The Jewish community of Didymoteicho dates back to the Byzantine era and was once the largest in Western Thrace. In 1943, nearly all its members were deported to Auschwitz. The few survivors who returned to Didymoteicho in 1945 attempted to rebuild their community, but by 1987 it had dissolved completely. Yet traces of its presence still endure. One of these is the Jewish cemetery, which dates back to at least the 17th century but is largely invisible to both the local population and visitors. Through this project, historians Eleni Kouki and Yannis Papakondylis aim to reintegrate the cemetery into the city’s mnemonic and memorial landscape by designing a historical walking tour, creating an online exhibition, and developing educational materials for students.

Image: View of the Jewish Cemetery in Didymoteicho. © Yannis Papakondylis 2024