‘The Maniatisses’ painting to be unveiled at AHEPA NSW’s Greek Independence Day event

On Wednesday, March 26 all roads lead to AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale for the celebration of the 204th anniversary of the Hellenic War of Independence. The highlight of the event will be the unveiling of the new painting by artist Angela Kiki titled ‘The Maniatisses.’

With due respect to tradition, AHEPA NSW Inc will once again honour the liberation struggle of the Hellenic people. The centre of attention will be the presentation of the new painting titled ‘The Women of Mani’ by artist Angela Kiki, dedicated to the women of the mountainous Mani area which straddles Messenia and Laconia districts of southern Hellas.

It is an original work of art by the Australian Hellene artist, a dedication to the heroic women of Mani at the Battle of Diros in June 1826. It was during the second expedition of the Ottoman general Ibrahim into Messenia, part of his attempt to suppress the fierce villagers of the Mani area.

On the morning of 22 June 1826 began the assault of the Ottoman troops against the barricades of the Maniates at Verga, east of Kalamata. About 2,500 Maniates successfully resisted the assault, repelling an estimated 10,000 Ottoman cavalry and infantry. Ibrahim himself was aboard one of his ships, ordering his fleet to open fire on the shores of Mani, a failed attempt to force the Maniates to transfer some of their men from the Verga front.

Simultaneously with another attack on the defenders at Verga, Ottoman troops attempted a landing on Cape Diros on the night of 21-22 June. The few Maniates still in their villages resisted ferociously.

At Diros village, only the women remained. With their scythes, with stones, with wooden clubs and with their very bodies they chased the invaders to the beach of Diros. Many Ottoman soldiers threw themselves into the water, trying to reach their ships.

Despite the cannon-fire from the Ottoman fleet offshore, the scythe-wielding women of Mani wrote their own history.

As recorded in a song of mourning of the Mani area: «Hail to you, with your hails, women who became men, shouting like men, fighting like Amazons».

Join AHEPA NSW as they celebrate all the heroes and heroines of 1821-1830.