The Memory project is an innovative pilot project designed to encourage the active involvement of individuals and local communities in the interpretation of their own heritage. Its main objective is to demonstrate that “heritage” is not only the static formal presentation of facts about the past by scholars and experts but is an ongoing activity based on active public involvement and respect for the diversity of perspectives, ethnic traditions and memories within every community.

Three pilot communities have been selected for this project, each possessing a different challenge for the creation of inclusive local heritage programs:

• Akko, Israel:  Communities in Confrontation
• Heraklion, Greece: Communities Forgotten

In each of the selected sites, local authorities, cultural institutions, schools, community groups, and interested individuals will be encouraged to participate in the creation of a website, collection of oral histories and other materials, audio walking tours, and special events and exhibits that will continue in subsequent years as community-based initiatives.

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Akko, Israel

Akko is a coastal town situated to the north of Haifa. As one of the few natural harbours along the Levantine coast, Akko throughout its history served as an international commercial hub and meeting place between East and West. Today the Old City of Akko serves as a centre for more than twenty-five religious denominations and hoasts historic monuments spanning the Crusader through Ottoman periods.  Akko’s rich history and impressive visible heritage resulted in its inscription to the World Heritage List of UNESCO in 2001.  

Akko’s multi-cultural past and present is reflected in its diverse population that includes Muslims, Jews and Christians. In the context of this diverse population, the “Wye River People-to People” project’s main goal is the recognition and preservation of the common heritage of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority. One of the project’s focal points is the collection of oral histories from the communities in Akko (pre- and post-1948) and the documentation of their historic structures. Former and current residents of historical buildings, representatives of religious authorities, and and heritage experts have been interviewed. The results of this project will be used within the community of Akko for educational and public programs as well as for activities designed for the visitors of the city.

A meeting with Constantin Nasar in the courtyard of the Greek Orthodox monastery © Svetlana Zagorski

Heraklion – Greece

Heraklion is the capital city of the island of Crete, in the south of Greece. Its strategic geopolitical position in the southeast basin of the Mediterranean Sea connecting three continents and many different cultures played a significant role in the formulation of the city’s identity. Nowadays Heraklion is a vibrant city, where the traces of a rich, multicultural past are still visible not only in the monuments, but also in everyday life.

The city of Heraklion © Municipality of Heraklion

The Memory project in Heraklion will be integrated in the Heraklion Interpretation Center. The main objective of the center will be to contribute to a more profound acquaintance of the inhabitants of Heraklion with the history of their city through an active way. One of the main activities of the center involves the collection and presentation of oral histories and memorabilia of the citizens of Heraklion. The oral histories will be used in the creation of walking tours in the city as well as in a wide range of educational and community projects organised by the Heraklion Interpretation Center.