How Athens has changed since the mid 1980s

Athens is the ancient capital of Greece and is world-famous as a city steeped in history and culture. But what has happened in the city over the past three decades? How has Athens changed since the mid 1980s to the present day? In this post, we will explore the evolution of Athens since the mid-1980s and explain the changes that have taken place.

Overview of Athens in the Mid 80s

In 1985, Athens was a bustling metropolis with a population of around 3.3 million people. As a city with a rich history, Athens was home to important archaeological and religious sites, as well as a vibrant cultural community. Although life for many Athenians was stable and prosperous, there were some major problems in the city. Pollution and overcrowding were becoming increasingly common in the city, while public transport and infrastructure were underdeveloped or in a state of disrepair. In terms of the economy, Athens was heavily reliant on tourism and service industries such as banking and finance. Greece was still under a military junta which had been ruling since the early 1960s and only began to lift restrictions on civil liberties in 1975. As such, during the mid-1980s Athens was an economically restricted and politically conservative city. Despite these issues, Athens remained a vibrant yet traditional city where tradition and modernity coexisted to create a unique atmosphere.

A Changing Economy

One of the biggest changes that has taken place in Athens since the mid-1980s is its economy. When Greece joined the European Union (EU) in 1981, it opened up to external markets and began to pursue more liberal policies. This allowed for the growth of new industries, such as technology, media and pharmaceuticals. As such, Athens is now a much more diverse city with a range of sectors that are driving its growth. Greece’s entry into the EU also brought increased investment in infrastructure and public services such as transport, health care and education. These investments have made Athens a much more livable city with improved living standards. Athens has also seen a booming tourism industry in recent years, as it has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers looking to explore the ancient world or experience modern Greek culture. This influx of tourists has had a positive impact on the economy, with tourist dollars providing a boost to local businesses.

Cultural Changes in Athens

The mid-1980s were a period of social conservatism in Greece, but in recent years Athenians have become more progressive and open-minded. This is not only evident in public attitudes towards LGBT+ rights (Athens Pride has become an annual event) but also in terms of culture and art. There is now much more emphasis on modern art, with many new galleries opening up since the mid-1980s. Additionally, there is now much more focus on international films and digital culture (such as gaming) which had been lacking in the past. The city center has also changed drastically over the past three decades. The Plaka neighborhood (the oldest district in Athens) has been restored, there is now an explosion of new bars and restaurants, as well as shopping centers. This has transformed Athens from an old city to one that is very much focused on modernity and cosmopolitanism.

Protecting Ancient Sites

Perhaps one of the most important changes in Athens since the mid-1980s has been how it is protecting its ancient sites and monuments. When Greece joined the EU, it understood that it was responsible for preserving its cultural heritage. The EU made funds available for restoration projects in Greece, leading to significant work being done on historically important sites such as the Acropolis and Parthenon. The Greek government has also invested heavily in archaeological research, with scientists from all over the world coming to Athens to study its history. Additionally, many of Athens’ historic sites are now EU-protected under legislation (such as “The European Core Curriculum on Cultural Heritage”, which was passed in 2001) meaning that they are better protected from development or destruction.

Overall Improvement

In summary, over the past three decades Athens has undergone major transformations. These changes have not only been positive for the economy but for social progress as well as cultural preservation. Although there are still issues that need to be addressed such as air pollution and poverty (which are being tackled by the government), it is clear that Athens has come a long way since the mid-1980s. A great resource to learn more about how Athens has changed since the mid 1980s is DiscoverGreece’s article on The History of Life in Athens. This comprehensive guide explains how different aspects of the city have changed over time and provides insights into the current state of Athens today.