back to archaic times, assumed an intense and rigid form in geographically enclosed areas that had limited contact with neighbouring population groups. Mani constitutes a characteristic case of the application of vendetta, which, carrying elements from ancient Sparta in combination with the habits of groups that over the centuries settled in the region, survived not only until the establishment of the modern Greek state but also continued, in a milder form, for another 150 years. A characteristic confirmation of the conditions that prevailed in Mani regarding the administration of justice is the Circular of Instructions issued by Ioannis Kapodistrias to the judges of the Special Courts he had established for the adjudication of criminal cases in Mani. He advised them to take into account the deep-rooted social customs that had long prevailed in the area, while also applying the new general rules governing the administration of state law, after carefully selecting the lay members of the criminal courts. The long-term persistence of these customary perceptions is confirmed once again by examining the first issue of our newspaper “Maniot Solidarity” in April 1999, in which one of the aims that we set was our contribution to the abolition of the application of vendetta, which was still troubling the small Maniot societies at that time.

The transition from patrilineal communities to broader social coalitions, with the strengthening of their nationally defined characteristics, constituted a critical factor for the reform of many customs, whose continuation had long shaped the rules of the administration of justice. With the establishment of nation-states, and the development of dense settlement structures to meet modern modes of production, old habits lost a large part of their violent characteristics, retaining mainly the elements of cultural heritage that recalled to simpler ways of life in the countryside, where they also find opportunities for their reproduction, offering qualitative characteristics to modern life, which focuses mainly on quantity.

This long course of reform of inherited customs and traditions gradually shaped the foundation of Morality (Hθική), as it has reached our days through the decisive influence of Philosophy. Of particular significance to the life of modern societies is the contribution of moral rules to the formation and application of Law. The strong consideration of broader social perceptions, through the application of ethical principles in the administration of justice, strengthens the bond between the individual with society and broadens the common framework of coexistence within each community.

This long-term course of transition from customs and traditions, which began in archaic societies and was reinforced in many closed and geographically isolated small communities, culminates in our time in the formation of modern Ethics. This evolution, among other things, also contributes to the qualitative upgrading of all institutions, which are being undermined by the intense individualistic tendency that lies at the heart of the economic system dominant on our planet. The application of rules determined by Ethics to the way of functioning of Politics, which directs this economic system, could constitute another positive element in restoring a more balanced relationship between quantity and quality – a relationship that has been disturbed by the desperate pursuit of Ethics, and stands as the defining characteristic of our era.

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

Historical anniversaries are critical factors for encouraging a re-examination of the past. By powerfully reintroducing these events into the memory of people today, we aim to draw necessary lessons for the future of those who are the biological and national heirs of the original participants. The organisation of these anniversary events—when enriched with essential elements that show both continuity and adaptation to modern changes—helps cultivate a sense of timelessness in the consciousness of today’s audience.

More than 200 years have passed since the outbreak of the Revolution of 1821, which was subsequently rewarded with the establishment of the modern Greek state. We are already a few months away from the completion of 200 years since the three Maniot victories (at Verga, at Diros, and at Polyaravos) over the Egyptian troops, when they attempted to invade Mani and conquer it, with the aim of a) their complete domination over the Peloponnese, b) the establishment therein of an Egyptian administration as had been agreed with the Sultan, and ultimately c) the suppression of the long-standing effort for the awakening and rebirth of the Greek Nation.

The bicentennial commemorative events for the three Maniot victories over the Egyptian forces, represent an ideal opportunity to highlight their importance and to cultivate, through works and actions, elements of timelessness that remind of their significance for our entire nation and serve as instructive models of patriotism for the younger generations.The qualitative upgrading of the sites where the battles were conducted, and the provision of easy accessibility to them, constitute elementary obligations of the state, regional, and municipal administrations responsible for the three areas. The parallel establishment of annual athletic and cultural events centered, in rotation, on the three areas of the battles, would constitute an element of continuous rekindling of historical memory and of the messages it generates. The production of digital material connected with the battles and the victories of the Maniot arms, and the creation of free access to it through widely accessible online platforms, would constitute a strong contribution to the desired timelessness of historical memory. A year ago, in view of the bicentenary, MANIOT SOLIDARITY, the newspaper and the association that publishes it, considered it appropriate to underline the obligation of all of us, and especially of those responsible for the upgrading of the celebratory events for the most critical of the three battles, the battle of Polyaravos. We think that the road connection of the admittedly difficult spot, 300 meters up to the settlement where the battle took place, and the restoration of the damages to the parish church of Saints Constantine and Helen, constitute a due obligation to our ancestors who fought and saved Mani, and perhaps the whole Peloponnese, from Egyptian conquest. In addition, the other two battle sites also require substantial upgrades.

The expansion of the surface area and the qualitative upgrading of the site where the anniversary events are held at Verga, combined with the possibility of highlighting and making accessible the wall where the Maniot warriors entrenched themselves and where the decisive battle took place, constitute our elementary obligations.

Regarding Diros, the relocation of the events to the main site of the decisive battle, to the bay where a statue of the scythe-bearing Maniate woman was placed years ago—the gift of a compatriot—would represent a better approach to and reconstitution of the historical memory of the events of the battle against the Egyptian forces. These troops initially disembarked there and eventually, being pursued, attempted to re-embark on their ships in order to be saved.

On the website of our association: www.maniatiki.gr, a special section has been created with the title: “Where and how will the bicentennial of the Μaniot victories of 1826 (Verga, Diros, Polyaravos) will be celebrated?” [https://maniatiki.gr/wp/?cat=442]. By opening it, visitors to the website are presented with our views and our interventions to those responsible, with a focus on matters regarding Polyaravos. We hope that our proposals will be taken into account by the recipients of the letters during the few months that remain until the completion of the bicentennial of these battles.

In our era, an era dominated by the glorification of the image and of the two-dimensional situations it produces, our own approach to historical memory may perhaps seem out of place. We wish the historical memory to take on three-dimensional as well as intangible forms, closely linked to space as well as to emotion, which will not be just for one-time or for personal exploitation, but will permeate us, imprinting strong messages in the psyche (θυμικόν), which in turn will be transferred into our way of life. However, this is our way of thinking and the attempt to express it through the columns of MANIOT SOLIDARITY, in its printed and digital form, for 28 years… 

THE EDITORIAL BOARD

It was April 1999 when the first issue of our newspaper ΜΑΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΑΛΛΗΛΕΓΓΥΗ (MANIOT SOLIDARITY) was published. Timidly and through trial and error, we tried to find the path that would give shape to the impulse which led us to this form of expression. Our vision for a Mani of the future worthy of our heroic ancestors was particularly strong. Thus, the many diverse obstacles were gradually overcome — starting with technical matters, passing through financial difficulties, and culminating in the challenges that required rapid adaptation to modern printing technology. Year by year we acquired the necessary know-how which, combined with the personal processing of source material, resulted in the form and content of the newspaper you now hold in your hands.

Our main objective began with the idea that Mani is not just a place, but a way of life. It is a way of life that those of us from an older generation acquired through the experiences of our upbringing; we carry it in our genes and pass it on to our descendants. This way of life is recorded in every issue of this publication, accumulating issue by issue, condensed into our book publications, projected on our website, and digitally archived so that it remains available for future generations. This content also contributes to the harmonious integration into our land of the many new residents who have settled in our villages in recent decades, just as it happened during the great population integrations in the Mani region in earlier centuries.

On the occasion of entering the 28th year of publication, we consider it appropriate to analyse in greater detail the structure and content of each issue of our newspaper.

The smooth transition from the title to the content is achieved through the lead article on the first page. We ensure that its content incorporates elements and nuances of SOLIDARITY in analyses of ideas and events relating to broader social issues appearing in current affairs. The first page is complemented by news closely connected to our region, its developmental progress, or the major milestones of its historical journey.

The topics featured on pages 2, 3, 4 and 10 highlight elements from the history, folklore, nature and culture of our region, as these have been recorded in the past and continue to evolve to the present day. Special emphasis is given to the “Farewell” of the first Maniot scholar and enlightener Nikitas Nifakis, which is featured consistently in the masthead of page 3 as a timeless mandate for all of us, and his reflections on our region are expanded through the presentation of his verse compositions in successive issues.

Pages 6 and 7 have been dedicated to showcasing developmental projects being promoted in our wider region, identifying the manner of their implementation and the weaknesses that emerge during the course of their realisation until completion. Pages 5 and 12 cover opinion articles that also echo the ideas of SOLIDARITY, as these relate to current events and situations. Pages 9 and 11 are dedicated to recording brief news items concerning our wider region, as they appear in the current affairs of each month. As our perceptive readers will have noticed, police reports have been entirely absent even from the very first issue of the publication, because material of this nature does not align with the aims of our newspaper and our association. Believing that the printed word remains a quiet reminder that thought requires time and responsibility and that information requires verification, we maintain this editorial approach which we have followed for 27 years.

On our website www.maniatiki.gr a selected portion of the material from our printed newspaper is uploaded each month, while important texts with historical-geographical information about Mani and the settlements of its three large regions have been included. The publication of the main editorials in English facilitates compatriots (descendants of second and third generation immigrants) in becoming acquainted with the region of their family’s origin, as well as foreign residents who have settled in our area. The inclusion of the listings entrusted to us by local professionals for the printed issue increases the visibility of their businesses and activities.

We believe that a strong impetus for advancing the goals of our non-profit association that publishes the newspaper ΜΑΝΙΑΤΙΚΗ ΑΛΛΕΛΕΓΓΥΗ also arises from the publication of books and illustrated volumes about our region. We note in particular the following four titles: PAGES FROM THE HISTORY OF MANI (in two volumes), TRAVEL ITINERARIES IN MANI (in two volumes), MANI IN FOREIGN-LANGUAGE BIBLIOGRAPHYand MANI: THE TIMELESS EVOLUTION OF 10 MAJOR REGIONS.

On the occasion of this anniversary, supported by the trust and loyalty of our subscribers, we wish to express our determination to continue this work for as long as our physical and intellectual capacities permit. 

                                                                                                            THE EDITORIAL BOARD