On This Day: The Liberation of Ioannina

·

At the outbreak of the First Balkan war, the Army of Epirus was rendered mainly defensive, since most of the Greek military units were sent to reinforce the Macedonian Front.

Following Thessaloniki’s annexation, the Ottoman Empire sought truce with the Balkan Allies.

The Greek government conceded to participate in peace deliberations but clarified that since Epirus had not yet been liberated, Greece would be at war with the Ottoman Empire until the final peace Treaty.

On October 19th 1912, the Army of Epirus abandoned its defensive role and attacked the Turkish Army under the leadership of Major Sapountzakis. Even though the Greek Army was outnumbered, Preveza was conquered and an Ottoman attack at Pente Pigadia was repulsed.

Still, there were enormous difficulties preventing the Liberation of Ioannina.

The Ottoman Army’s numerical superiority and the fact that it had moved to the forts of Bizani,-which historians describe as “strongly fortified”-, combined with the extreme cold and the lack of supplies, prevented the Greek Army from initiating an offensive.

Victories in Macedonia allowed the main bulk of the Army of Thessaly to move south and reinforce the Army of Epirus. Crown Prince Constantine assumed the Command of the Army and demanded a peaceful surrender of the city. Essat Pasha did not accept the Crown Prince’s offer and prepared for attack.

With careful strategic maneuvering and astounding heroism, the Greek Army conquered Bizani and forced Essat Pasha to surrender the city of Ioannina on February 21st 1913.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

AHEPA Sydney & NSW marks OXI Day with tribute to Greece’s heroes of 1940

On Wednesday, October 29, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc proudly held a commemorative event in honour of OXI Day. Read more here.

Dean Kalymniou on Gough Whitlam and the 50-year legacy of the Racial Discrimination Act

Dean Kalymniou reflects on Whitlam’s legacy and 50 years of the Racial Discrimination Act - a milestone in Australia’s pursuit of justice.

Konstantinos Argiros meets NSW Premier after sold-out Opera House performances

At NSW Parliament on Friday, Premier Chris Minns and Ministers Courtney Houssos and Sophie Cotsis welcomed Konstantinos Argiros.

‘Love, care and respect’: Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos share the key to 70 years of marriage

From Patras to Bexley, Chris and Nikolitsa Bakopoulos’ 70-year love story is a timeless testament to faith, resilience, and devotion.

Accused Easey St killer Perry Kouroumblis previously gave police an alibi, court hears

Accused Easey Street killer Perry Kouroumblis has told police he was with a friend on the night two women were brutally stabbed in 1977.

You May Also Like

Acquitted Irishmen leave Australia after being accused of murdering Paul Tavelardis

Two Irishmen were found not-guilty on Monday of the murder of Paul Tavelardis, who died nearly two years ago in Sydney's inner West.

Pharos Alliance seeks support to revitalise Modern Greek in Victoria

On Saturday, 11 May 2024, members of the Pharos Alliance called a press conference with Greek language media in Melbourne.

Andriana Petrakis wins tennis championship in Victoria

Tennis player Andriana Petrakis won in the singles final and women's doubles final at the Victorian State Championships over the weekend.