Sikhism in Greece

Sikhism in Greece dates back to the early 1900s, where many Sikhs came to the country through British Indian Army in the World War I and World War II. As of 2012, there are approximately 20,000 Sikhs in Greece.[1] The Sikh population in Greece has grown over the years, with many Sikhs migrating to the country for agricultural work or to start their own businesses.

Sikhism in Greece Greece
Σιχ στην Ελλάδα
Damaskinos of Athens meeting with turbaned Indian-Sikh troops (three persons from the left) in Salonika (1945)
Total population
20,000
Regions with significant populations
Athens · Megara · Chalkida · Psachna
Religions
Sikhism
Languages
Punjabi · Greek language

History

World War I & World War II

Sikhs have fought and passed through Greece in both World Wars, in large number as part of the British Indian Army.

Salonika Cemetery

In 2010, Sikhs from Greece and the UK made the first remembrance visit to the Monastir Road Cemetery in Thessaloniki. They also paid respects to the soldiers who died during World War 1.[2]

This cemetery is for Indian soldiers whom many included Sikhs. Sikhs are cremated when they die, but many soldiers were unable to be cremated therefore were buried. It is estimated there are 26 Sikh soldiers buried at the cemetery. At the Sikh graves there is an inscription in Gurmukhi, 'Ik Onkar Sri Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh'.[3]

Post 1990s

In the 1990s, Sikh immigration increased. The Sikh community in Athens formed a small organization for their religious and social needs, which led to the building of Gurudwara Shri Guru Nanak Darbar. Other Sikh immigrants also made temples in Athens, Megara, Chalkidiki and Psachna.

Many Sikhs in Greece currently work in agriculture, taxi drivers or construction.[4]

Migration

Sikh migrants have been drawn to Greece for various reasons. Many Sikhs migrated to work on Greek shipping lines as no working visa was required. Also some Sikhs entered illegally by jumping offshore as soon as the boat docked into Greece. The geographical location of Greece is an entry in Europe, therefore has been a favourable destination for people in the 2015 European migrant crisis.[5]

There is a large Sikh population in Megara, where hundreds of Sikhs take part in the annual Vaisakhi Nagar Kirtan.[6]

Discrimination

2014 Sikh Gurdwara attacks

In 2014, Gurdwara Sri Dasmesh Singh Sabha and Gurdwara Bhagat Ravidas Darbar were attacked by gunfire in Greece. As per Sikh Channel report, there were no casualties, however some buildings were damaged.[7]

Gurdwaras

There are various Gurdwaras in Greece in locations such as Athens, Megara, Chalkidiki and Psachna.[6][8]

See also

References
  1. Lavin, Talia (26 April 2015). "Vibrant Vaisakhi Celebrates Sikh Life In Greece". Huffington Post. The Sikh community in Greece, numbered at around 20,000 according to a 2012 report, joined together to mark the holy day
  2. "First Sikhs Remembrance Visit to the Monastir Road Indian Cemetery and Memorial in Salonika, Greece". SikhNet.
  3. "The Indian Cemetery in Salonica". elinepa.org.
  4. "The most chilled-out taxi drivers in Athens". Ekathimerini.
  5. Virk, Hardev Singh (2020). Sikhs in Continental Europe: From Norway to Greece and Russia to Portugal. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.10558.10565. Greece has attracted Sikh migrants because of two reasons. Greek Shipping Lines recruited Sikhs and for working on a ship no visa is required till one is sailing on high seas. Most of them entered Greece as illegal immigrants by jumping off on the shore as soon as the ship docked in a port. The other reason is that Greece is the entry point to Europe for those who travelled by the land route via Afghanistan, Iran and Turkey.
  6. "Megara: Hundreds of Indians in traditional costumes take part in Sikh ceremony - Photos". Greek City Times.
  7. "Greece: Gun-shots fired at two Sikh Gurdwaras in 'racially-motivated' attack". Hindustan Times. 25 September 2014. Two Sikh Gurdwaras- Gurdwara Sri Dasmesh Singh Sabha and Bhagat Ravidas Darbar in Marathon, were attacked by gunfire in Greece. The attack reportedly took place on Sept. 21.
  8. Mamakouka, Iro-Anna (29 March 2014). "Sikhs of Athens Offer Free Food to All". Greek Reporter.
  • Singh, Brij Pal (26 January 2010), A Sikh in Greece, SikhNet, retrieved July 9, 2013
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