Epoch of popular heroism and symbol of freedom

 

AKEL on the 203rd anniversary of the Greek Revolution

25 March 2024, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

AKEL commemorates the 203rd anniversary of the Greek Revolution of 1821, which represents a milestone in Greek history, an epoch of people’s heroism and, at the same time, representing a universal symbol of freedom.

The Greek Revolution – a national liberation and social struggle at the same time – united the desire of the Greek people to throw off the Ottoman yoke with the international revolutionary changes that overthrew the autocracies and feudal powers of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Greek Revolution confronted not only the powerful Ottoman Empire, but also a section of the local feudal lordship and the higher clergy, as well as the notorious Holy Alliance, which was a sworn enemy of revolutionary movements. The pioneering ‘Society of Friends’ and the revolutionary people wrote an inspiring page of heroism and self-sacrifice, while inspiring friends of the Greek people’s struggle and revolutionaries from all over Europe.

Witnessing the ordeal of military confrontation, unfavourable international balance of forces and civil conflicts, the Greek Revolution became the birth act of the Greek state and at the same time led to the establishment of a democratic state, equality and citizen’s rights. At the same time, the Greek Revolution takes its place alongside the great revolutions of world history, which constitute the driving forces of social progress, overthrowing yokes, established orders and powers.

On the occasion of the 203rd anniversary of the Greek Revolution, AKEL extends a warm greeting to the political leadership of Greece and the fraternal Greek people, who represent an irreplaceable pillar of support in Cyprus’ struggle for freedom, reunification and independence.