Greek-Australian university students organise commemoration for Athens Polytechnic Uprising

·

The devastating events that occurred during the Athens University Polytechnic Uprising, from 14-17 November 1973, have imprinted an uneasy feeling on all Greeks, past and present.

The protests and uprising against the Greek military junta, who were in power at the time, were a demonstration of modern democracy and freedom of speech that paved the path to a future of civilian empowerment.

The protests were initially started by university students, but empowered the rest of Greece to get more involved.

At 3am on November 17th, 1973, a military tank charged through the gates, and military and police began a violent raid which resulted in over 34 deaths (and arguably many more).

Australia’s Combined Universities Greek Association (CUGA) have recognised the reality of the event, and have chosen to combine all the leading university Hellenic clubs, and host a commemorative event for the students and civilians who lost their lives in the name of democracy.

“CUGA has selected the 15th of November to host the event in order to remember the day that thousands of civilians made their way to the Athens Polytechnic University in support of the students’ protest,” CUGA said in a statement.

“This CUGA initiative was agreed upon by the committees of the four Greek societies of NSW to remember the sacrifices made by university students of the past in the name of freedom, as well as to raise awareness among the diaspora youth of important events in Greek history.”

“This is an unprecedented CUGA collaboration for an event of this kind. We, as students, feel an obligation to observe this event and are very proud to be hosting an event of this significance to our history.”

The CUGA association comprises of students from Sydney University Greek Society (SUGS), the Hellenic Society of UNSW (HellSoc UNSW), the Hellenic Society of UTS (UTS Hellenic) and Macquarie University Greek Association (MUGA).

Event Details:

Date: Friday 15th November, 2019 @ 6.30pm
Location: Lecture Theatre 200, Social Sciences Building, University of Sydney

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From crisis to compassion: Timos Roussos and his family’s mercy mission in war-torn Cyprus

When Turkish troops landed on Cyprus on 20 July 1974, six-year-old Timos Roussos was sitting on the floor of his family’s home in Lemesos.

A granddaughter returns: Georgia Georgiou retraces her yiayia’s occupied village in Cyprus

When Georgia Georgiou handed over her Cypriot ID at the border checkpoint to cross into occupied northern Cyprus, she felt an ache.

‘You never get over it’: A childhood shattered by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus

On a warm July morning in 1974, 10-year-old Anastasia Di Loreto (née Karatzia) was jolted awake by the sound of bombs falling on Kyrenia.

Cyprus: The paradox of tolerance and impunity for Turkey

The lack of a unified, systematic and practical strategy on the part of Greece has led the Cyprus crisis into national disarray.

Lost homes and lingering hope: Greek-Cypriots reflect on Turkish invasion and its aftermath

From hidden stories to haunting memories, two Greek-Cypriot men share what it means to carry the burden of Cyprus’ past.

You May Also Like

Consul General of Greece in Adelaide: “I bow to the sacred memory of the Pontians”

Consul General of Greece in Adelaide, George Psiachas, sends his message to the Pontian Community on the 102nd Anniversary of the Greek Pontian Genocide. In...

Kastellorizo invites filmmakers to submit work to Beyond Borders Documentary Festival

The Greek island of Castellorizo is opening its doors for another year of the Beyond Borders International Documentary Festival. As of Monday, the organisers...

Greek cultural legacy at Sydney Olympic Park faces demolition under 2050 Masterplan

Greek Australians have raised concerns over the potential demolition of Stockroute Park and the Discobolus sculpture at Sydney Olympic Park.