In the recent interview of architect and co-founder of Boulouki, Grigoris Koutropoulos, on the radio show “Sto vathos kipos” on Aegean Voice 107.5 with journalist Eirini Probona, the focused on the rural artifacts of Delos that often remain on the margins of the tourist and archaeological experience.
This “unseen” rural heritage is the core of our program ADELOS. Our goal is not to isolate these traces as museum exhibits, but to bring them back to life as a “living cell” of the Cyclades’ intangible cultural heritage.
The importance of microdams and local knowledge
During the discussion on the show, the critical importance of elements such as microdams and small water dams was highlighted. These are practices that Manolis Glezos identified as pioneering for water management on the islands. All these elements, techniques, practices, and memories constitute the collective identity of the Cyclades.
“Boulouki” continues to activate these traditional building techniques, not just as historical remnants, but as living, sustainable knowledge that can provide solutions to today’s challenges. You can see more about the water projects here.
The project “ADELOS” is organized by Boulouki in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades and the French School of Athens. The main supporter of the project is The J.M. Kaplan Fund. The project aims to restore the vernacular buildings “Farmhouse of Markos” in Delos and to study the agricultural heritage of the island complex of Delos, Mykonos, and Rheneia. The ethnographic research activities are conducted in collaboration with the anthropologist Despina Nazou. They are supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation through the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Public Humanities Initiative programme and Cycladic Identity the Initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art,.
