Cahiers Balkaniques (Mar 2015)

Sappho Léondias (1830-1900)

  • Louisa Christodoulidou

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4000/ceb.5902

Abstract

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This paper, based on primary research and archival material, will examine Sappho Leondias’ significant contributions to three areas of achievement: Education, Press, and Greek Letters. A very influential 19th century woman of Cypriot origin, Sappho lived in Constantinople where her work flourished from the mid to the late Nineteenth century. Highly educated and multi-lingual she was “always busy teaching, directing and studying”. Sappho was the sister of the well-known Emilia-Ktena Leondias with whom she published the influential women’s periodical Eurydice (1870-1873). An intellectual, Sappho was also a multifaceted personality with a love for writing poetry and therefore described as “the melodious Ionian nightingale”. Also a prolific writer she was dedicated to writing and translating a plethora of pedagogical manuals, short stories and theatrical performances. One of her major works was her translation of Racine's Esther.A zealous advocate of female education Sappho Leondias played an important role in supporting the female identity as well as in establishing more progressive ideas and methods in teaching. Her active roles in promoting gender equality in education brought her into conflict, especially in the press, with prominent Greek scholars of her time. Fighting relentlessly for equal education at home she also supported Greeks of the “Diaspora”. A great leader of her time she ranks among the elite female personages as indicated by the honour bearing title: “Great Citizen of the Nation”.

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