Athens' crossroads of migration, struggles and solidarity

Blog post by Chiara Martini, University of Milan, Italy
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For anyone who has spent time in Athens in recent years – especially those involved in migration research or work – Victoria Square is a place they have undoubtedly passed through and become familiar with. Victoria Square, located in central Athens, offers a unique lens through which to understand the complexities of migration and social stratification in contemporary Europe.

​In my Identities article, ‘Victoria Square, Athens: migratory movements and social stratifications in the centre of the Greek capital’, I explore how this seemingly ordinary space reflects larger migration dynamics, showcasing the intersection of diverse communities, solidarity efforts and social tensions in urban environments

People migrated in large numbers to Greece after the fall of the Soviet Union, and later, during the so-called refugee crisis in 2015. As migrants arrived from Albania, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, they brought with them new cultural, social and economic dynamics that have reshaped neighbourhoods like Victoria Square. Once an affluent part of the city, the area began evolving in the late 1980s as upper-middle-class Greeks moved out to new suburban housing and large migrant groups, first from the Philippines in the late 1980s, then from Albania in 1991, and later from Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin Wall, settled in.

​This pattern continued into the 2000s, with the arrival of refugees from the Middle East, Africa and Asia, especially during the height of the 2015 ‘long summer of migration’ (Hess and Kaspark, 2017). Today, this place embodies the convergence of ‘migratory stratifications’, serving as a symbol of Athens' broader role as a transit city, where different cultures, communities and experiences intersect.

Victoria Square and its surroundings are more than just a physical space; they represent a microcosm of the broader migratory trends and social stratifications that define contemporary Athens. Over time, this has become a place where various migrant phenomena converge, creating a space where people from different backgrounds live together. The businesses, restaurants and social networks that populate the area reflect the diversity of its residents. Afghan, Syrian, Polish, Albanian and Greek establishments sit side by side, and the square has become a vibrant yet precarious place where migrants find themselves either in transit or attempting to settle permanently.

Despite the richness of cultural exchange, Victoria Square also reveals the deep social inequalities that persist, with many migrants living in challenging conditions, facing legal uncertainties and navigating a deeply hostile environment. Migrants living in Victoria Square, like in many other parts of Athens, in fact, often live in precarious conditions, facing economic hardships, discrimination and legal challenges.

​For many, the square represents both a refuge and a place of uncertainty, as they navigate their lives within a complex urban environment. While some have been able to establish themselves over time, others find themselves stuck in limbo, unable to move forward due to social exclusion, restrictive immigration policies and limited economic opportunities.

Despite these adversities, Victoria Square has emerged as a hub for solidarity and activism. Grassroots organizations and local activists gather here to provide food, and legal and medical aid, fostering a network of mutual aid that helps people navigate the complexities of life in Athens.

However, the square is also a site of tension and conflict. Far-right groups, including those associated with Greece's Golden Dawn party, have used the area to advance their anti-immigrant agenda. The Greek government's approach to migration has also contributed to these hostilities. Recent policies have focused on controlling public spaces and dispersing migrant gatherings, leading to a continuous cycle of displacement. Migrants are often forced to move from one temporary shelter to another, making it difficult for them to find stability.

In spite of these challenges, Victoria Square remains a crucial space for those arriving in Athens. It is often the first place people go after arriving in the city, knowing that they can find support, information and a sense of solidarity there. This informal network of support, built by both migrants and locals, highlights the resilience of those who continue to fight for their place in the city, and new forms of belonging and solidarity are constantly being negotiated.

Victoria Square and the surrounding neighbourhood serve as a powerful example of how migration, urban space and social stratification intersect in contemporary Europe. As I explore in my Identities article, the concept of ‘migratory stratification’ provides a useful framework for analyzing these complexities. Over the years, the square has incorporated a multitude of migrant groups and histories, creating a richly diverse urban environment. Local businesses, informal economies and daily interactions showcase how migration reshapes a city's identity, while also exposing embedded systemic inequalities.

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​Image credit: Author’s own.

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Read the Identities article:
​Martini, Chiara. (2024). Victoria Square, Athens: migratory movements and social stratifications in the centre of the Greek capital. Identities: Global Studies in Culture and Power. DOI: 10.1080/1070289X.2024.2406659

Read further in Identities:
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The migratory crossroads of Alte Ceccato: an emblematic case of migratory stratification

Negotiating one’s own belonging: envisaging the Japanese (Im)migratory stratification through immigrant-origin youths’ narratives

Agribusiness and migration: the ages of Paraguayan rural emigration from the perspective of migratory stratifications