2021: a window of opportunity for the future of Greece

By Paul Lambis

2021 marks the 200^th anniversary of the 1821 Revolution against the Ottomans, a bitter struggle that gave birth to the modern Greek nation. The Greek War of Independence, which spanned from 1821 to 1832, was one of the bloodiest anti-imperial conflicts of the nineteenth century. Determined to end 400 years of slavery or die in the attempt, Greek patriots began their unyielding struggle for liberty and independence.

The significance of the Greek liberation struggle demonstrates how the sacrifices of rebellious Greeks helped pave the way for many resistance movements in European politics. Inspired by the ideology of the Enlightenment and the principles of Romanticism, the independence struggle escalated into a nationwide conflict that drew in the Great Powers (Great Britain, France and Russia), whose involvement was decisive in its outcome. Eventually Greece became an independent nation, and Europe’s first successful revolution instigated a drive for national independence that shaped modern-day Europe.

200 years after independence, through the creativity and participation of foundations, universities, local governing bodies, research institutes, cultural institutes, as well as individuals Greece 2021 will be a global exhibition of the country’s modernism with proud references to its incredible past.

In addition to its historical significance, the emblematic year 2021 is an opportunity to shape the country’s future identity. “The celebration for the 200^th anniversary is not only an opportunity to reminisce about our glorious past and assess our historical journey as a whole. We are also compelled to specify our future,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis commented. “Our celebration will have multiple layers. That does not mean we will not honour the Revolution and the heroes. However, we want, and we have decided it is of the utmost importance, for the celebration of the 200^th anniversary to make a mark on the future. That is, to be our window into the future. I would say, symbolically, to be the beginning of continuity,” he added.

The potential forthcoming force of the country and its unique status, as the Greeks envision it in the following years, will be on display through a programme of exhibitions and events that embody the creativity and momentum of its modern history. The culture ministry will also be planning and implementing important flagship interventions that will shape the cultural landscape in the coming years, thereby maximising Greece’s reputation in culture.

In a moving video released by the bicentennial’s organising committee Greece 2021 president Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki described the event as a common journey all Greeks have, despite the struggles of the past. “We each have different memories, lives and dreams, yet all of us make up Greece,” she said. “The anniversary is not simply history, but a great opportunity to escape daily reality, celebrate – as Greeks know best – and to remember where we started from; to realise where we stand and decide where we want to go.”

Celebrated on March 25, the Greek War of Independence coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, and includes celebrations and parades in Greece, Cyprus and across the Hellenic diaspora.