Poland in Greece

The Polish School of Mathematics, which developed dynamically during the interwar period, was a global phenomenon. In centers such as Lviv, Warsaw, and Krakow, ideas emerged that still form the foundation of many fields of mathematics – from functional analysis, through set theory, to mathematical logic. It was an exceptionally creative environment, based on collaboration, openness, and intellectual courage. The seminar, held in Athens, provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of outstanding scholars such as Wacław Sierpiński, Zygmunt Janiszewski, Stefan Banach, Hugo Steinhaus, Stanisław Ulam, Stanisław Mazur, Alfred Tarski, Kazimierz Kuratowski, and Bronisław Knaster, but also to emphasize the importance of their work for contemporary mathematics and related sciences.

The essence of the legacy of the Polish School of Mathematics was mentioned by the head of the Polish diplomatic mission, Wojciech Ponikiewski, who welcomed the guests and thanked the professors from Polish and Greek universities participating in the seminar.

The seminar program included presentations by:

• Prof. Tomasz Żak from Wrocław University of Science and Technology, "History of the Polish School of Mathematics – Origins, Personalities, Academic Centers"

• Prof. Roman Murawski from Adam Mickiewicz University, "Polish School of Logic – Alfred Tarski and Others"

• Prof. Stelios Negrepontis from the University of Athens, "The World Radiance of the Polish School of Mathematics"

• Prof. Kazimierz Lewartowski from the University of Warsaw, "Kazimierz Kuratowski – Grandson’s Memories"

• Prof. Christina Phili from the National Technical University of Athens, "Kazimierz Kuratowski - As I Met Him"

• Prof. Panagiotis Spyrou from the University of Athens, "Walking Along Janiszewski Street"

During the seminar, the achievements of Polish mathematicians - cryptologists who contributed to breaking the "Enigma" code, which in turn had a significant impact on the defeat of the Third Reich during World War II, were also highlighted. Participants had the opportunity to view the exhibition "Enigma. Deciphering Victory," made possible by the kindness of the Marshal of the Wielkopolska Voivodeship, and to watch the documentary "Enigma. We’ve Got News," directed by Norbert Rudaś and produced by Vena Art from Lublin.

The poetic element of the seminar was Cyprian Kamil Norwid's poem "Plato and Archita," a much-loved poem among Polish mathematicians, illustrating a philosophical perspective on geometry. This poem was translated into Greek by Dr. Anastasia Chatzigiannidi.

We extend our sincere thanks to the distinguished scientists who participated in the seminar and ensured its high level of expertise, as well as to the Polish Archaeological Institute at Athens, and especially to Ms. Edyta Kosiel-Evangelou, for their fruitful collaboration.