15. Benefactors of the national centre

If the 18th century was a time of commerce, professional achievement, and cultural exchange with the West for the Vlach-speaking Greek diaspora, the 19th century emerged as the era of great benefactions. Merchants from Vlach villages in Epirus and Macedonia, many of whom had permanently settled in major urban centers across Europe, Egypt, and the Danubian Principalities, redirected their wealth surplus toward acts of national philanthropy.

Prominent figures such as Michael Tositsas (1787–1856), Apostolos Arsakis (1792–1874), Evangelis Zappas (1800–1865), Nikolaos Stournaris (1806–1873), and Georgios Averoff (1818–1899) became synonymous with the reconstruction of Greece.

In its formative years, the fledgling Greek state, constrained by limited resources and weak organizational capacity, struggled to address societal needs. Athens, in particular, became the primary beneficiary of philanthropic initiatives. Practical concerns aside, symbolic motivations also drove this focus: the city, home to just 7,000 inhabitants, was entrusted with embodying and preserving its ancient Greek heritage. This ambition was expressed through the construction of neoclassical buildings that came to dominate Athens’ public spaces.

Hospitals, orphanages, schools, scientific institutions, and financial organizations bore the imprint of great benefactors such as Konstantinos Bellios (1772–1838), Stergios (1770–1822) and Nikolaos Doumbas (1830–1900), as well as Georgios (1783–1856) and Simon Sinas (1810–1876). These iconic figures, often honored with noble titles and broad recognition, invested significant wealth in public infrastructure. Their contributions went beyond merely supporting state initiatives—they became driving forces behind Greece's national development.

Fully conscious of their influence, these benefactors acted both independently and in collaboration with domestic political figures. From their positions of power, they often voiced criticism of the state’s inefficiencies, including mismanagement and delays in decision-making.

Yet, it is important to acknowledge that, alongside their patriotism, social responsibility, and altruism, personal ambitions such as the pursuit of recognition and the desire for a lasting legacy also played a significant role in inspiring their generosity.