Rare photos from a Nazi massacre in Greece during World War II have surfaced on an auction site, prompting significant public response and leading to the auction's cancellation.
Recently, unknown photographs depicting one of the worst massacres committed by Nazis in Greece during World War II emerged on an auction site. The images showcase the execution of 200 communists in Kaisariani, Athens, which took place on May 1, 1944, by German soldiers during the three-year occupation of Greece. This revelation has stirred emotions within Greece, as there have been no known photographs of this tragic event prior to this discovery.
The photos are believed to have been taken by a German officer, and their appearance has sparked a public outcry due to their historical significance. The Greek government quickly responded to this situation by requesting the halting of the auction, subsequently leading the seller, a Belgian collector, to agree to sell the images to the Greek state instead. This quick action highlights the importance of preserving historical documentation of the atrocities of the Nazi occupation in Greece.
Cultural Minister Lisa Mendoni emphasized the importance of these photographs, stating they provide a unique perspective that enables the depiction of the occupation from the viewpoint of the occupiers. This situation not only underscores the need for sensitivity in dealing with historical memories but also raises questions about the commercialization of historical artifacts, especially those linked to traumatic national experiences.
