Photo Essay: Athens' Anti-American Graffiti

In October 2003, many Greeks in Athens were angry about the American coalition's actions in Iraq.

They had a geographical and historial concern about the war.

Baghdad is closer to Athens than London is, and the Greek nation has experienced its share of war. Sometimes, those wars came from Western powers.


That being said, the photos here to not neccessarily reflect the opinions of the Greek nation. As one Greek cab driver put it, "those come from the anarchists". This makes sense, as there was Greek versions of Pepsi signs, Matrix movie posters, and other reflections of American culture throughout the city.

Perhaps I will post them as a follow up someday.


"Skata" is the Greek word for feces. I believe the words on the bottom of the sign call Americans "houligans".


This one made me laugh actually, as it's kind of silly.

As I've said, there were plenty of American images in Athens that were not negative, so these photos are not totally reflective of the tone of the city. It is safe to say, however, that the Greeks were very concerned about the war.

Greece is a wonderful country. Sometime I'll have to post some of the images from the countryside, which is absolutely beautiful.

Check out my other photo essay.