As climate change continues to wreak havoc with scorching temperatures and reduced rainfall in Greece,…
Modern History
Immerse yourself in history with “The Olympic Games in Ancient Greece,” a digital exhibition curated by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. Explore over 100 artifacts from Greek museums and gain insights into the origins and cultural significance of the iconic Olympic Games. Available in four languages, this virtual journey is a must-visit for history and sports enthusiasts alike.
On December 5, Japan’s Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko visited Istanbul’s iconic Hagia Sophia as part of their first official trip to Türkiye. The visit commemorated the centennial of diplomatic relations between the two countries, showcasing the enduring cultural significance of the historic site.
The Messosporitissa Festivity, celebrated at ancient ruins in Greece, has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. This event, observed on November 21, is a significant part of Greek Orthodox Christianity, focusing on community, agriculture, and nature. The ritual involves the blessing of wheat, olive oil, and wine, and serves to reinforce community ties while highlighting the importance of respecting the natural world.
Renowned stand-up comedian Jimmy Carr recently stirred reactions during his Balkan tour with a controversial social media post. Known for his edgy humor, Carr’s comments on Alexander the Great while in North Macedonia and Serbia sparked debates but also became his most engaged post, drawing attention from fans and critics alike.
The fate of the Parthenon Marbles is back in the spotlight as UK Labour leader…
Greece is celebrating the enduring legacy of the Olympic Games and the Olympic Truce with a captivating exhibition at the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens. The exhibition highlights the timeless values of peace, solidarity, and respect for human rights that underpin the Olympic movement.
During the tumultuous years of World War II, Greece’s ancient treasures became both targets of exploitation and symbols of resistance. Dr. Stavros Paspalas explores this often-overlooked story, revealing the human drama behind the preservation and loss of these invaluable artifacts. From Nazi Germany’s perverse Philhellenism to the heroic efforts of Greek citizens, this narrative highlights the complex relationship between power, ideology, and cultural heritage.
A statuette of Artemis, a replica of the famous Diana of Versailles, has been rediscovered in the Titanic’s debris field. This exquisite ornament once graced the Titanic’s First Class Lounge and is a testament to the ship’s opulence. Plans for its recovery could bring this piece of history into public view, highlighting its historical and artistic significance as both a Greek and Roman cultural icon.
Savvas Rotsidis (1935 – November 25, 1958), from the village of Mammari near Nicosia, was a dedicated member of EOKA, the Greek-Cypriot nationalist organization that fought for the liberation of Cyprus from British colonial rule and its eventual union with Greece. An accountant by profession, Rotsidis joined EOKA in 1955 and took part in numerous operations against British forces. Captured by the British in 1958, he was tortured but refused to betray his comrades. He was executed on November 25, 1958, becoming a martyr in the struggle for Cyprus’s independence.
Venizelos metro station, opening soon, reveals Thessaloniki’s history from its founding in the 4th century BC to the 20th century. This massive archaeological undertaking showcases the Roman Decumanus Maximus (today’s Egnatia Street), Byzantine shops, and thousands of artifacts. The station’s 17-year journey reflects a city divided over preserving the unearthed treasures, leading to protests and debates. Now, this unique station promises to be both a transportation hub and an underground museum.
At Arachova, in Boeotia, Greek revolutionary forces led by Georgios Karaiskakis achieved a decisive victory against a larger Ottoman-Albanian army on November 24, 1826. Karaiskakis’s cunning tactics and the harsh winter conditions contributed to the heavy Ottoman casualties and boosted Greek morale during the War of Independence.
A monument honoring Greeks from Pontus and Asia Minor in Thessaloniki has been vandalized and a metal sculpture stolen. Police are investigating the incident and reviewing security footage. The municipality believes the act was either motivated by metal theft or disrespect towards the memory of refugees.
Four men posing as city workers were arrested in Isparta, Turkey, after an illegal excavation unearthed ancient artifacts, highlighting the growing problem of looting and treasure hunting in the country. The discovery of a sarcophagus and pottery fragments underscores the vulnerability of Turkey’s rich archaeological heritage, which spans Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods.
The Museum of Modern Greek Culture, nestled in the historic Plaka neighborhood of Athens, offers a captivating journey through time. Housed within 18 restored historical buildings, the museum showcases a diverse collection of artifacts, including traditional clothing, tools, and artworks. Visitors can explore the rich tapestry of Greek culture, from the Byzantine era to the 20th century.
The renowned Sfakianopita, a unique pie from the southern Crete region of Sfakia, is being promoted for inclusion on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Celebrated for its delicious blend of thin, unleavened dough and soft whey cheese kneaded into the mixture, this traditional Cretan delicacy is a symbol of local hospitality. Drizzled with thyme honey and traditionally served with cold tsikoudia, Sfakianopita showcases the rich culinary heritage of Crete and aims to gain international recognition, further enhancing Crete’s cultural visibility.
On November 21, 1973, a miraculous event in Karditsa captured the hearts of Orthodox Christians when witnesses reported seeing an icon of the Virgin Mary weeping during the Feast of the Entrance. This phenomenon served as a beacon of hope and comfort, highlighting the enduring presence and intercession of the Theotokos in the lives of the faithful
A Greek MEP has sparked controversy by calling for an end to formal commemorations of the 1973 Polytechnic Uprising in public schools, claiming the narrative surrounding the event is based on “myths.” Aphrodite Latinopoulou argues the uprising should not be a mandatory school event but teachers can discuss it with students outside of school hours.
During a special session on Friday, the Greek Parliament paid tribute to the anniversary of the Polytechnic students’ uprising on November 17th by observing a minute of silence. Education Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis and various party representatives emphasized that the uprising’s legacy underscores the need for continuous effort and vigilance in safeguarding true democracy.
Today marks the 41st anniversary of the declaration of the so-called pseudo-state in illegally occupied territories, an act unrecognized by the international community, with Turkey as the sole exception. Events are being held in the free territories to denounce this declaration, including speeches and demonstrations. Meanwhile, a military parade takes place in the occupied regions, attended by Turkish and Azerbaijani officials.