Nicolas Pitsos

Nicolas Pitsos is a Lecturer qualified in Greek studies (section 15) and modern and contemporary history (section 22) at the University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines. He is associated with the Institute of Cultural and International Studies (IECI) and the Center for the Cultural History of Contemporary Societies (CHCSC). Additionally, he serves as Collections Manager for the Greek domain at BULAC (University Library of Languages and Cultures) since 2020 and has been an Associate Researcher at CHCSC since 2019.

His educational background includes:

• Doctorate in History, Societies and Literature, INALCO, Paris
• DEA/Master2 in Social and Cultural History 19th-20th Century, University of Paris 1-Panthéon-Sorbonne
• DEA/Master2 in Historical, Political and Cultural Geography, University of Paris IV
• Master's in History, University of Paris 1-Panthéon-Sorbonne
• Bachelor's in History, University of Paris 1-Panthéon-Sorbonne
• Bachelor's in Modern Greek, INALCO

Nicolas Pitsos specializes in the sociocultural history of modern Greece and the Balkans, with particular expertise in the history of Greek-speaking press and publishing, as well as allophone press in France. His research explores representational, historiographical, media, and memorial issues surrounding the Eastern Question from the 19th to 20th centuries. He also investigates the sociocultural history of medicine and public health during this period, examining topics such as neurasthenia and the medicalization of boredom in Belle Epoque France. His interdisciplinary approach combines historical analysis with cultural studies to understand the complex dynamics of national identity formation and cross-cultural encounters in Southeastern Europe.

His scholarly output demonstrates a consistent focus on Balkan history, particularly examining press coverage, political discourse, and cultural representation related to the Eastern Question. Pitsos' work reveals patterns in how French and Greek media portrayed Balkan conflicts, especially during critical periods like the Balkan Wars and World War I. His research shows particular attention to linguistic dimensions of national identity, interfaith relations in Ottoman and post-Ottoman contexts, and the representation of Balkan societies in European travel literature and press. A recurring theme is the examination of how historical narratives are constructed through various media channels and how these narratives influence diplomatic relations and public perception.

Nicolas Pitsos has supervised master's students in Balkan studies at the Catholic Institute of Higher Studies (ICES) in La Roche-sur-Yon since 2008. His professional experience includes significant roles in library and research management, particularly with the Greek domain at BULAC, indicating institutional support for his scholarly work.

As an Associate Researcher at the Center for the Cultural History of Contemporary Societies (CHCSC) and the Europe-Eurasia Research Center (CREE) at INALCO, Pitsos collaborates with interdisciplinary teams focused on historical and cultural research. His position at BULAC places him within a network of scholars and librarians specializing in languages and cultures, particularly those of Eurasia and the Balkans. These institutional affiliations provide him with access to specialized collections and collaborative opportunities that support his research on Greek and Balkan history.