Pavlos Melas: Hero of the Greek struggle for Macedonia

·

Pavlos Melas was a Greek army officer and one of the most important defenders of Macedonia’s struggle for freedom. We take a look back at his short but impactful life.

Early Life:

Pavlos Melas was born on March 29, 1870 in Marseilles. He was the son of Michael Melas, an elected MP for Attica and mayor of Athens.

In 1886, Melas decided to go to Athens to study and later joined the Hellenic Army, graduating from the Hellenic Army Academy as an artillery lieutenant at the age of 21.

In 1892, he married Natalia Dragoumi, the daughter of a famous politician from Macedonia’s city of Kastoria, Stephanos Dragoumis. They had two children.

Pavlos Melas married Natalia Dragoumi. They had two children.

Melas’ relationship with Dragoumis played a crucial role in his decision to start raising money for the financial support of Greece’s overt and secret efforts in the region of Macedonia.

The Greek Struggle for Macedonia:

At the beginning of the 20th century, Melas became concerned about the situation in Turkish-occupied Macedonia.

In February 1904, together with three other officers, Sergeants Alexandros Kontoulis and Anastasios Papoulas and Lieutenant Georgios Kolokotronis, Melas participated in a secret mission to Macedonia under the pseudonym Mikis Zezas.

The group of four officers, accompanied by Macedonian fighters, was active in western Macedonia, but its movements were noticed by the Turks, who asked the Greek government to withdraw them. So Melas, along with the three other officers, returned to Athens on March 29.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Melas became concerned about the situation in Turkish-occupied Macedonia.

In July, while serving at the Guards School, he asked for a 20-day leave and made a second trip to Macedonia. 

As soon as he arrived in Kozani, he met with the local Greek community and decided to not only form an armed corps by recruiting men from the surrounding areas, but to also take immediate action in western Macedonia. 

He returned to Athens on August 3 full of optimism for the outcome of the struggle. After 15 days, he asked for and received a four-month leave from the army to officially take over the leadership of the Macedonian Struggle in the area of ​​Kastoria.

Death and Legacy:

Pavlos Melas’ statue in Thessaloniki.

On August 28, Captain Mikis Zezas (Melas) crossed the border, accompanied by several Macedonians, Laconians and Cretans.

On October 13, 1904, Melas and his men entered the town of Statista near Kastoria, to rest. Betrayed by the people he trusted, more than 150 Ottoman men surrounded Melas and killed him.

The exact conditions under which Melas died are still unknown.

What is sure is that his death sparked a wave of support throughout Greece for the Greeks in Macedonia who were fighting a dual fight, both against the Ottoman oppressors and the Bulgarian nationalists.

A national symbol of the Greek struggle for Macedonia, Melas is still a source of inspiration for many.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Kostas Sloukas praises Greek Australian fans as Panathinaikos arrive in Sydney

Panathinaikos BC touched down in Sydney this week for the second leg of the 7th Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament.

From family legacy to the Federal Court: A look into Justice Anastasis Liveris’ legal career

In an exclusive interview with The Greek Herald, the Greek Australian judge reflected on how he felt to achieve this major career milestone.

The Greek influence on Australian television

Among the many communities that helped shape TV culture were Greeks, whose presence both on and off screen left a lasting mark.

Critically endangered monk seal welcomes newborn on Karpathos island

The first Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) birth of 2025 has been confirmed on the island of Karpathos.

Campaigners celebrate as Milos luxury hotel project is halted

Environmental activists have welcomed the suspension of a controversial five-star hotel project on Milos’s world-famous “moon beach”.

You May Also Like

Greece’s Olympic men’s water polo team storm into the quarterfinals

Greece's men's water polo team defeated Italy 9-8 on Monday, August 5, to secure its spot in the quarterfinals at the Paris Olympics.

Oldest olive tree in the world is located in Crete

The ancient Olive Tree of Vouves is located in the village of Ano Vouves on the island of Crete. It is believed to be the oldest olive tree in the world.

NBA family, sporting world and global community rocked after death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant

The world has been left shocked today, as it was announced that basketball legend Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on January 26th,...