Asia Minor Refugee Associations in Lesvos (1914-1936)

Abstract

This paper focuses on the formation and dynamic of the Asia Minor refugee association in Lesvos island (in Greece), during two historical periods: the period known as the First Persecution (Protos Diogmos, in Greek) (1914-1918) and the interwar period (1922-1936). Collectivities of first refugee generation are transformed into communities, unions and associations at the host country (Lesvos), trying to integrate into society and constitute their social reality, structuring new collective identities, collective memories and historical conscience. The present case study relies on primary sources and archival material. It provides us the possibility of both comparative study and exploration/analysis of Asia Minor’s refugee association development, since it constitutes part of an ongoing research regarding the Asia Minor Refugee Memory, resulting through genealogical succession within the Asia Minor’s Refugee Associations institutional context, in Lesvos.