Italian Jews of Smyrna between myth and reality
18
JULY
2012
Officially organized during the 17th century, the Jewish community of Smyrna was composed of a rather homogeneous group due to its Spanish origins until the first half of the 20th century, but much less homogenous as far as the nationality of its members was concerned. Exactly as the “Ottoman” Jews, some families obtained a European nationality or protection, often transmitted from generation to generation and lost in many cases during the 20th century. Attested by documents kept in the consulates of European countries in Smyrna, particularly in the 19th century, this connection enables us today to re-establish many family links. As an example, the case of the “Italian” Jews of Smyrna is quite emblematic. Often considered "of convenience", Italian citizenship is nevertheless sometimes proof of an old family tie with Italy. So how one can establish what part is myth and what part is reality when descending from an Italian Jewish family of Smyrna ?
| Speaker | Location |
|---|---|
|
Laurence ABENSUR HAZAN |
Seine B |