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The ceremony took place in the presence of Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, Regional Governor of Epirus Alexandros Kachrimanis, Souli Mayor Athanasios Ntanis, Filiates Mayor Paraskevas Vlachos and MP Vasilis Giogiakas.<\/p>\n
During his address, Tasoulas described Kiafa as a landmark of resistance and independence, emphasising its role in the history of the Souliotes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the harsh and inaccessible landscape of Souli, Kiafa stood for centuries as a symbol of resistance, autonomy and high ideals,\u201d the President said.<\/p>\n
He noted that the fortress served as the place where the Souliotes organised their defence, developed their unique form of communal freedom and shaped their historic identity.<\/p>\n
Kiafa Castle remains one of the most important fortified settlements of the autonomous Souliote Confederacy and a nationwide symbol of courage, heroism and resistance.<\/p>\n
Tasoulas also referred to the nearby Kougi, where in December 1803 monk Samuel and a small group of Souliotes chose death over surrender by blowing up the monastery\u2019s gunpowder storehouse.<\/p>\n
Restoration brings history back to life<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The President said the restoration project allows modern generations to experience history as a tangible and physical reality.<\/p>\n \u201cThe restoration of Kiafa Castle allows us to see our history again as a material, tangible fact,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n He highlighted the fortress\u2019s architectural features, including its arched entrances, polygonal bastions, surrounding battlements, cannon openings, defensive structures and water channels, which reveal the military strategies of the period.<\/p>\n According to Tasoulas, the fortress demonstrates a style of warfare where endurance and determination often proved as important as weapons. He added that knowledge of the terrain, speed, surprise tactics and flexibility helped the Souliotes overcome larger opposing forces.<\/p>\n The President described the restoration of Kiafa Castle, combined with broader efforts to showcase Souli\u2019s historical identity, as an act of respect towards a monument that represents freedom.<\/p>\n \u201cSuch monuments of freedom must be honoured, protected and preserved,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n A symbol of resilience and Greek identity<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Tasoulas said Souli reflects the resilience of the Greek people, describing them as a determined nation that has repeatedly overcome challenges throughout history.<\/p>\n He argued that Greece\u2019s survival through more than 3,000 years in the region represents a remarkable achievement, referring to the idea of a \u201cstrange\u201d and enduring people as described by poet Giorgos Seferis.<\/p>\n The President concluded by saying that Greece\u2019s greatest wealth lies not only in natural resources but in its spirit, its commitment to freedom, progress and prosperity.<\/p>\n \u201cThis spiritual abundance has brought us this far,\u201d Tasoulas said, adding that Greece\u2019s past, present and future can all remain worthy of respect and admiration.<\/p>\n Following the ceremony, Tasoulas toured the restored Kiafa Castle with Ioannis Chouliaras, head of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Ioannina.<\/p>\n Earlier, the President visited the historic Souli Heroes Monument, where he spoke briefly with representatives of local cultural associations.<\/p>\n