From Greater... to Contemporary Greece Part II

Last year’s temporary exhibition From Greater... to Contemporary Greece at the National Historical Museum revisited a tumultuous part of contemporary Greek history. “Greater Greece” refers to the “Great Idea,” a visionary nationalist aspiration that was prominent in the early 20th century and aimed towards national integration. That’s when the Asia Minor expedition took place, which ended with the Smyrna Catastrophe in 1922. 

The subsequent part, subtitled "The Refugees", focuses on the demography of Greece through population movements over the course of a century. Modern Greece was born between the revolution of 1821 and the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923. During this century, world-changing events took place, resulting in refugee flows that radically changed Greek society.

Divided into four sections, the exhibition takes us on a chronological journey. CAUSES of sudden departures - wars, persecutions and changing borders. UPROOTING, which captures the struggles of forced displacement. SETTLEMENT, which explores refugee housing, health care and job rehabilitation. Finally, through music, sport, literature and cinema, MEMORY explores the everlasting collective imprint. Each part highlights the emotions experienced by the persecuted: fear, despair, loss, but also determination and the will to survive. At the same time, it shows the solidarity and support as well as the efforts of fellow compatriots and foreigners to help, but also the suspicion, indifference and hostility of many. Panagiotis Rapas has created a captivating video animation, in which refugees welcome visitors. The exhibition also showcases a wide range of photographic evidence, historical documents and personal items from the museum's collection, as well as loans from many institutions and private individuals.