Previously unseen photographs documenting the execution of 200 Greek resistance fighters by Nazi forces at Kaisariani Shooting Range on 1 May 1944 have been unveiled in Athens.
The images come from the collection of Belgian collector Hermann Heuer and were purchased by Greece’s Ministry of Culture for €100,000.
The archive contains 262 photographs, 16 historical documents and four old banknotes that had been listed for sale online.
Among the collection are 13 photographs capturing the events at Kaisariani, including three showing the moment of execution and its immediate aftermath – scenes that photographers had traditionally avoided recording out of respect for the victims.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni said the images had been officially declared protected monuments and would form the basis of a new National Photographic Archive.
“The most important part of the collection is the 13 photographs showing the execution of 200 patriots in Kaisariani on 1 May 1944,” Mendoni said, adding that the ministry had begun the process of protection, conservation and documentation.
The first step will be to digitise the archive, which remains in very good condition despite being more than 80 years old, ensuring its long-term preservation and public accessibility.
Source: AMNA
