Renowned historian and academic Vasilis Kardasis has passed away at the age of 69, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. His death brings great sorrow to the academic and political community, as well as to the many who collaborated with him or were taught and inspired by his brilliant, dynamic and spirited personality.
Born on 1 May 1956 in Dimitsana, a town he deeply loved and visited often, Kardasis studied Economics at the University of Athens and pursued postgraduate studies in Economic History at Paris I University in France. In 1986, he completed his PhD at the Department of Political Science at the University of Athens. From 1987, he taught European and Greek Economic History at the Department of Economics at the University of Crete, while his academic journey included significant posts at leading institutions abroad and in Cyprus, where he built strong bonds with colleagues and students.
He served as a visiting professor at the University of Cyprus (2010–2012), a researcher at the Institute for Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies in Venice, and as a Senior Associate Member at St Antony’s College, Oxford. He also worked at the Historical Archive of the National Bank of Greece and collaborated with the Bank of Cyprus on the organisation of its historical archive.
During his tenure as President of the Hellenic Open University (HOU) under the SYRIZA government, Kardasis left a lasting mark, promoting crucial reforms focused on accessibility, transparency, and reinforcing the university’s social mission. He strongly believed in the role of HOU as a second-chance university and worked tirelessly to improve its academic quality.
His written work reflects his dedication to modern Greek history, particularly the Greek diaspora, social history, and economic history of Hellenism. Among his most notable works are: The Hellenism of the Black Sea, From Sail to Steam, Athens 1896, The Olympic Games in Athens 1896–1906, Panos Geramanis, and others.
His passing also moved the political sphere. In a statement, SYRIZA – Progressive Alliance extended “its sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues,” describing him as a “significant researcher into the economic life of the Greek diaspora.” Sia Anagnostopoulou, MP with the New Left, honoured him in a personal tribute, calling him “a dear friend in good and difficult times, a comrade in the Left as we envisioned and fought for it, a source of inspiration and love for life.”
A passionate supporter of Olympiakos FC, a generous teacher, mentor, and friend, Vasilis Kardasis was known for his spark, idealism, and irrepressible romanticism. He is survived by his beloved wife Maria and their son Aris, continuing to inspire all those who believe in the value of knowledge, public service, and humanity.
His civil funeral will take place on Monday in Athens, and in accordance with his wishes, his cremation will follow on Tuesday in Ritsona.
With information from in.gr / parallaximag.gr
