Today’s Italiotes and Siceliotes that have not fallen victim to italianization continue to live in their ancestral homeland of Magna Graecia. A small community of these Hellenes still hold onto the regions Italiot Hellenic dialect that has been spoken since the days of ancient city-states. This dialect, know to most Hellenes as Katoitaliotika (“Southern Italian”) is also known by Griko, Grecanic and even sometimes Calabrian. Two small Griko-speaking communities that still survive today are located in the Italian regions of Calabria and Puglia. The community living in the area of Salento is made up of nine towns in the Grecia Salentina region. This small pocket of Hellenic speakers number roughly 40,000 people. The second community of Calabrian Griko is also made up of nine villages, although the populations size is unknown.
The origins of Griko are mostly seen to date back to the 8th century BC, making the dialect a long lasting connection for Southern Italians to their ancient Hellenic ancestry that once ruled Magna Graecia. The present Italian government does officially recognize the Griko community of Salento as an ethnic and linguistic minority under the phrase “Minoranze linguistiche Grike dell’Etnia Griko-Salentina” or linguistic minority of the Griko-Salentinian ethnicity. A much needed recognition from the central government in Rome since the repressive measures under Fascism that pushed to discourage the Hellenic dialect from being used.
The present day status of the Italiot Hellenic Dialect is one of a fading direct connection to a peoples past. Only two periodicals are currently being published in Greek-Calabrian. No radio stations exist and the dialect has never even been used on television. The one positive hope for the language is an annual festival called ‘Palea riza’ (Ancient Root) that is held in Bova and near by towns. At this festival traditional Griko music is played for all to hear. However, the slow decline of Griko’s use is a painful tragedy to watch take place. Many italianized Italiotes see it as nothing more then one in a dozen dialects of Italy that scatters the countryside. These dialects are viewed, as is Griko, to be an expression of lower class speech and illiterate country folk. Hence the population pushes to learn standard Italian. A language that was based on Tuscan, a Northern Italian dialect, and was forced upon the newly created Italian state after its ‘unification’.
As the Southern Italian ethnic consciousness continues to build momentum and more and more political movements formed to divide Italy into Northern and Southern states, it seems only natural for true Southern Italian patriots to adopt their original identity of Italiotes and Siceliotes. This is the only true legitimate claim for the regions separation from the central government in Rome. Thus being stated, the adoption of Griko seems the only natural choice any Southern Italian patriot would choose to replace the oppressors northerner’s linguistical domination.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Monday, January 5, 2009
Independent Magna Graecia – Southern Italy- Ausonia Flag Proposal
Southern Italy or as it should be known as, the historical region of Magna Graecia or ‘Greater Greece’, has always followed a distinctly different path then the north. Italiotes and Siceliotes formed the Hellenic speaking population of Southern Italy and Sicily. Ancient Hellenic city-states controlled most of the ancient landscape of the region until the coming union with the Roman Empire. A union with the northern region of the peninsula that lasted until Eastern Roman (Byzantine) control of the southern part of the peninsula, which reinforced Hellenism to its semide-Hellenized population.
The lasting imprint of the original Hellenic culture of Magna Graecia can still be fled throughout the peninsula and its history. The Old Italic alphabet and hence the Latin alphabet were variations based of the regions Hellenic alphabet. Many of the ancient Hellenic City-states survive to this day like, Neapolis (Naples), Taras (Taranto) and Ankon (Ancona).
During the Middle Ages, Magna Graecia would see a new explosion of Hellenic colonization as Eastern Roman Hellenic speaking people fled Hellas proper and Anatolia to come to Southern Italy. A process that only strengthen the bonds of Magna Graecia with Hellas proper. Although through the years many Italiotes and Siceliotes have become Italianized and no longer speak their original Hellenic dialect. There are still those who still to this day speak the indigenous Hellenic dialect of the region known as Griko. Griko still exists today mostly in Calabria and Salento.
Magna Graecia today is wildly known by the term ‘Mezzogiorno’, which includes Magna Graecia and Sardegna. The term which is associated with thoughts of poverty, crime, illiteracy, and other kinds of negative stereotypes towards Italianized Italiotes and Siceliotes comes from the very ‘Northern Italians’ that created the modern Italian nation-state like Giuseppe Garibaldi. The Divide that has always exist between the Northern and Southern parts of the peninsula are not only historical differences. They are also economic ones that were put in place during the creation of the modern Italian state and have been kept that way ever since. Before unification of the peninsula, the independent South was economically stable and prosperous. It is not until the unification takes place that the north emergence as the wealthier of the regions of Italy. A logical outcome seeing that those pushing for unification all hailed from the North. One could argue that it was not a unification that took place, but rather an invasion and occupation by the North forced upon Magna Graecia that resulted in the colonization of the South for the benefit of the North.
Today, like in Northern Italy, so does the South have its own political aspirations of independence from the central government in Rome. On one side of the coin you have Lega Nord and its goal to create an independent Padania state in Northern Italy. On the other side you have Lega Sud Ausonia and its dream to establish an independent Ausonia in Southern Italy. Lega Sud is not the only political party with such dreams, it is however, the only one to actually name the state they wish to create. A name that one must take a closer look at. What is Ausonia? The name is Hellenic for the region in Magna Graecia where the Ausones, an ancient tribe lived. Legend holds it or at least as Diodorus Siculus records, the King of the Ausones was Ausonus, the Son of Odysseus, the famous ancient Hellenic hero.
Whether Italiote, Siceliote or Ausone the concept is all the same and its connection to Hellenism is undeniable. It is with this in mind I’ve decided to present a flag for an Independent Magna Graecia – Southern Italy- Ausonia state. A real indigenous symbol of the region, compared to the modern flag of Italy with its Napoleonic origins.
The flag proposal consits of using the tricolour design of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies according to Steenbergen Book (1862). Located in the flag’s center is the Sicilian national symbol known as the Trinacria, which is a variation of the Hellenic Triskelion symbol. The Medusa head centered in the Triskelion implies the protection of the Hellenic Goddess Athena, which is commonly found on the Sicilian version. On the top and bottom parts of the flag a white Meander pattern is found. The Meander is a commonly found in ancient Hellenic art and was even found on the Shield of Philip II of Macedon.
The lasting imprint of the original Hellenic culture of Magna Graecia can still be fled throughout the peninsula and its history. The Old Italic alphabet and hence the Latin alphabet were variations based of the regions Hellenic alphabet. Many of the ancient Hellenic City-states survive to this day like, Neapolis (Naples), Taras (Taranto) and Ankon (Ancona).
During the Middle Ages, Magna Graecia would see a new explosion of Hellenic colonization as Eastern Roman Hellenic speaking people fled Hellas proper and Anatolia to come to Southern Italy. A process that only strengthen the bonds of Magna Graecia with Hellas proper. Although through the years many Italiotes and Siceliotes have become Italianized and no longer speak their original Hellenic dialect. There are still those who still to this day speak the indigenous Hellenic dialect of the region known as Griko. Griko still exists today mostly in Calabria and Salento.
Magna Graecia today is wildly known by the term ‘Mezzogiorno’, which includes Magna Graecia and Sardegna. The term which is associated with thoughts of poverty, crime, illiteracy, and other kinds of negative stereotypes towards Italianized Italiotes and Siceliotes comes from the very ‘Northern Italians’ that created the modern Italian nation-state like Giuseppe Garibaldi. The Divide that has always exist between the Northern and Southern parts of the peninsula are not only historical differences. They are also economic ones that were put in place during the creation of the modern Italian state and have been kept that way ever since. Before unification of the peninsula, the independent South was economically stable and prosperous. It is not until the unification takes place that the north emergence as the wealthier of the regions of Italy. A logical outcome seeing that those pushing for unification all hailed from the North. One could argue that it was not a unification that took place, but rather an invasion and occupation by the North forced upon Magna Graecia that resulted in the colonization of the South for the benefit of the North.
Today, like in Northern Italy, so does the South have its own political aspirations of independence from the central government in Rome. On one side of the coin you have Lega Nord and its goal to create an independent Padania state in Northern Italy. On the other side you have Lega Sud Ausonia and its dream to establish an independent Ausonia in Southern Italy. Lega Sud is not the only political party with such dreams, it is however, the only one to actually name the state they wish to create. A name that one must take a closer look at. What is Ausonia? The name is Hellenic for the region in Magna Graecia where the Ausones, an ancient tribe lived. Legend holds it or at least as Diodorus Siculus records, the King of the Ausones was Ausonus, the Son of Odysseus, the famous ancient Hellenic hero.
Whether Italiote, Siceliote or Ausone the concept is all the same and its connection to Hellenism is undeniable. It is with this in mind I’ve decided to present a flag for an Independent Magna Graecia – Southern Italy- Ausonia state. A real indigenous symbol of the region, compared to the modern flag of Italy with its Napoleonic origins.
The flag proposal consits of using the tricolour design of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies according to Steenbergen Book (1862). Located in the flag’s center is the Sicilian national symbol known as the Trinacria, which is a variation of the Hellenic Triskelion symbol. The Medusa head centered in the Triskelion implies the protection of the Hellenic Goddess Athena, which is commonly found on the Sicilian version. On the top and bottom parts of the flag a white Meander pattern is found. The Meander is a commonly found in ancient Hellenic art and was even found on the Shield of Philip II of Macedon.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Ground Invasion begins: "Israel = Fascist state"
Israel has taken the next step in their genocidal policy towards the Gaza Strip, as air strikes have turn into a full fledge ground invasion of Gaza. Reports on the situation are hard to come by because of the Israeli ban on journalists entering the area. One can only wonder what barbaric acts of violence are taking place against the innocent women and children of Gaza. While the Zionist state of Israel with its Fascist tactics ban media access to Gaza to hide their crimes from the civilized world.
Some of the most recent ‘self-defense’ missions against ‘terrorists’ in Gaza come with an Israeli air strike on a Gaza mosque, where 200 innocent people were praying, the United Nations estimates that as of January 3rd, a quarter of the deaths in Gaza were civilians. Either Israeli troops are dropping the ball and are no longer the high quality professionals the world knows the Israeli military as, or we are watching a government-backed policy of Genocide against an entire people. Which ever it is, it is safe to say that if this situation was happening in any other country other then Israel, a united front would have entered and toppled the government committing such unthinkable war crimes against innocent civilians.
Inside the state of Israel thousands of activists took to the streets yet again to protest the military actions of their own country. Knesset members Dov Khenin and Ahmad Tibi joined those in the crowd to let the world know not every Israeli supports the actions of their government in Gaza. "I came here to demonstrate along with thousands of citizens in Tel Aviv and all across the country, Jews and Arabs alike, who are calling to stop this war, which is a disaster. It hasn't solved the security problems in the south, and nothing good will come out of it," Dov Khenin
Meanwhile across the world the International reaction seems to ring loud and clear, End the Genocide in Gaza! Protests from Britain, France, Germany, Hellas, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, Spain, the United States, the list goes on and on of those who wish to see an end to the fighting and allow humanitarian aid to enter the region. In Hellas, police fired teargas at activists who rallied outside the Israeli embassy in Athens. Others marched through the streets setting fire to banks and throwing rocks at police and the embassy. 12,000 demonstrators came out in London where thousands threw their shoes at Downing Street in anger towards the crisis in Gaza. In Time Square a sea of people wearing black and white kaffiyehs, the famous Palestinian scarf, spread out for four blocks. During Protests in San Francisco activists held signs that read “Gaza = Warsaw Ghetto”. One protester, Jack Fertig had the following to say, "I'm descended from Holocaust victims, and we need to identify with the oppressed - not imitate the oppressors". Yet, the United States for the second time this week has prevented a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate end to the conflict inside Gaza.
The barbaric crimes against the Palestinian people must come to an immediate end. If the Israeli state does not end their onslaught against the innocent women and children of the occupied zone, it only makes logic sense that some type of international coalition must come to the aid of those dying inside the ghetto that is Gaza. Shame on Israel and the United States, both nations with innocent blood on their hands. The years of favoritism towards Israel must come to an end; they are just as responsible for their actions as any other country in the world. Wake up and smell the reality of the situation, Israel is a new Fascist dictatorship in the World.
Israeli Troops Invade Gaza Strip
Read Full Article Here
Israel fires artillery shells into Gaza
Read Full Article Here
MK Khenin: Gaza war won’t solve security problems
Read Full Article Here
Thousands protest in Europe at Gaza offensive
Read Full Article Here
Thousands throw shoes at Downing Street in protest against Israeli action in Gaza Read Full Article Here
Times Square Rally Protests Fighting in Gaza
Read Full Article Here
Hundreds in S.F. again protest Israeli bombings
Read Full Article Here
World leaders condemn Israel
Read Full Article Here
US Again Stops UN Call for Gaza Truce
Read Full Article Here
Some of the most recent ‘self-defense’ missions against ‘terrorists’ in Gaza come with an Israeli air strike on a Gaza mosque, where 200 innocent people were praying, the United Nations estimates that as of January 3rd, a quarter of the deaths in Gaza were civilians. Either Israeli troops are dropping the ball and are no longer the high quality professionals the world knows the Israeli military as, or we are watching a government-backed policy of Genocide against an entire people. Which ever it is, it is safe to say that if this situation was happening in any other country other then Israel, a united front would have entered and toppled the government committing such unthinkable war crimes against innocent civilians.
Inside the state of Israel thousands of activists took to the streets yet again to protest the military actions of their own country. Knesset members Dov Khenin and Ahmad Tibi joined those in the crowd to let the world know not every Israeli supports the actions of their government in Gaza. "I came here to demonstrate along with thousands of citizens in Tel Aviv and all across the country, Jews and Arabs alike, who are calling to stop this war, which is a disaster. It hasn't solved the security problems in the south, and nothing good will come out of it," Dov Khenin
Meanwhile across the world the International reaction seems to ring loud and clear, End the Genocide in Gaza! Protests from Britain, France, Germany, Hellas, Ireland, Italy, Turkey, Spain, the United States, the list goes on and on of those who wish to see an end to the fighting and allow humanitarian aid to enter the region. In Hellas, police fired teargas at activists who rallied outside the Israeli embassy in Athens. Others marched through the streets setting fire to banks and throwing rocks at police and the embassy. 12,000 demonstrators came out in London where thousands threw their shoes at Downing Street in anger towards the crisis in Gaza. In Time Square a sea of people wearing black and white kaffiyehs, the famous Palestinian scarf, spread out for four blocks. During Protests in San Francisco activists held signs that read “Gaza = Warsaw Ghetto”. One protester, Jack Fertig had the following to say, "I'm descended from Holocaust victims, and we need to identify with the oppressed - not imitate the oppressors". Yet, the United States for the second time this week has prevented a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate end to the conflict inside Gaza.
The barbaric crimes against the Palestinian people must come to an immediate end. If the Israeli state does not end their onslaught against the innocent women and children of the occupied zone, it only makes logic sense that some type of international coalition must come to the aid of those dying inside the ghetto that is Gaza. Shame on Israel and the United States, both nations with innocent blood on their hands. The years of favoritism towards Israel must come to an end; they are just as responsible for their actions as any other country in the world. Wake up and smell the reality of the situation, Israel is a new Fascist dictatorship in the World.
Israeli Troops Invade Gaza Strip
Read Full Article Here
Israel fires artillery shells into Gaza
Read Full Article Here
MK Khenin: Gaza war won’t solve security problems
Read Full Article Here
Thousands protest in Europe at Gaza offensive
Read Full Article Here
Thousands throw shoes at Downing Street in protest against Israeli action in Gaza Read Full Article Here
Times Square Rally Protests Fighting in Gaza
Read Full Article Here
Hundreds in S.F. again protest Israeli bombings
Read Full Article Here
World leaders condemn Israel
Read Full Article Here
US Again Stops UN Call for Gaza Truce
Read Full Article Here
Saturday, January 3, 2009
As if Things Weren't Bad Enough, Russian Professor Predicts End of U.S.
In Moscow, Igor Panarin's Forecasts Are All the Rage; America 'Disintegrates' in 2010
Read Full Article Here
Read Full Article Here
Friday, January 2, 2009
Shame on Israel: Hellenism is outraged!
Four Days ago on December 30th a small boat from Free Gaza, an American based organization which has been sending medical aid to the region since August, was attacked by an Israeli naval ship while it was bound for Gaza. The boat was denied the right to deliver the much needed humanitarian aid to suffering Palestinians and was forced to dock in Tyre, Lebanon after suffering damages during the confrontation. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed that an ‘incident’ had occurred between the two vessels. Reuters was informed by activists who organized the humanitarian aid mission that the vessel with 3 ½ metric tons of medical aid and 16 individuals was rammed by an Israeli naval vessel inside international waters. No one was hurt during the attack; however, activists have confirmed that the Israeli vessel did indeed fire upon them. "I thought I was going to die. I'm 68. None of us had life jackets on. We are appalled at this barbaric act," said David Halpin. The medical supplies the vessel was carrying had been donated by the Cypriot government. Several of the individuals on the boat headed to Gaza were of Cypriot origins, including a Cypriot parliamentarian.
This attack on Hellenism’s generosity towards the innocent people of Gaza is appalling. The Israeli government should be ashamed of itself, while the International Community should demand the Israeli government end its constant temper tantrums and obeyed by the same stands as the rest of the civilized world. This government sanctioned attack on a Cypriot parliamentarian is a direct attack on the Cypriot government and therefore technically an attack on the nation of Cyprus. The Hellenic government, should as the defenders of Hellenism, in cooperation with the Cypriot government demand an official apology from the Israeli government. The years of international silence and appeasement towards Israel’s oppressive and genocidal agenda in the Middle East must come to an end.
Gaza aid boat damaged by Israelis reaches Lebanon
Tue Dec 30, 2008
Read Full Article Here
This attack on Hellenism’s generosity towards the innocent people of Gaza is appalling. The Israeli government should be ashamed of itself, while the International Community should demand the Israeli government end its constant temper tantrums and obeyed by the same stands as the rest of the civilized world. This government sanctioned attack on a Cypriot parliamentarian is a direct attack on the Cypriot government and therefore technically an attack on the nation of Cyprus. The Hellenic government, should as the defenders of Hellenism, in cooperation with the Cypriot government demand an official apology from the Israeli government. The years of international silence and appeasement towards Israel’s oppressive and genocidal agenda in the Middle East must come to an end.
Gaza aid boat damaged by Israelis reaches Lebanon
Tue Dec 30, 2008
Read Full Article Here
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