Greece Embassy in Cairo Celebrates International Greek Language Day

On Sunday, the Greek Embassy in Cairo celebrated International Greek Language Day. The event was hosted at the residence of Ambassador Nikolaos Papageorgiou.

Several ambassadors attended the event, in addition to several Greek language students. 

Papageorgiou opened the evening with a short speech in both Greek and English which underscored the importance of the Greek language in shaping human intellect and civilization. 

He paid tribute to iconic Greek poet Dionysios Solomos, whose death day was announced as the date of the language's international day.

Solomos wrote Greece’s national anthem.

Papageorgiou said: “This celebration is a testament to the deep cultural importance of our language, which has remained resilient for over 4,000 years.”

The Ambassador emphasized the global influence of the Greek language, which has influenced philosophy, drama, and science.

He also praised the role in Egyptian universities that teach Greek like Cairo University, Al Azhar University, and Ain Shams University, in addition to Greek language lovers who keen to learn the language in the Greek cultural centers in Egypt.

“Our language connects us to our identity and existence. It is being taught at Cairo University, Al-Azhar University, and Ain Shams University, ensuring that it continues to thrive and inspire future generations.”

Following the Ambassador’s speech, Professor Amfilochios Papathomas from the University of Athens delivered a presentation about the history and evolution of Greek language. 

He discussed the Greek language’s resilience as one of only five languages out of the 6500 that is still spoken and alive in today's world.

He also touched upon the role of Alexandria during the Greco-Roman era as it turned to be a hub of Hellenic culture and Greek language in the Mediterranean. 

“Mediterranean civilizations thrived in Greek words,” he said, pointing to how the language adapted to changing times without losing its core identity.

He also acknowledged the importance of preserving Greek literature.

After the presentation, a number of Greek language students recited two iconic poems by Constantine P. Cavafy, reflecting the richness of Greek literature. 

After that, the event was concluded by a musical performance of some of famous Greek songs. 

The Greek language has played a central role in the development of Western civilization. It is the language of epics like Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, the birthplace of philosophical discourse, and the medium through which significant scientific discoveries were first expressed.

Declared in 2017, International Greek Language Day commemorates the legacy of Greek as a language of intellect, culture, and identity.