Neo-Hellenic Enlightenment – Education: The Schools of Ioannina through Testaments (17th-beginning of 19th century)

Our goal is to examine the concept of Education during the period of Neo-Hellenic Enlightenment through the use of evidence and by overcoming what is mentioned about “Krifo scholio” (Secret School).

The paradigm of Ioannina is appropriate to this goal, as the city is a leading hub in Greece since 17th century. Traders from Ioannina do business at the Italian coasts, the heart of Europe and the hospitable Russia and they create solid communities, that excel not only in the trade but also in the Letters.

This cosmopolitan commercial class exceeds from the status quo of the Ottoman Empire and at the same time it grants sponsorships for the establishment of modern Schools. The establishment of these Schools and the instruction of scientific courses is the result of three factors: existence of unofficial running schools, intellectual capital and financial robustness of the “enlightened” trader of the Greek diaspora.