Orthodox Monasticism in the Eastern Mediterranean, 15th and 16th Centuries
Seminar #3

Great Meteoron in the 15th and 16th centuries

Phokion Kotzageorgis Aristotle University, Thessaloniki

#SemMod
Programme 2025

Abstract

The purpose of the lecture is twofold. On one hand is to give an overview of the fiscal status of the Greek-Orthodox monasteries under the Ottomans as it is revealed through the study of the Ottoman documents of the first two centuries (15th-16th centuries). On the other hand, is to provide a concise picture of the history of Great Meteoron monastery during 15th and 16th centuries, based on Ottoman and Greek sources. Great Meteoron monastery is the oldest in the Meteorite monastic complex and contains a rich Ottoman archive. Although the Greek post-byzantine archive remains grosso modo unknown to the scholars, the lecture will attempt to fill in some gaps of the Meteorite history. Through the analysis, similarities with as well as differences from other monasteries can be underlined. Apart from giving a picture of the Great Meteoron monastery, the lecture will try to provide a synthesis of the entire history of the rock monasteries during the early Ottoman period.

About the speaker

Phokion Kotzageorgis is Professor in Ottoman history at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. His research focuses on the social, economic, urban, demographic, and legal history of the Ottoman Empire, with a particular emphasis on the Orthodox Christians. He is a specialist of Orthodox monasticism in Mount Athos and the Meteora. Based on monastic archives, and through a comparative approach between the two monastic areas, his research explores the economic and legal aspects of the monastic communities from the 15th to the 18th centuries.

About the seminar cycle

This series of seminars aims to provide a comprehensive overview of research on Orthodox monasticism in the eastern Mediterranean during the late Middle Ages and early modern period.