A key moment in modern Greek history
Every year on 17 November, Greece remembers an important event: the Athens Polytechnic Uprising of 1973. This day is known in Greek as «Εξέγερση του Πολυτεχνείου» and it marks the students’ protest against the military junta, the dictatorship that governed Greece from 1967 to 1974. For Greek people, it is a symbol of freedom, democracy, and courage.
What happened in 1973?
In November 1973, students at the National Technical University of Athens (known as the Πολυτεχνείο) began a peaceful protest calling for democracy and human rights. Many people joined them – young people, workers, and ordinary citizens.
On the night of 17 November, a tank broke through the Polytechnic’s main gate. The crackdown was violent, and although the exact number of victims is still debated, the event shook Greek society and helped lead to the end of the dictatorship the following year.
How is it remembered today?
17 November is not a public holiday, but it is a day of reflection and respect. Schools and universities in Greece hold small ceremonies, students read poems and texts related to freedom, and there is usually a march in Athens to honour those who stood up for democracy.
Why is this important for Greek learners?
Learning about the Polytechnio helps you understand modern Greek identity and the values that shape today’s society. The vocabulary linked to this day – such as δημοκρατία (democracy), ελευθερία (freedom), δικτατορία (dictatorship), and αγώνας (struggle) – also appears often in Greek news, culture, and conversations.
At Speak Greek, we encourage learners to connect language with culture. Understanding the story of 17 November is a powerful way to deepen your connection with Greece and its people.
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