The year 2025 marks a significant milestone—the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the European Union. In celebration of this historic occasion and to promote deeper cultural exchange among Chinese and European students and faculty, ICARE successfully hosted a special event titled “Exploring Greece” on the afternoon of May 20, 2025, at the “One-Stop” Student Activity Center in the New Doctoral Apartment complex.
The event featured Professor Georgios Karalis, European mentor at ICARE and researcher at the National Technical University of Athens, Greece; Dr. Zou Mingqing, Vice Dean of ICARE; and more than 40 faculty members and students from ICARE and other affiliated institutes.
The lecture began with an interactive moment, as Dr. Zou Mingqing engaged the audience by asking, “Can anyone name a city in Greece other than Athens?” Enthusiastic responses followed, setting an open and curious tone. Dr. Zou then introduced the broader context of the event—the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations—and explained that the “Exploring Greece” lecture was part of a series designed to deepen students' understanding of European cultures. He encouraged participants to actively engage in building lasting cultural ties and contribute to future cooperation between China and the EU.
Professor Karalis then delivered a rich and insightful lecture exploring the origins and evolution of ancient Greek civilization. He introduced key themes such as the city-state system, dynamics of war and peace, and the far-reaching influence of Greek contributions to modern Western civilization. He emphasized that many foundational legal and philosophical concepts can be traced back to ancient Greece.
Highlighting philosophy as the crown jewel of Greek culture, Professor Karalis discussed the lasting legacies of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. He explained how their ideas—rooted in critical thinking and ethical inquiry—have profoundly shaped philosophical thought across centuries, helping the audience appreciate the enduring wisdom and intellectual allure of Greek philosophy.
Turning to the arts, Professor Karalis presented the distinctive styles of Greek sculpture, architecture, and painting. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful commentary, he analyzed iconic works such as the Parthenon and Discobolus, shedding light on their artistic features and cultural significance. He also addressed the continuity and transformation of Greek artistic traditions in modern society, encouraging students to value and promote outstanding cultural heritage.
Throughout the session, Professor Karalis interwove his talk with captivating stories and illustrative examples, making the lecture engaging, dynamic, and memorable.
The event concluded with a lively video showcasing traditional Greek music, which transported the audience into the enchanting world of Greece. This multisensory experience offered a colorful and immersive glimpse into Greek cultural life.
The “Exploring Greece” lecture is a key element of ICARE’s cultural series commemorating 50 years of China-EU diplomatic ties. In addition to enriching participants’ understanding of Greek history and heritage, the event established a meaningful platform for continued intercultural dialogue. ICARE remains committed to organizing similar activities in the future, fostering mutual learning and promoting the vibrant exchange of Chinese and European cultures.
