Constructing Ionian identities: the Ionian Islands in British official ...

examine internationality, to explore the processes of accommodation, and when
warranted, resistance”. 23 Gallant argues the British formation of Ionian identity was
complex with Ionians represented as, among others things, “European Savages”,
“Oriental Nobles” or “the Mediterranean Irish”, characterised by their violence,
decadence, laziness, irrationality, untrustworthiness and propensity to lie. 24 Gallant’s
analysis relies exclusively on travel literature, with little information concerning
‘official’ views. Thus he does not perceive the scale and complexity of the shifting
language of those involved in colonial policy-making. Rather than replicate
stereotypical characteristics, this investigation will present a more multi-dimensional
picture of the Ionian population and their similarities or differences with their rulers.
Although many images recurred during the Protectorate, the reasons for their
endurance may differ. Gallant’s narrative also lacks historical context and
conjunctions; he downplays the contradictions in his sources, thus disproportionately
privileging the continuities. To support his evidence for the British construction of
Ionian identities, Gallant used comparisons with anthropological research conducted
during the 1950s and the 1960s in northern and central Greece. While helpful for
identifying similarities with other places, explaining the attitudes and practices of
nineteenth-century Ionians with comparisons from twentieth-century Greeks leads to
misleading conclusions.
23 Gallant T., Experiencing Dominion: Culture, Identity and Power in the British Mediterranean,
(Indiana, 2002), p. x.
24 Ibid., chapter 2, pp. 15-57.
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