“This is not an IQ test, puzzle solving gives us pleasure and the opportunity to discover new mechanisms of thinking.” Dr. Pantazis Chulis, founder of the Museum of Mysteries of Megistis and co-founder of the Festival of the same name, which takes place these days in Kastelorizo, has set himself the goal of introducing young and old to an unprecedented spiritual process. “As a child, I discovered the joy of solving puzzles by watching the YENED Magic Square program in the late 70s,” he recalls, who returned to his native Kastelorizo ​​after a successful academic career in Australia. “I solved puzzles that others struggled with and that’s how I found my passion.” At that time, as an elementary school student, he started making his own puzzles. “In one of them I used my mother’s rolling pin, much to her displeasure,” he adds with a laugh.

Perhaps the most famous 3D puzzle is the Rubik’s Cube, which Dr. Howlis solves with multiple repetitive motions in 5-10 minutes, “but the world of puzzles doesn’t stop there.” In the Museum, he collected 4,200 puzzles, that is, 3D games, of which 800 are his own creations. Many others he has collected and exchanged with members of the International Puzzle Organization, which he has joined since early 2000. “For many years when I lived in Australia, I attended 3D puzzle weekend events where I had the opportunity to collect many rare items. Then the Internet developed and ebay was born, from where puzzles everywhere can replenish their collections.

The 3-day 1st International Riddle Festival, which he organized last year with Mrs. Eleni Grammatikopoulou, was forever remembered by 250 participants from all over Greece. Airport stargazing and treasure hunting have been among the most creative pursuits, combining science with fun. This year the festival returns to Kastelorizo, and in the following months it will travel to Patras (October 21-23) and Athens (December 16-18). At the festival, more than sixty renowned scientists and artists offer the public new knowledge through innovative experimental activities. “Math is not the most difficult subject, although if you learn it along with puzzles!” concludes Dr. Hulis, referring to midget glyphologists.