Oral Tradition as an Instrument of Local Public Policy of Memory (Based on the Materials of Modern Greece)

Abstract

The article examines the practices of transmitting local historical heritage and socio-­cultural experience through oral tradition, implemented in the public policy system, aimed at forming local identity and collective memory, based on the materials of the village of KatoÒhi (Municipality of Messalonghi) in western Greece. The research methodology included a qualitative sociological survey (in-depth interviews), as well as an analysis of media data, official websites, and statistics. It was determined that the subjects of public memory policy at the local level are municipal authorities and their institutions, civil society actors, representatives of the media, public organizations and movements, and independent activists. Oral tradition as a way of transmitting historical knowledge is spread both within the family, among relatives and acquaintances, and in educational institutions, through local media (mainly newspapers, television, or the Internet), during municipal events, church or official holidays. The objectives of the public memory policy are to attract the attention of local society to the local culture and traditions, strengthen the historical and cultural memory of local residents, protect local interests, increase political loyalty, social solidarity and cohesion of the population, develop civic activity in the field of preserving the historical and cultural heritage. It was revealed that the events of ancient mythology, the period of struggle against Turkish rule, and the acquisition of national independence play a major role in the local historical memory. The study determined that the local oral tradition corresponds to the values and symbols of national Greek identity such as ancient heritage, the struggle for independence from Turkish rule, and Orthodoxy. Oral tradition contributes to the development of public practices of preserving historical memory. The main practice of neotradition in the Messalonghi area is symbolically associated with the tragic event of the “exodus from Messalonghi” during the struggle against Turkish rule.