10MACEDONIA - ª∞∫∂¢√¡π∞ - MAKEDONIJA OTTOMAN MACEDONIA AND THE GREEKS
From the establishment of the Greek state in 1830, Macedonia Macedonia. The driving force behind these movements was a was integrated into the wider plan of Greek irredentism, as an dual symbolism – the revival of the Byzantine medieval state, and, inseparable part of historical Hellenic geography. It was only in the case of the Macedonians, the glory of the illustrious Ancient natural. Macedonians had also taken part in the Greek War of Macedonian past. Independence from 1821 to 1828, but remained outside the initial It is a fact that the history of Ancient Macedonia was an essential borders of the small independent Greek state, just as other chapter in every Greek school textbook at the time, as well as a subject Greeks (Cretans, Thessalians, Epirots and Thracians) major reference point in Greek academic history discourse. Use of who lived in other Ottoman areas with dense Greek populations, the epithet “Macedonian” called forth renowned and highly Yet, whether they continued to live in their homelands or had powerful Greek symbols, such as Alexander the Great, Phillip and migrated to the Greek kingdom, they contributed to the their trophy-bearing generals, as well as Aristotle and Dimitrios, development and consolidation of the modern Greek nation. As a patron saint of Thessaloniki. result, throughout the 19th and up to the early 20th century, This symbolism became particularly popular in the early 20th Macedonia never ceased to be a focus for revolutionary Greek century, when a substantial part of Hellenism, within and beyond movements aimed at bringing about union with the independent the kingdom, took up arms or the pen to defend Macedonia Greek kingdom. Such revolutionary activities were supported by against the Bulgarian threat. Studies on Macedonia proliferated, numerous associations of Macedonians, which had spread to and the word “Macedhonomachos”, i.e. one who fights for every Greek town within the Greek state and in still unredeemed Macedonia, became a title of honour.
A Paradox of Definitions 11
Brother Macedonians, Prime Minister Mavrocordatos’ memorandum to King Otho (1844?) See then, as I promised, twenty days ago I arrived in the land of beloved Macedonia, our dearest “If the unification of the Greek race into a single homeland. state is to come about, even if only in part, the places in question are above all those where the See – the glorious Macedonia flag, red as fire, has Greek race is greatest in number, and this is been flying for almost one month in the clear skies undoubtedly true of Macedonia, Thessaly, Epirus of my homeland, and you can learn of the deeds and Crete.” we have performed in that time in the enclosed report... M.B. Sakellariou (ed.), Macedonia 4000 years of Greek History and Civilization Ekdotiki Athinon: 27th April 1854, at Komitsi, Mount Athos Athens, 1992 p. 447. Your brother D. Tsamis Karatassos St. Papadopoulos, √È Â·Ó·ÛÙ¿ÛÂȘ ÙÔ˘ 1854 Î·È 1878 ÛÙËÓ ª·Î‰ÔÓ›· [The Revolts of 1854 and 1878 in Macedonia], ??????