This presentation sheds light on the history and daily life of the historic Romaniote Jewish community of Ioannina, blending informative content with photographic materials, authentic artefacts from the Jewish Museum of Greece’s collections, and original relics generously donated by private individuals.
The Romaniote Jews have maintained a continuous presence in Greece since the Hellenistic period, as confirmed by epigraphic, historical, touristic, and archaeological evidence. They adopted the Greek language and, by incorporating Hebrew words into it, developed the unique Graeco-Judaic idiom. By blending local traditions with their own customs, they created a distinct Greek-Jewish heritage characterized by unique dietary practices, clothing styles, and handicrafts. Ioannina emerged as the cultural and spiritual heart of Romaniote Jewish life.
The presentation seeks to offer audiences an in-depth look at the characteristic features of Romaniote life and traditions, one of Greece’s smallest yet oldest Jewish communities. It also explores the community’s individual and collective contributions to the social and urban evolution of Ioannina, enriching the city’s history and identity.
