kathimerini.gr
Uninhabited": Preserving the Cultural Heritage of Drama's Abandoned Houses
Kyriakos Syfiltzoglou's photographic book, "Uninhabited," documents abandoned houses in Drama, Greece, revealing the lives of Pontic Greek refugees who settled there after 1922 through preserved remnants and details within the homes, highlighting the region's cultural heritage and the passage of time.
- What is the significance of Kyriakos Syfiltzoglou's photographic project "Uninhabited" in documenting the abandoned houses of Drama, Greece?
- Kyriakos Syfiltzoglou, a poet, writer, and photographer, has spent years documenting abandoned houses in Drama, Greece, creating a photographic record of a disappearing world. His work reveals the remnants of lives lived, preserving memories and material culture before they vanish completely. The resulting book, "Uninhabited," showcases these haunting yet beautiful images.
- How does Syfiltzoglou's approach to photographing these abandoned homes contribute to our understanding of the history and cultural heritage of the region?
- Syfiltzoglou's project transcends simple documentation; it's an act of preservation and remembrance, giving voice to the forgotten histories embedded within these abandoned homes. By focusing on the details—clothing, religious icons, furniture—he evokes the lives of the primarily Pontic Greek refugees who settled there after 1922. The inclusion of original and historical village names highlights the transition between different eras and cultures.
- What are the long-term implications of this project in terms of preserving cultural memory and raising awareness about the impact of displacement and migration?
- Syfiltzoglou's work raises questions about memory, displacement, and the passage of time. His photographs serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of historical events and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. The project's impact extends beyond the visual; it prompts reflection on how communities are formed, lost, and remembered, offering a powerful commentary on cultural memory and loss.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames Kyriakos Syfiltzoglou's work as a poignant exploration of memory and loss. The description emphasizes the artistic and emotional impact of the abandoned houses, highlighting the photographer's skill in capturing their beauty. While this framing is valid, it might overshadow the historical and social context of the houses and their former inhabitants. The use of words like 'tomb raider' and 'exhumation' in the introduction sets a tone focused more on the photographer's artistic process than the social history of the area.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly evocative and descriptive, aiming to capture the atmosphere and aesthetic qualities of the abandoned houses. While terms like 'tomb raider' are used, they are within the context of comparing the photographer's work to an archeological exploration. However, replacing "tomb raider" with a less sensational alternative like "meticulous chronicler" would enhance neutrality.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the photographer's work and the aesthetic qualities of the abandoned houses, with less emphasis on the historical and social context of the refugee populations who once inhabited them. While the article mentions the Pontic Greeks who settled there after 1922-23, more detail on their lives, struggles, and contributions could provide a more complete picture. The omission of specific details about their daily lives, cultural practices, and challenges might leave the reader with an incomplete understanding of their experiences.
Sustainable Development Goals
The photographer's work highlights the lives of refugees who settled in the Drama region after 1922-23, preserving their memories and contributions, which indirectly contributes to understanding and addressing historical economic disparities and the challenges faced by displaced communities. The project indirectly helps to acknowledge the resilience and resourcefulness of these communities in overcoming poverty.