From Sea to Memory: The Sinking of the Tanaïs and Holocaust Remembrance

Description

This is an academic conference organized by the Evlagon Institute for Cretan Jewish Studies in Chania, Crete (Greece) from 11–13 July 2026. The event centers on the tragic sinking of the ship Tanaïs on 9 June 1944, during World War II, when hundreds of prisoners—notably the Jewish community of Crete, Christian Cretans, and Italian prisoners of war—were being deported by the Nazis to concentration camps. A British submarine torpedoed the vessel, causing it to sink rapidly and resulting in the death of nearly all aboard. This event marked the end of a 2,300-year Jewish presence on Crete and stands as one of the most devastating episodes of Cretan Holocaust history. The conference invites submissions that explore the historical, cultural, memorial, and interdisciplinary dimensions of the Tanaïs tragedy and broader Holocaust remembrance. Participants are encouraged to address themes such as: Historical research and historiography of the Tanaïs and Holocaust experiences in Crete and the Mediterranean; Memory and memorial practices, both local and transnational; Maritime perspectives on Holocaust transport and related events; Artistic and cultural responses (literature, visual arts, theatre, music, film); Holocaust education, pedagogy, and community engagement; Interdisciplinary approaches combining history, memory studies, art, and oral history.

How to apply

The conference committee welcomes individual papers with a thematic proposal of ca. 250 words and a short CV (around 150 words). We also welcome suggestions for panels and request proposals for the individual papers (250 words), plus a short description of the unifying theme of the panel, and short CVs for all the panel participants (ca. 150 words each). The deadline for all proposals is 31 March 2026. Proposals should be submitted at research@etz-hayyim-hania.org