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Asia Minor Catastrophe: contemporary graphic novels and the management of historical memory (Master thesis)

Δραγανίδου, Ισιδώρα/ Draganidou, Isidora

This study looks into the representations of the Asia Minor Catastrophe through works which are classified as graphic novels. The attempt to clarify the term graphic novel and present its historical development and characteristics is fraught with difficulties, as it is a relatively new genre which is still under formation. In recent years, there has been a plethora of Greek graphic novels, which thematise landmarks of Greek history. In this regard, works that address the Asia Minor Expedition and its tragic outcome, as well as its causes and consequences were brought out. Our study examines the ways in which the events of the Asia Minor Catastrophe are presented by contemporary authors, a century after the event, as well as their implications. Furthermore, we investigate to what extent these graphic novels are characterized by nostalgia and a tendency to embellish lost homelands. Finally, the ideology that the creators attempt to convey through the narrative and illustration of graphic novels is also the subject of examination. To address the above questions, four works that fall into the category of graphic novels and deal with the Asia Minor Catastrophe were selected: Aivali (2014) by Soloúp (Antonis Nikolopoulos), 1922. The End of the Dream (2021) and its sequel 1923. Hostile Homeland (2022) by Thanasis Petrou and Manolis (2022) by Allain Glykos (text) and Antonin (illustrator). The critical analysis of these works led to the conclusion that through the graphic novel genre, the violence of war and the dire conditions experienced by the refugees of Asia Minor are presented in a realistic way. The creators aim to convey a strong anti-war message through their works and stand reflectively towards the events, urging readers-viewers to explore the concepts of acceptance of the "other", tolerance, mutual understanding and reconciliation.