Epaminonda I. Stamatiade, Biografiile marilor dragomani (interpreti) greci din Imperiul Otoman, [The lives of the Greek great dragomans (interpreters) in the ] translation from Greek and translator’s foreword by Constantin Erbiceanu, preface by Ioan-Aurel Pop, edition supervised, afterword and notes by Rodica Baconsky and Alina Pelea, Cluj-Napoca: Casa Carţii de Ştiinţa, 2016, 148 pages.

This is a republication of a translation of Erbiceanu was not an admirer of the the Βιογραφίαι των Ελλήνων μεγάλων Phanariot period, but rather an objective διερμηνέων του οθωμανικού κράτους observer and commentator as evidenced (Biographies of the Greek grand by his strict approach in his work Cronicari dragomans of the Ottoman Empire). greci care au scris despre români în epoca Written by the Greek historian – who fanariotă (Greek chroniclers who wrote had roots on the island of Samos about Romanians during the Phanariot era – Epaminondas I. Stamatiadis and [Bucharest 1888, reprinted 2003]). When published in 1865 (2nd edition, 1873), he took on the translation, his purpose it was translated by the Romanian was to restore the ’ reputation medievalist and Neohellenist Constantin in the Romanian Principalities, the land Erbiceanu (1838–1913), a professor that had welcomed them, where “they of religious history and dean of the were able to think freely, get an education, Bucharest Theological Faculty, as well and carry out their renaissance” (15). as a vice-president of the Romanian This statement seemingly exonerates Academy. This new edition consists of the Phanariot period, which, according the original Romanian translation with to other Romanian scholars, such as a revised spelling. It is supplemented by Alexandru D. Xenopol, left a bitter a new introduction, as well as historical memory among the Romanian people, and linguistic annotations, for which the Romanian editors consulted with an Pelea, “Quand ‘dire c’est faire’ au royaume expert on modern Greece. de l’interpretation: Une page d’histoire”, What purpose did the 1897 translation Discours en présence: hommage à Liana Pop, of the pamphlet into Romanian serve? ed. Anamaria Curea, Cristiana Papahagi, 1 According to the book’s editors, Monica Fekete, Sanda Moraru and Veronica Manole, Cluj-Napoca: Presa Universitară 1 See, also, Rodica Baconsky and Alina Clujeană, 2015 pp. 387–402.

The Historical Review / La Revue Historique Section of Neohellenic Research / Institute of Historical Research Volume XVI (2019) Epaminonda I. Stamatiade, Biografiile Marilor Dragomani Greci 285 who regard it as their history’s darkest the Phanariot rulers sought to secure period, solely excepting the shift that privileges for and enrich their nation, took place towards French education and subject to the not always benevolent culture. dispositions of their Ottoman masters. In his book, Stamatiadis sheds light A question that is often raised on the roots of the Romanians and on is whether the Phanariots were the controversial history of the Phanariot Greek patriots or traitors, since they families, something virtually unknown “collaborated” with the Ottoman in Romania today. The tale begins with authorities. As always, the truth is the fall of and the needs somewhere in the middle. A knowledge of the , which led to certain of the biographies of these interpreters accommodations: Since the Ottomans allows us to fathom the essence of were not permitted to learn foreign “Greek ethnicity”, to understand the languages, the Porte employed for its spirit of its preservation. Apart from diplomatic relations the services of Jews any compromises with the new reality, and renegade Latins, as well as those of Greece, no longer the Greece of Pericles, the educated, multilingual of the or that of Justinian or Manuel Comnenus, Phanar, the famous Constantinoplean although transformed by the successive district. This forced the Greek officials changes, was a profound and constant of the Porte to conform to the external reality in the Phanariot world. At the rules and regulations imposed by the same time, the Phanariots maintained a Islamic world. However, they retained close relationship with Romania during their beliefs and sentiments, the memory Ottoman rule (1711–1821), while also of classical Greece, their humanistic associating with Western , the values and their religion. The position of civilised world, the Lumières movement interpreter changed in 1661, when it was and enlightened despotism. These assumed by the accomplished Panagiotis dragoman-gentlemen were skilled in Nikousios, who was granted special letters and the arts, keen book readers privileges. From then on, as grand and had innovative ideas. For these dragoman, the chief interpreter became arguments alone, the book deserves to be indispensable to any negotiations, held recognised. a distinct position in the protocol, Apart from the historical controversy, translated, offered solutions and made the Romanian translation is also of decisions. An elite, yet dangerous linguistic interest. Reflecting its time position, it was inherited from father period, it is Latinised and uses certain to son. With Nikolaos Mavrokordatos, neologisms with which a contemporary son of Grand Dragoman Alexandros reader will not be familiar. It contains Mavrokordatos, the “ex aporriton” ecclesiastical terms, Slavic, Greek or (confidential advisor), the Phanariots’ Turkish words denoting offices or tenure as princes of the Danubian official garments, and French and Principalities (1701–1821) began. Thus, Italian terms of the period. Additionally, indigenous Romanians were deprived of there are inconsistencies in the syntax the right to govern their countries, while and rendition of the lofty style of the 286 Alexandra Sfoini original. The book not only proves that was very important: “A word to the wise the profession of interpreter has existed is sufficient” was a motto of Phanariot since the seventeenth century (we know society. The interpreter’s profession has it existed since antiquity), but shows that evolved nowadays and is no longer based its profile has not changed dramatically on personality or a relationship with over the centuries. The dragomans of a master but rather on the progress of the period knew up to five or six Eastern society and technology, while it is taught and Western languages, something in schools and is no longer associated not uncommon today. The difference with any kind of birthright but with a is that the level of their encyclopaedic specific code of ethics. knowledge – and occasionally expertise, if they studied at Western universities, Alexandra Sfoini such as Padua, as did Alexandros Mavrokordatos, who wrote a dissertation Institute of Historical Research / NHRF on blood circulation – cultivation and consequent influence was greater than Translated by Lilia Psarrou today. Moreover, loyalty to the sovereign