Union of Crete with Greece: What Happened
On 1 December 1913, the Greek flag was raised at the Firka fortress in Chania, and Crete was officially united with Greece, the culmination of nearly a century of Cretan struggle for union, known as enosis. Since the Greek War of Independence, Cretans had repeatedly risen up against Ottoman rule, in revolts such as those of 1866 and 1897, hoping to join the Greek state. After 1898, Crete became an autonomous state under Ottoman sovereignty, but its people still wanted union with Greece. In 1908, the Cretan assembly declared union unilaterally, but the great powers, fearing a wider war, did not recognize it for several years. The Cretan politician Eleftherios Venizelos, who had become Prime Minister of Greece, pursued the cause. In the Treaty of London in May 1913, the Ottoman Empire gave up its rights to Crete, and the union was confirmed. King Constantine I and Venizelos attended the flag raising ceremony in Chania. The union was a moment of great joy across Greece, and 1 December is still celebrated in Crete.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Crete join Greece?
Crete officially joined Greece on 1 December 1913, when the Greek flag was raised at the Firka fortress in Chania.
What is enosis in Crete?
Enosis, meaning union, was the century-long Cretan movement to join Greece, expressed in revolts such as those of 1866 and 1897.
Did Crete declare union before 1913?
Yes. The Cretan assembly declared union with Greece in 1908, but the Great Powers did not recognize it until after the Balkan Wars.
Who attended the flag raising in Chania?
King Constantine I and Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, himself a Cretan, attended the ceremony at the Firka fortress.
How is the union of Crete celebrated?
The anniversary of the union, 1 December, is still celebrated in Crete, especially in Chania, with ceremonies at the Firka fortress.
