Perceptions of the Past

Complex historical events shaped the Aegean port cities in the aftermath of the devastating conflicts in the early 20th century. The formation of nation-states in the region influenced one another and also gave rise to narratives shaped by state interests or other political agendas. This study evaluates varying perceptions of identity tied to places of residence and origin, utilising virtual reconstructions and information management systems to recreate lost historic urban landscapes. It explores heritage, identity, and the notion of a sense of belonging to a place of origin through interviews and focus group discussions conducted with third- and fourth-generation descendants of the 1923 population exchange: 18 from the city of Thessaloniki with ancestral ties to Izmir and 10 from the city of Izmir with ancestors from Thessaloniki. The research provides insights into how participants define their homeland, their ancestors’ lands, and their attitudes towards these places, illuminating how they identify themselves in relation to a heritage place. This presents a compelling area of study, investigating the link between memory and heritage and its link to different identities. A comparative analysis of interviews and digital reconstructions of lost heritage highlights how intergenerational memories and narratives shape participants’ sense of belonging to both their current and ancestral cities. This offers a deeper understanding of the links between memory and heritage.