Dimitra Hatziadam, the photographer who made her second “house” the Presidential Guard

: June 06 2019

Dimitra Hatziadam started an excellent initiative to highlight the most emblematic symbol of our newer history. As an accredited photographer at the Presidential Palace and the Presidential Guard, for three years she attended the education and events of the Evzones, capturing with her lens “how these men represent the Greek symbol with ethos and sincere cooperation”.

The results of her work were imprinted at major exhibitions, both in Greece and abroad, causing emotion to the Greeks and the Philhellenes all over Greece.

Dimitra Hatziadam

Hellenic Daily News had an interesting conversation with the inspired photographer.

What was your primary source of inspiration, but also the reason why you decided to deal with this issue thoroughly?

Dimitra Hatziadam: It was my cooperation with a Metropolis Church in Athens. Since 2010 I have been accredited as a photographer at the Presidential Palace, which means I only had visual contact with the Evzones. Being in a ordination and watching the metropolis rigorous ritual dressing, the question arises as to how Evzones are dressed. Shortly after May 2013, photographic production that lasted more than three years began. The transition from one subject to another was easy as I noticed along the way, because the Church and the Army have common elements such as hierarchy grades, “dialect”, clothing, regulations.

What aspect impressed you the most about the mandate and the preparation of the Evzones?

There are quite a few of the points that I stood and am impressed during their term. They are characterized by intense patience, stubbornness and perseverance to achieve every minute they have chosen. I have found that they function as a family for a single purpose, their impeccable presence every minute representing a Greek symbol with ethos and sincere cooperation. Their endless stubbornness to make them Evzones and the greatest respect by deservingly serving this sacred symbol.

Why do you think they choose to serve in the Presidential Guard?

In their childhood, when they take a guided tour of the Story of the Unknown Soldier Memorial, when they see them like… giants. It is so imposing and impressive their figure for little boys. This has the effect of growing up with the dream of trying to become Evzones, which they have testified to me indefinitely.

What comments have you heard about your exhibitions and the specific topics?

It is a little strange for the public to understand how a woman photographer has dealt with this specific Greek symbol and has managed to gain their trust. The best “comment”, however, is the visitor’s thirsty eyes, and that is my reward.

Are there any locations that you would like your exhibition to travel and why?

My main objective is to present it to the Greeks and to the Philhellenes. The Greeks abroad are an integral, valuable national value, and the subject of the photography exhibition contributes as an action with a historical and cultural character, enhancing the Greek values internationally. The purpose of the presentation is to sensitize children and adults by bringing them in touch with lavender and pride. The Evzones, symbol of Greek Universal Recognition, provokes reactions of admiration, wonder and respect.

Photographic production with the Presidential Guard is projected by important foreign and homogeneous media. How much do you think is important for both foreigners and homogeneous people to come closer to our Evzones?

For all the Greeks, Evzonas is a symbol inherent in our modern history. It is important for the Hellenes to remember its roots, symbolism and our culture in general. There are several times when the first point will be attended by a homogenous, is the Monument of the Unknown Soldier. The Philhellenes admire Evzonas, full of wonder and interest, learning stories of history in Greece. Sometime at a photo exhibition, I asked a lady if they had some use of the nails in the tusks. The only answer I gave her … what would Greece be without this sound …

Contact info

Facebook: @dimitra.hatziadam.photography

Instagram: dimitra_hatziadam

YouTube: DimitraHatziadam

#evzones_exhibition

Exhibitions

04/2016 – 04/2019

1η ΑΘΗΝΑ / ΠΟΛΕΜΙΚΟ ΜΟΥΣΕΙΟ

2η ΚΑΒΑΛΑ / ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΠΝΑΠΟΘΗΚΗ

3η ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗ / ΠΟΛΕΜΙΚΟ ΜΟΥΣΕΙΟ

4η ΠΕΙΡΑΙΑΣ / ΣΤΑΔΙΟ “ΕΙΡΗΝΗΣ & ΦΙΛΙΑΣ”

5η ΗΓΟΥΜΕΝΙΤΣΑ / ΠΝΕΥΜΑΤΙΚΟ ΚΕΝΤΡΟ “ΠΑΝΘΕΟΝ”