NIGERIA CONGRATULATES GREECE ON ITS BICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria has congratulated Greece on the. countries bicentennial anniversary which is today March 25, 2021.
A release made available to News Dot Africa by Mr Ferdinand Nwonye, Spokesperson, Ministryof Foreign Affairs, Abuja stated, “On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to felicitate with the Government and people of Greece on the auspicious occasion of your National Day, today, which also coincides with the celebration of 200 years of Greek Independence.
Nigeria and Greece have been partners in the areas of trade and tourism and it is our hope that the celebration of this historic milestone will continue to promote peace, prosperity and development between our countries.”
Each year on March 25, Greeks all over the world celebrate Greek Independence Day, which is a national holiday in Greece.
Today marks the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. This is when Greeks remember their long struggle against the Ottoman Empire, an effort that eventually led to Greece’s independence.
“Today, in fact, marks the beginning of the Greek War for Independence, not the end.” (Greek City Times)
Tourkokratia – Ottoman Rule in Greece
For hundreds of years, much of Greece had been taken over by the Ottoman Empire until the 1820’s when much of the country eventually overcame Turkish rule. Several factors contributed to the Turks coming to Greece, including the Byzantine Empire, which ruled for around 1100 years and then began to decline.
However, the Ottoman Empire’s push to Greece eventually began when they captured Constantinople in 1453. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire was taken, it was only a matter of time before much of Greece fell under Ottoman control.
Greece also had help from other countries, particularly the British, with whom it was the fashion to embrace anything from Ancient Greece. They understood that without Greece’s influence, modern intellectual, artistic, and scientific knowledge might not be as advanced as it is today. In the Battle of Navarino, British, Russian, and French forces destroyed an Ottoman fleet. This battle was a major victory which eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Erdine in 1829 which finally established an Independent Greek state.
Though what ensued was a period of uncertainty in Greece, the country was officially independent.
Today, cities throughout the world will celebrate. Throughout Greece, Cyprus, Australia, the United States, Germany, Britain, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and beyond- Greeks will be holding their blue and white flag high with pride!
Contribution: Greek City Times
