Nationality Greek Occupation Businessman | Name Simon Sinas Parents Georgios Sinas | |
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Born 15 October 1810 Vienna, Austrian Empire Known for Benefaction and Diplomacy Died April 15, 1876, Vienna, Austria | ||
Simon von Sina or Simon Sinas (Greek: Σίμων Σίνας; 1810–1876) was an Austrian banker, aristocrat, benefactor and diplomat of Greek origin.
Biography
Simon Sinas was born on August 15, 1810 in Vienna. He was of Greek origin with his family originating from Voskopojë,Albania. He served as Greek consul in Vienna, and later as minister to Austria, the Kingdom of Bavaria, and Germany. The son of Georgios Sinas, also a benefactor and diplomat, Sinas expanded his father's business. He also made major donations to various educational and scientific foundations in Austria, Hungary, and Greece. During his time as Greek Ambassador in Vienna, he hosted the "Greek Ball" in the Palais Sina for which Johann Strauss II composed the Hellenen-Polka (Hellenes Polka) op. 203.
Sinas became director of the National Bank of Austria and also established the Simon Georg Sina banking house in Vienna. Following the end of the Second Schleswig War (or German-Danish War) in 1864, he funded the return transport of Austrian forces from the region of Schleswig-Holstein. From 1874 onwards, Sinas held a position in the Herrenhaus of Austria.
Sinas was the donator and founder of the Hungarian Academy of Budapest, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Vienna, the Athens Orthodox Cathedral, the Athens Academy, and others. His father had made the foundation of the National Observatory of Athens possible. Since Sinas was also a patron of astronomers, the crater Sinas on the Moon was named after him. Sinas died in Vienna on April 15, 1876.