1821 - 2021 200 years since the War of Independence image

25 March 1821 : the War of Independence started

2021 commemorates the bicentennial anniversary of Greek Independence on the historic date of 25th March 1821. This pivotal day signifies the commencement of the Greek people's triumphant struggle against the Ottoman Empire (1821-1830), leading to the establishment of their sovereign state. Beyond its national importance, it holds a dual significance as the religious day of Annunciation. A focal point in 19th-century European history, this event marked the beginning of the Ottoman Empire's decline.

The Independence War had actually initiated a few days before 25th March.
In 1838, King Othonas proposed that Independence Day be celebrated concurrently with the religious observance of Annunciation. The revolution's inception traces back to a meeting at Andrew London's residence in Vostitsa (now Aigio) from 26th to 29th January 1821. To evade suspicion from Turkish authorities, they claimed the gathering addressed land disputes between local monasteries.

Papaflessas, representing the Greek organization Filiki Eteria, introduced Alexander Ypsilantis' revolutionary idea to the assembly. Initially uncertain about organizing the revolution and sceptical of Russian assistance, the locals were eventually persuaded by Papaflessas' resolute stance. The agreed-upon start date was either 23rd April or no later than 21st May, with Peloponnese chosen as the strategic location due to its dense Greek population and minimal Turkish military presence.

Greek revolution started

The revolution started a few days earlier, on the 21st of March with the siege of Kalavryta. 5 days later they won. The next attack that strengthened the revolution was on the 23rd of March in Kalamata. The people of Mani under the guidance of Elias Mavromichalis arrived outside the city of Kalamata on the 22nd of March and managed to make the Turkish ruler hand over the city and the Turkish armaments by noon of the next day. After this accomplishment, the Messinian Senate sent a proclamation to the European public, announcing that the Greeks revolted for their freedom.


One of the highlights of the Revolution of '21, during which the strategic mind of Theodoros Kolokotronis emerged was the siege and the fall of Tripoli. Tripoli held a strategic position and was the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire in Peloponnese meaning that it was a dangerous enemy base, which if not neutralized would be a constant threat to the rebellious provinces of the Peloponnese. In April, it was decided to block the city in order to cut off all communication and supply possibilities. By early May they had surrounded Tripoli. The two major defeats suffered in Valtetsi (May 12th) and Doliana (May 18th), not only revived morale in the Greek camp but also contributed catalytically to the Fall of Tripoli. On the 23rd of September 1821, the Greek revolutionaries entered the city and within 2 hours they managed to reclaim the city.

The first regions to revolt in Central Greece were Phocis (24 March) and Salona (27 March). In Boeotia, Livadeia was captured by Athanasios Diakos on 31 March, followed by Thebes two days later. When the revolution began, most of the Christian population of Athens fled to Salamis. The initial Greek successes were soon put in peril after two subsequent defeats at the battles of Alamana and Eleftherohori against the army of Omer Vrioni. Another significant loss for the Greeks was the death of Diakos, a promising military leader, who was captured in Alamana and executed by the Turks when he refused to declare allegiance to the Sultan. The Greeks managed to halt the Turkish advance at the Battle of Gravia under the leadership of Odysseas Androutsos, who, with a handful of men, inflicted heavy casualties upon the Turkish army.

The revolution in Crete

The revolution was not successful in Crete in the first years as the Turkish authorities had the help of Egypt. The Cretans revolted many times through the years but the Egyptians always managed to repress them. Crete was finally liberated in 1897 and it remained an Autonomous Principality under Prince George of Greece. The union of Crete with Greece was achieved on December 1st, 1913.

Τhe fall of the Messolonghi (April 1826) revived the philhellenic movement in Europe and the Greek uprising took on international dimensions. The Great Powers got involved and their help was decisive especially in Navarino naval battles in October 1827. Before their intervention, the Revolution was threatened with collapse because the Greeks failed to prevent the capture and destruction of Kasos and Psara in 1824 or the landing of the Egyptian army at Methoni.

On 31 March 1827 the Trizina Assembly began its work, drafting a new constitution and offered the presidency of Greece to the former Russian foreign minister, Count Ioannis Kapodistrias. Kapodistrias arrived in Greece to become the Governor on 28 January 1828. The first task of Greece's new leader was to create a state and a civil society. So, the Greek nation was established and Greece was finally present on the political map of the world. Many great battles were fought (in Dervenakia, Gravia, the naval battle of Spetses and many more) and many personalities emerged that we admire and are grateful for because thanks to them we can live the life we want today. Women also played an important part and the most known are Laskarina Bouboulina and Mado Mavrogenous. Nevertheless, known or lesser-known, everyone contributed to the success of the revolution.1821-2021 200 years since the Greek revolution

"Freedom or Death"

Freedom or Death" was the motto during the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire. It is believed that the nine lines of the flag reflect the number of syllables in the Greek phrase "Eleftheria i Thanatos" (the translation of Freedom or Death). The line pattern was chosen because of its similarity with the wavy sea that surrounds the shores of Greece.
The interchange of blue and white colours makes the Hellenic Flag on a windy day look like the Aegean Sea. The Greek Square Cross that rests on the upper left side of the flag demonstrates the respect and the devotion that Greek people have for the Greek Orthodox Church and signifies the importance of Christianity in the formation of the modern Hellenic Nation. During the dark years of the Ottoman rule, the Greek Orthodox Church helped the enslaved Greeks to retain their cultural characteristics: the Greek language, the Byzantine religion and generally the Greek ethnic identity.

How do the Greeks celebrate the Greek Independence Day?

Greek Independence Day celebrated on March 25th, is a deeply significant occasion for the Greek people, commemorating their liberation from Ottoman rule in 1821.
The day is marked by various patriotic events and traditions that reflect the country's rich history and cultural heritage.
Festivities typically commence with solemn religious services, including liturgies and parades at churches across the nation. The national flag, with its iconic blue and white stripes, takes centre stage, adorning public buildings, homes, and streets as a symbol of unity and pride. In towns and cities throughout Greece, vibrant parades fill the streets, featuring military processions, marching bands, and traditional folk dances performed in colourful costumes. Spectators wave flags, sing patriotic songs, and cheer as they pay homage to the heroes of the Greek War of Independence.
Schools play a crucial role in commemorating the day, with students participating in educational activities, reciting poems, and reenacting historical events.
Families gather for festive meals, enjoying traditional Greek delicacies such as baklava, souvlaki, and spanakopita.
Amidst the celebrations, there is a palpable sense of national identity and remembrance, as Greeks come together to honour their ancestors' sacrifices and celebrate the enduring spirit of independence.

Commemorating 200 years of Greek independence

In the year 2021, the entire world turned Greek to commemorate Greece’s bicentennial, marking 200 years since the declaration of the War of Independence. In every corner of the globe where members of the Greek Diaspora were present, the anniversary was marked. Iconic landmarks in all of those countries were illuminated in blue and white in honour of the Greek people and their struggle for freedom 200 years ago.
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