ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the establishment of the immigrants territory in downtown Athens as a self-organized public space, and highlight distinct spatial behaviors and patterns of organization within its premises. It indicates that despite the widespread environment of xenophobia in contemporary Greece and the stringent regulations restricting immigration, the area inhabited by immigrants in Athens has exhibited a steady and robust expansion. The immigrants gather in greater numbers and fill the street space, particularly during the warm months of the year. Two hundred people gather in Menandrou Street between Sophocles and Euripides streets a distance of 100 meters at peak times. The immigrants presence in the specific public spaces their bodily postures, the way they occupy the street space and appropriate objects displays comfort, relaxation and security. The streets of Sophocles, Menandrou, Geraniou, Euripides and Diplari, as well as Theatre Square, are part of the historic triangle that was included in the first plan for an Athenian capital in modern Greece.
