On this day, February 16, 1821, the proclamation of the Greek Revolution was decided by Alexander Ypsilantis - 2024-02-16 17:51:37

Like today February 16 important and historical events happened for our country, but also for him People.

So let’s take a look back at the calendar pages to read what happened like today…

1821

It is decided in Chisnobio, Bessarabia (today’s Chisinau, Moldova) to declare the Greek Revolution by Alexander Ypsilantis.

The uprising of the enslaved Greeks against the Ottoman dynasty for freedom and self-determination in 1821 was the most important event in the history of Modern Greece. The Greek Revolution was the starting point of the national renaissance, as it achieved the establishment of the Greek State and therefore the presence of Greece, after being eclipsed for centuries, on the political map of the world.

The Greek Revolution was also one of the pivotal points of the European history of the 19th century, as it was the starting point for the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, which was anyway in a phase of decline.

Greek Revolution 1821: The heroes

The Revolution actually began in February 1821 in the Danubian hegemonies by Alexander Ypsilantis and was strengthened in the Peloponnese the following month with the liberation of Kalamata (March 23) and the Proclamation of the rebel Greeks to European public opinion, that they rose up for their freedom. And despite Ypsilanti’s failure in Moldowallachia, the spark of revolution was ignited for good in the Peloponnese, one of the most backward parts of Hellenism, and spread throughout the Greek area.

The capture of Tripolitsa in September 1821 consolidated the revolution and highlighted the strategic genius of Theodoros Kolokotronis.

The successes of the rebel Greeks continued in Dervenakia, Gravia with Odysseus Androutsos, but also at sea, where sailors of the level of Konstantinos Kanaris and Andreas Miaoulis distinguished themselves.

The inability of the Ottoman Turks to suppress the Revolution led to the appearance of the Egyptians of Ibrahim, who constituted the greatest threat to the Revolution, combined with the civil strife that had broken out among the Greeks (“discord… the painful one” says our national poet in the “Hymn to Freedom”).

The fall of Messolonghi in April 1826 rekindled the Philhellenic movement in Europe and the Greek uprising took on international dimensions.

The heroic events and decisive battles

The assistance of the Great Powers in the liberation was decisive, especially with the Naval Battle of Navarino, in October 1827.

The Greeks continued to fight heroically until the last great battle of the Struggle at Petra in Boeotia, in September 1829, in which Dimitrios Ypsilantis, an unrecognized figure of the Revolution, distinguished himself. During this period, the strategic abilities of Georgios Karaiskakis were highlighted, especially in the Battles of Arachova and in areas of Attica.

In the meantime, the arrival of Ioannis Kapodistrias in Greece at the beginning of 1828 and his proclamation by the national assembly as Governor of Greece marked the beginning of the building of the new state.

Who was Alexandros Ypsilantis?

Military, scholar and leader of the Friendly Society. He was born on December 1, 1792 in Constantinople and was the first-born son of Konstantinos Ypsilantis. He was brought up in an environment that exuded intense patriotism and received an excellent education.

In Petersburg, where he followed his father, he studied at the School of the Corps of Royal Entourage and then served in the imperial guard corps. He distinguished himself in the wars against Napoleon, while in the battle of Dresden, on August 27, 1813, he lost his right arm.

In March 1820, Emmanuel Xanthos offered him the leadership of the Philiki Etairia. He accepted it on the 12th of April, after the conditions he set had first been accepted, and he immediately began to organize the plan for starting the Revolution from the Peloponnese.

But, with the encouragement of Ioannis Kapodistrias, he was convinced that he had to speed up its preparation and in June 1820 he settled in Odessa. He crossed the Pruthos River on February 22, 1821, and two days later he finally raised the flag of the Revolution in the Danubian dominions, specifically in Iasi, Moldavia, where the Turkish army was forbidden to stay.

With a letter to the emperor Alexander, he submitted his resignation from the Russian army and announcing the Greek Revolution asked for his help. Immediately after, he devoted himself to the creation of an army and formed the Holy Company.

On June 7, 1821, Ypsilanti’s army was destroyed in the battle of Dragatsani and retreated towards the Austrian border. He surrendered to the Austrians, was imprisoned and released on November 24, 1827. His failing health did not allow him to help the revolted nation. He died in Vienna two months after his release, on January 19, 1828.

1923

The Gregorian Calendar comes into force in Greece. February 16th is called March 1st.

On this day, February 16, 1821, the proclamation of the Greek Revolution was decided by Alexander Ypsilantis - See what else happened

1943

The Italian occupying forces execute 150 residents of the village of Domeniko Larissa, in retaliation for the death of nine Italian soldiers by ELAS forces.

On this day, February 16, 1821, the proclamation of the Greek Revolution was decided by Alexander Ypsilantis - See what else happened

1964

George Papandreou and the Center Union win the elections with a percentage of 52.8% (171 seats). EPE receives 35.2% (107 seats) and EDA 11.8% (22 seats).

On this day, February 16, 1821, the proclamation of the Greek Revolution was decided by Alexander Ypsilantis - See what else happened