Exhibition in Athens Highlights Shared Histories of Nanjing and Greece Amid Challenges of War

A Cultural Reflection: Nanjing and Athens

The city of Athens recently hosted a profound exhibition titled World Memory, Vision of Peace — The Path of Peaceful Development in Urban Memory. This event marks an important moment where the tragic memory of the 1937 Nanjing Massacre intersects with Greece's historical experiences during World War II. For the first time, the archives dedicated to this dark chapter in history made their way to Greece, demonstrating the interconnectedness of human experiences across time and space.

The exhibition opened on September 26, 2025, at the Zappeion Hall, attracting over 100 attendees, including prominent dignitaries and officials from both China and Greece. Among the notable guests were Fang Qiu, the Chinese Ambassador to Greece, and various representatives of local government and cultural organizations. The event celebrated the spirit of remembrance and peace through artistic performances, including songs sung by children from both nations; their melodies resonated deeply with the theme of hope and unity amid shared sorrow.

The Significance of Memory

The Nanjing Massacre is a reminder of the atrocities that occur during wartime. Between December 1937 and January 1938, Japanese troops killed approximately 300,000 civilians and prisoners of war in Nanjing, while countless women were subjected to sexual violence. This grim episode is presented through a variety of media in the exhibition, which features over 170 photographs, 40 artifacts, and multimedia displays, which include notable film footage and survivor testimonies.

The exhibition emphasizes the need to confront the legacies of war. Ambassador Fang articulated that the event serves as a dialogue between two great civilizations, asserting the necessity of acknowledging history to build a shared future. Likewise, Deputy Governor Giorgos Vlachos drew parallels between the suffering experienced in Nanjing and Greece, invoking a collective memory that advocates for peace through understanding.

A Journey Toward Peace

Beyond the focus on individual tragedies, the exhibition also dives into themes of resilience. It draws comparisons between Nanjing's post-war recovery and Athens' journey after its own conflicts. Both cities, steeped in history, have rebounded through their commitment to peace and shared civic identity. By showcasing commemorative practices from both cultures, such as China's National Day of Mourning for the Nanjing victims and Greece's Ohi Day, the exhibition promotes a message of collaboration and mutual respect.

This exhibition not only illuminates the past but also paves the way for ongoing dialogue between cultures. Deputy Mayor Thomas Georgiadis praised it as a vital exploration of both tragedy and hope, reinforcing the idea that cultural exchanges are key to understanding one another's histories.

Engaging with the Community

The local response to the exhibition has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the opportunity to engage with such significant historical content. Scholars and artists alike have expressed enthusiasm for establishing connections with their Chinese counterparts, highlighting the universality of these themes of memory and healing. As noted by Efthymios Tsiknis from the Historical Photographic Archive of Modern Greece, the exhibition's inclusion in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register underscores the importance of preserving history for future generations.

Ultimately, the Athens exhibition serves as a reminder that remembrance can act as a catalyst for dialogue and cooperation. In an era rife with social and political tensions, initiatives that reflect on shared histories and advocate for peace resonate strongly. As a visitor aptly remarked, “What unites Athens and Nanjing is not only their pain but also their determination to ensure that such tragedies never happen again.”

This exhibition is just one part of a global journey that commenced in 2015 when the Nanjing Massacre Archives were added to UNESCO's register. Exhibitions have since occurred in numerous cities worldwide, and the Athens event adds another chapter to this important narrative of cultural remembrance and peacebuilding. It is a testament to the power of history, serving not only as a warning of the past but also as a guide for our future.

In conclusion, the World Memory, Vision of Peace exhibition is more than just a display of artifacts; it is an invitation to engage with our shared human experience, fostering discussions that transcend borders and generations. By honoring the memories of the past, we can create pathways toward a more peaceful existence together.