November 17, 1973... Photo

Photographer’s Note

The Athens Polytechnic uprising in 1973 was a massive demonstration of popular rejection of the Greek military junta of 1967-1974. The uprising began on November 14, 1973, escalated to nearly an open anti-junta revolt and ended in bloodshed in the early morning of November 17 after a series of events starting with a tank crashing through the gates of the Polytechnic.

This photo dedicated to this unforgettable day...the greatest moment in the modern history of my country.
A revolution for democracy, freedom and humanity...

«Νοέμβρης ‘91»
(δεκαεφτά χρόνια μετά)
Του Διονύση Τσακνή από το δίσκο «Αλήτης καιρός» 1991

Τη μέρα αυτή που διάλεξα
εδώ μπροστά σας να σταθώ
τραγούδια και μισόλογα στο
φως να καταθέσω,
πως πήρα τέτοια απόφαση
δεν ξέρω αν θ’ αντέξω
η μέρα αυτή θυμίζει μακελειό.

Νοέμβρης ήταν η χρονιά και δω γινόταν του χαμού
εγώ ήμουν δεκαεννιά κι αυτή εβδομήντα τρία,
και να που ερωτεύτηκα κάποια χρονολογία
κι ο έρωτας κρατάει για καιρό.

Μα έχει ο καιρός γυρίσματα μεγάλωσε κι αυτή κι εγώ
μεγάλωσαν κι οι φίλοι μου εκεί γύρω στα σαράντα,
στα κόμματα γαντζώθηκαν και γω δεν ξέρω τι να πώ
και άλλοι στο σπιτάκι τους για πάντα

Η απόσταση μας έσωσε μα οι θύμησες πληγώνουνε
και λέμε σαν βρισκόμαστε τα ίδια και τα ίδια
μα νοιώθω σα μικρό παιδί που πάλι το μαλώσανε
και φεύγω σε μια άγονη Επαρχία

Κρατάω το στόμα μου κλειστό,
τα χείλη μου ματώσανε,
κι αυτοί που μας προδώσανε
ανέραστοι να μείνουν.
Κουφάλες δεν ξοφλήσαμε,
αυτό έχω μόνο να τους πω,
τα όνειρα των εραστών δεν σβήνουν.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Ο Δημήτρης Παπαχρήστος φοιτητής της Ανωτάτης Εμπορικής τότε, συμμετείχε στο φοιτητικό κίνημα και πήρε μέρος στους αγώνες ενάντια στη Δικτατορία. Ήταν ο εκφωνητής του σταθμού των Ελεύθερων Αγωνιζόμενων Φοιτητών των Ελεύθερων Αγωνιζόμενων Ελλήνων. Είναι ο ποιητής της γενιάς του. Το καλύτερο ποίημά του το έγραψε για λογαριασμό όλων των εξεγερμένων του Πολυτεχνείου, εκείνη τη νύχτα του 1973, από το ραδιοσταθμό των Ελεύθερων Αγωνιζόμενων Ελλήνων, όταν βροντοφώναξε:
«Ο αγώνας συνεχίζεται με τα όπλα που διαθέτει ο καθένας μας».

brevbrev14, darrasin, evanrizo, Olympos, steliosk, leonorkuhn, gbeli, danos, siolaw, rigoletto, delic, axiotea, medio, bostankorkulugu, JoseMiguel, Budapestman, Merline, kdialyna, jlbrthnn, saylan-cb, riclopes, flory, UlfE, papagolf21, meltemi, Cretense, josepmarin, doubay, Tue, atus, azaf1, AiresSantos, pasternak, jackart, Vato_Law, Xalkida, Partha_c, ChrisJ, Scharan, elifpetan, jhm, bertolucci, alvaraalto, gurselerdener, MarianneS, jafadabret, kiks has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

siolaw (25838) 2007-11-17 6:32

Iassou Thomas,
I remember those days....
The monument looks very good the way you tightly framed it, and the black and white add to the tragic feeling of that artwork... nice shiny texture.
Ta leme
Laurent

rigoletto (26870) 2007-11-17 6:32

Military jundas are always bloody paranthesis in lives of democracies.
People are tormented and killed, books are burnt, free thought is jailed...
A shame for humanity and freedom...
A very touching dedication my friend.
Ta leme,
Deniz

delic (6735) 2007-11-17 6:34

Hello Thomas,
I know quite a few colleagues who are graduates of the National Polytechnic and who have witnessed those days. The tight composition with good light is very effective here. Well done. Regards,
Hakan

axiotea (16309) 2007-11-17 6:36

Iassou thomas
A strong symbolic image illustrating well your note reminding us the end of the junta days!
I like the texture of these sculptures and the way you've framed it.
Ta leme
Marilyn

bostankorkulugu (34024) 2007-11-17 6:37

beautiful close up thoma... the expressions on both the lady's and the pigeons eyes are impressive... i like the tight framing also... you are lucky you have more or less a politically settled country... we still have a long way to go and fight many enemies in and out, even some are disguised in friendship masks... good job file mou...

all the best

korkut

medio (466) 2007-11-17 6:39

Hola Thomas,
una composición excelente, el enfoque que has logrado es muy bueno al igual que el color en blanco y negro resulta muy especial, el encuadre perfecto.
saludos José

JoseMiguel (860) 2007-11-17 6:52

Hi thomas,
Amazing and dramatic capture!
I like so much the tight framing made to this sculpture, to focus the attention on the relevant symbolism of it.
It's very good the way the light incidence created that "shadows textures".
So good that hard days are over.
Congratulations and thanks for share it.
My best regards,
JM

Budapestman (42930) 2007-11-17 6:53

Hi Thomas,
Beautiful symbolic image the POV is splendid. Effective choice the B&W, details are very fine. Dramatic and expressive shot, Very well done! Have a nice weekend
George

Merline (6578) 2007-11-17 7:01

I was very young and listening to Theodorakis (my very first musical concert), Maria Farandouri, Joan Baez...

A wonderful composition, great expressions, moving dedication, beautiful work. Long live democracy...!

Thanks Thomas
Michèle

kdialyna (3076) 2007-11-17 7:48

...και εγώ ήμουν 19 τότε και αισθανόμουν μίσος, πολύ μίσος για αυτούς, τους κακούς που ήθελαν να μας πείσουν ότι ήταν οι καλοί.
Τώρα είμαι 54 και αισθάνομαι μίσος, πιο πολύ μίσος για τους...τότε καλούς που έγιναν οι σημερινοί κακοί, γι αυτούς που μας προδώσανε, γι αυτούς που με κάνουν να αισθάνομαι ντροπή, γι αυτούς που με κάνουν να αισθάνομαι ότι όλοι αυτοί οι αγώνες πήγαν χαμένοι.
Αλλά όχι δεν θα τους κάνω την χάρη...
Ευχαριστούμε Θωμά για το αφιέρωμα σου.
Κώστας

jasmis (51047) 2007-11-17 7:52

Important photo, superb detail, interesting note included. Another gem in your portfolio.
Regards.

bantonbuju (48796) 2007-11-17 8:01

there were quite few emigrants from greece in poland in those junta years...
deep bow to all those who rose their heads against the dictatorship...
tc, j.

saylan-cb (12726) 2007-11-17 9:30

Kalimera Thomas
This is a great POV and good Work.
Well done.
TFS/Regards

jlbrthnn (39083) 2007-11-17 9:35

Thomas good evening,
Excellent framing, and excellent choice of N&B, to express your memories. The image has much expressive force. Congratulations.
Have a nice evening
Cordially
Joël

CatherineD (4860) 2007-11-17 10:16

Geia sou Thoma,
Very nice composition and thank you to remember this important days. The struggle continue... Regards,
Katerina

riclopes (33135) 2007-11-17 10:46

Olá Thomas, may all the revolutions for democracy, freedom and humanity happen in the world. Superb symbolic detail evoking this important day for Greece. The light and detail are amazing and the image is carefully composed.
Have a creative weekend ;-)
ricardo

UnTrained (0) 2007-11-17 11:07

Kalimera Thomas,
most of were young I think, me too. But like other countries this is an important date and should be praised. Freedom and democracy is the necessary step to peace. Good textures and framing for that.
Lieben Gruss, Ulf

flory (4804) 2007-11-17 23:08

hi Thomas,
blood and opression,a shame for humanity!we have evolution ..new technologies,we makes experiments,we discovered every day..but,the supremacy and power belongs of people,too.'to have'or 'to want'..always!
an impressive image who talks us about those years ..birds without wings,people without freedom!
thanks,dear Thomas!
Flory

markstaples (15670) 2007-11-18 1:32

I like your tight framing of this and think the black and white suits it well. The sharpness is second to none. Well done.
Best wishes
Mark

UlfE (9206) 2007-11-18 2:57

Hi Thomas,

This close-up shot makes a stong visual impact. You have really made superb use of the lighting conditions. The shaded parts really helps you in your composition. Very well seen and a perfect job!

Cheers,

Ulf

ifanik (20542) 2007-11-18 3:23

Geia soy THoma
Poly kalo to afieroma soy kai to fotografiko alla opws panta kaai to lektiko me to teleytaio mhnyma na ta leei ola
Bravo
Xairetw
Nikos

danos (33386) 2007-11-18 3:43

Θωμά καλησπέρα,
επίκαιρο το θέμα σου όπως πάντα,ξέρεις και παρακολουθείς την επικαιρότητα και το βασικό,την εκφράζεις,κάτι που κατά την γνώμη μου πολλοί προσπαθούν αλλά λίγοι το κατορθώνουν.Εξαιρετικό οι συνοδευτικοί στίχοι του Διονύση Τσακνή.Πολύ καλή δουλειά.

Καλό υπόλοιπο Κυριακής,Δάνος
ΥΓ Είμαι πολύ χαρούμενος και ευτυχής που είδα στο βιογραφικό σου, ότι δυό φωτογραφίες σου έγιναν εξώφυλλο και μάλιστα το ένα στην μακρινή Ινδία.Ένας δικός μας άνθρωπος να καταξιωθεί τόσο!Τα θερμά μου συγχαρητήρια.Και εις ανώτερα.

gbeli (2026) 2007-11-18 3:48

Geia sou Thoma
Para poli kali idea na anebaseis mia eikona sxetika me tin laiki eksegersi tou politexneiou.
To politexneio prepei na mas thimizei oti ola kataktioutnai me agona kai na mas empneei gia tous agones tou simera.
2 pontoi einai ligoi.
Xereto

darrasin (2860) 2007-11-18 8:35

Greetings Thomas! Your tight framing produces a striking image and a fitting dedication. The details are very sharp which can sometimes be tricky on these extreme closeup. The B&W works perfectly for setting the mood.

Well done!
Doug

philsim (1910) 2007-11-18 10:43

Kato h xounta
Phil

meltemi (9746) 2007-11-18 12:16

Θωμάς καλησπέρα,
it is very good that you are able, with this image, to make us recall those moments, days where the impassioned efforts of a few, can effect change for the greater good of a nation.

This picture seems really the transposition of your feelings, a very well composed scene which works superbly in the black and white format, clarity is superb, as is your fine cropping.
Thank you very much.
Regards.
Stella

Cretense (57090) 2007-11-18 13:18

Γεια σου Θωμά!

Ρίγη συγκίνησης διαπέρασαν το κορμί μου βλέποντας αυτή τη φωτογραφία, ανάταση ψυχής και "ενέσεις" κουράγιου απο την κραυγή του Παπαχρήστου. Στις αγαπημένες μου...

Ηρακλής

jaywalker (12312) 2007-11-18 13:56

Hi Thomas, A very important photo & the meaning behind it, the note is a great help, thanks, a well cropped shot & B/W always work better for these type of photo in my opinion, sharp with great detail, the light & shadow are excellent, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

plimrn (19754) 2007-11-18 14:29

Kalimera Thomas,
This is a very moving composition: the framing make me think that the eyes of the woman are sightless and the pigeon asking in curiosty, "What happened here?" I feel sad when I think of all the poeple who havd died and continue to die to gain a life free from oppression.
HLJ, Pat

leonorkuhn (14125) 2007-11-18 15:41

Hi Thomas,

The man and the pigeon were killed. At the same time my country lived a similar crisis. Excellent composition, a moving homage to victims of the truculence.

Have a nice week
Leonor

steliosk (4784) 2007-11-18 17:45

Kalhspera file 8wma

pragmatika ekplhktikh, de kserw apo pou na prwto arxisw, fwtismos? kadro? topo8ethsh? a/m
eilikrina ntrepomai na sxoliasw!!!

Stelios

papagolf21 (56811) 2007-11-19 0:29

Bonsoir, mon ami Thomas,
Encore, une réussite à mettre à votre actif, cher Thomas. Le cadrage serré est parfait pour donner à cette sculpture tout son intérêt.
Le noir et blanc convient parfaitement à cette composition.
Très bien fait.
Amitiés.
Philippe

Olympos (855) 2007-11-19 0:42

Καλημέρα Θωμά και καλή εβδομάδα,

Εξαιρετική από κάθε άποψη, τα πολλά λόγια περιττεύουν σε ένα τέτοιο θέμα.

Τα θερμά μου συγχαρητήρια.

Φιλικά και με εκτίμηση,

Μιχάλης

mesutilgim (37342) 2007-11-19 4:27

Hi dear Thomas,
Very nice capture, evoking very bad memories ! I know those days (on that part of the world) very well.
This capture is technically perfect but most important, the message it gives to us.
A picture to be viewed with a Dallaras music in the background !
TFS my friend and
Best regards
MESUT ILGIM

josepmarin (34131) 2007-11-19 8:44

Hi Thomas,
a very touching note and a great photo to illustrate it, the symbolism of the sculpture is magnificent to commemorate the revolution that could end the dictatorship of the military junta in Greece.
It is a beautiful and exciting work, with a high quality of light and clearness in the photo, congratulations.
Friendly regards,
Josep

evanrizo (456) 2007-11-19 9:52

Η Δημήτρης Παπαχρήστος είναι ίσως ο μόνος, αν όχι ο μόνος ένα από του πολύ ελάχιστους που δεν εξαργύρωσαν την συμμετοχή τους στην τότε εξέγερση.
Τον παρακολουθώ εδώ και χρόνια.
Πολύ ωραία εικόνα, τέλεια φωτισμένη και καδραρισμένη.
Χαιρετώ
Βαγγέλης
θα ξαναπεράσω...

doubay (5043) 2007-11-19 14:09

Bravo Thoma, nomizo ise o monos pu anevase tetia fotografia. Afto se tima idietera ke ektheti olus emas tu ipolipus, pu adiafora sinechisame na anevazume kaikakia, paralies, aspra spitakia ke den xero ke ego ti alo. I fotografia su tu gnostu agalmatos ine poli omorfi ke siginitiki.
Genika i ethnikes giortes mu ine andipathitikes (ochi mono i ellinikes ala ke polon alon choron). I epetios tu politechniu (pu veveos den apoteli ethniki giorti me tin klassiki enia) ine mia apo tis poli liges ekdilosis tetiu tipu i opia pragmatika me sigini, giati ine epetio tis Dimokratias ke tis Eleftherias (silogikis ke atomikis), axies stis opies pistevo akradanda (eno sto ethnos ochi).
Chereto
Andreas

Tue (25608) 2007-11-19 14:59

Hej Thomas,
A beautiful photo to commemorate the revolution in 1973. The sculpture looks great with the woman and the pigeon. The B&W is good and the light looks nice. Well done!
Regards,
Lars

carper (65768) 2007-11-20 0:23

another good piece of photoart thomas,
the light is marvelous in the good quality shot, good balance in the composition and fine photojob, have a nice evening Thomas.
gr. jaap

atus (15476) 2007-11-20 2:46

Hi Thomas,
very well captured and cleverly framed shot of a great clarity. The contrast is excellent and the light is perfectly controlled. Great sharpness and well visible details, as well.
Very well done, my friend! Tfs and best wishes.
Attila

azaf1 (15547) 2007-11-20 3:04

Thoma
Evge gia to afieroma sou!
Apithani dramtiki parousiasi me to B/W pou ginetai pio entoni me to vlemma tou agalmatos
kai pali Evge.
Argiris

rbcy1974 (20746) 2007-11-20 3:41

Kalimera
Very nice capture, great details and nice capture of the textures in this statue
a very nice tribute to the people who fought against opresion.
Very nicely done
Regards
Daniel

AiresSantos (42986) 2007-11-20 6:12

Hi Thomas,
Excellent black and white composition, great POv and very good details.
I also like you note and how you framed it
Thanks and greetings
Aires

jackart (5616) 2007-11-20 9:58

Hello Thomas!

Beautiful, but very dramatic sculpture very well captured. Excellent framing and quality. Very interesitng note about history of this masterpiece, and dramatic newest history of Your country. Thanks for sharing

Regards
Jacek

Vato_Law (11706) 2007-11-20 12:50

Hello Thomas,
Curiously we had our shout for freedom also in 1974 but in April, but after much more years of resignation, oppression, darkness, fear of expressing the thoughts.
I couldn't agree more tih Deniz when he says that military juntas never bring up good things, but unfortunately we keep on seeing them like in Myanmar.
Excellent tribute to the persons who lost their lives abd a great composition.
Cheers.
Paulo

toto (18767) 2007-11-20 13:51

Belle photo NB qui montre bien les détails de ces statuette et tete de statue.Belle luminosité douce qui donne un côté mystique a votre jolie prise.
Amitiés Thomas

pasternak (13698) 2007-11-21 1:24

A touching image, Thomas, very good BW...

Cheers
Alexander

Buin (38330) 2007-11-21 3:12

Hallo Thomas!
In combination with your good note an impressive photo indeed. The other TE friends have said all but I wanted to add another two points for this work, a great one.
Greetings from Germany!
Frank

Xalkida (11740) 2007-11-21 4:37

Καταπληκτικό αφιέρωμα τόσο από θέμα φωτογραφίας όσο και σημειώματος για την ιστορική επέτειο.

Standa (1861) 2007-11-21 5:21

Hi Thomas,
I like this photo and very informative note. It is always important to remember such days and this monument is good example. You captured it in very nice light which gives the right atmosphere.
Best regards,
Stanislav

Fis2 (46465) 2007-11-21 6:54

Witaj Thomas!
Very interesting detail. Good frame and super light and sharpness. Well done,
Regards
Krzysztof

anducina (8137) 2007-11-21 9:15

Impressive compo, very dramatic. Excellent framing. I like the expression of the statue, the stone texture and the b&w approach. The light-shadows play emphasizes the dramatic effect.

Partha_c (1985) 2007-11-22 0:04

Hi Thomas.I fully reciprocate your sentiments. The shot conveys everything. TFS. Regards.
Partha

ChrisJ (70443) 2007-11-22 5:05

Iassou Thomas

A superb b&w image, of this impressive sculpture. Good tonal range contrast, & the diagonal axis of the face adds dynamism. Congratulations!

maltese (21537) 2007-11-22 9:12

Hello Thomas
Une belle photo, très bien réalisée, comme témoignage de ce jour de liberté. Un très beau traitement Noir et Blanc qui renforce l'impact de ce plan serré.
Du très beau travail!!
Amicalement
Hervé

Scharan (13955) 2007-11-22 15:02

Olá Thomas

A arte de fotografar a arte...
Magnífico trabalho, meus PARABÉNS!!!
GA
Vera

elifpetan (1200) 2007-11-23 6:51

Hello Thomas,
This is a very good black and white picture. I like to be very close to the face of the statue.
Best wishes,
Elif

jhm (83446) 2007-11-24 1:45

Hello Thomas,

You have really made superb use of the lighting conditions. The monument looks very good the way you tightly framed it, nice detailed.
Thanks for sharing.

Have a nice weekend,
John.

bertolucci (12014) 2007-11-24 8:34

Kalispera Thoma,
A dramatic and very strikin way to commemorate this event. The tight framing and the sprinkling of hightlights works wonders here.
I remember the period - the dark days in Greece's recent history - and the uprising as a sign of change.
Have a fine WE file mou!
Bert

alvaraalto (5303) 2007-11-24 15:14

Hi Thomas,

When I red your info I immediately thought of Max van der Stoel. This former Dutch minister of foreign affairs was one of the criticasters of the junta. I think that there is a street or plaza named after him in Athens. He was at the Dutch t.v. this week for received a prize for his never ending fight against injustice.

Groet Rob

Angshu (34157) 2007-11-25 23:41

Hello Thomas
As per creativity in photographs is concerned, you are one of the best in this site. Love how you conceived the close crop and tightly framed shot where the sad eyes of the lady looking at the dead pegion evokes sentiments which reflect the sentiments which your people would have gone through in thos turbulent days. When I see your pictures, I see myself right at the bottom of the learning curve of photography. A touching dedication Thomas.
With Regards
Angshu

brevbrev14 (372) 2007-12-03 3:28

Hi Thomas, i like a lot this composition and the light you have captured here..
this is a touching dedication and the black and white here is a perfect choice..
ciao
Valeria

jemaflor (39759) 2007-12-07 2:53

Hi Thomas,
A good idea with this close up, well balanced and a very good sharpness to see the texture of this sculpture, good light.

gurselerdener (972) 2007-12-15 23:59

Kalimera Thomas
Impressive and nice contrast and perfect lightness.
Very good composition and unforgetable day realy.
Congratulations
Best wishes from Ankara
Gursel

jafadabret (40387) 2008-01-08 23:37

Kalimera Thomas,
Je me souviens des évènements que le monde entier a salué comme une victoire de la démocratie, inventée par les Grecs eux-mêmes. La photo est très belle et très symbolique avec la tête proche de la colombe, symbole de paix.
Le B&W est tout indiqué pour commémorer ce sursaut de la conscience et de la libeté.
Jacques

MarianneS (14452) 2008-01-09 7:12

Hello Thomas,
Dramatic shot and notes which bring a lot of emotion.
Everyhting was already said about your photo.
TFS. Marianne

jmdias (19953) 2008-06-02 17:07

thomas

very beautiful detail of this artwork full of meaning. Good light, pov and option for B&W

hugs

jorge