The Greek Ministry of Culture has signed a preliminary agreement with a private collector to acquire a rare set of photos documenting the tragic moments leading up to the mass execution of Greek patriots by Nazi forces in Kaisariani.
Following an announcement by Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, the collection—which had been listed for sale on an online auction site—was immediately withdrawn. Experts and ministry officials have since confirmed the authenticity of the material.
The collection includes 262 photographs taken in Greece between 1943 and 1944, along with various printed documents. A macroscopic examination by Ministry of Culture officials and independent experts verified the historical integrity of the archive, paving the way for its permanent return to Greece. In a statement from the Evergem Town Hall, Minister Mendoni confirmed:
“Today, our delegation met with collector Tim De Craene to examine the Heuer collection. After verifying the authenticity of the 262 photographs and documents, we signed a preliminary agreement. This ensures the collection is removed from the commercial market and preserved as a vital historical record.”
The final steps are now underway to formally transfer the collection to the Greek state, ensuring these artifacts serve as historical evidence rather than commercial commodities.
Related: The 200 Greeks Executed by Nazis on May Day