Lithograph portrait of Georgios Karaiskakisby Karl Krazeisen
By Stylianos Kavazis, Researcher
Translated into English and republished with the author's permission
Born in 1782 in Mavrommati, Karditsa (there is also a rumor that he was born in Skoulikaria, Arta), as the illegitimate son of revolutionary Gogos Bakolas' first cousin, Zoi Dimiski, who later became a nun (which is why he went down in history as the "son of the nun"), Georgios Karaiskakis grew up in difficult circumstances, but with an unyielding soul and a fiery spirit. From an early age, he showed his courage and military ability, earning respect not only among the Greeks, but also among foreign observers of the time.
His foul-mouthed outspokenness filled with words of courage, his use of irony and his having a strong sense of humor, became the reason for some modern "so-called Greek historians" to underestimate him, and who in recent years have tried to reduce his stature and tarnish his reputation by focusing on his outspokenness and not on his contributions. But anyone who knew Karaiskakis or read his history knows very well that his foul-mouthed outspokenness was the color of his soul, the power of honesty, the popularity of a hero who was not afraid to tell the truth neither to the enemy nor to the friend.
Deeply religious, Karaiskakis often turned to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Prousiotissa in the most critical moments of the Revolution. He dedicated his three medals, his silver stars, and made an offering of silver and gold to cover the icon of the Virgin Mary, while praying for strength for the freedom of the Nation. His faith was a guide in every battle and every decision, and his actions showed how deep his devotion to the Fatherland and Orthodoxy was.
A strategic genius and a natural leader, Karaiskakis distinguished himself in the battles of Roumeli and Central Greece. Despite his illness (severe tuberculosis since 1823), his exile from Aitoliko in 1824, and the political betrayals of Mavrokordatos, he managed to gather his soldiers again and continue the fight. Even when he was forced to leave on a stretcher with only 80 men, his fame and bravery brought new fighters to his side, quickly reaching 1,500 men who followed him faithfully until the end.
His death in Faliro, on April 23, 1827, on Saint George's day, remains controversial to this day. Some testimonies and information from that time suggest that the shot that hit him may have come from Greek hands, perhaps organized by political opponents such as Mavrokordatos. Nevertheless, until his last moment, Karaiskakis thought of the Fatherland and not himself:
“I am dying, but you must be united and support the Fatherland,” he told his men.
Kolokotronis and other fighters mourned him with tears and rifle shots in the air, but his memory remains alive. Karaiskakis was not just a general but the living proof that the Greek Revolution was made from the innermost souls of the Greek race, a hero who combined strategy, outspokenness, faith and devotion to the Nation in such a way that no traitor or petty historian can question.
Eternal is his memory. Eternal is his example of courage, faith and love for Greece. Under Her Shelter, the Homeland has Karaiskakis and his soul continues to fight for Freedom.
Translated into English and republished with the author's permission
Born in 1782 in Mavrommati, Karditsa (there is also a rumor that he was born in Skoulikaria, Arta), as the illegitimate son of revolutionary Gogos Bakolas' first cousin, Zoi Dimiski, who later became a nun (which is why he went down in history as the "son of the nun"), Georgios Karaiskakis grew up in difficult circumstances, but with an unyielding soul and a fiery spirit. From an early age, he showed his courage and military ability, earning respect not only among the Greeks, but also among foreign observers of the time.
His foul-mouthed outspokenness filled with words of courage, his use of irony and his having a strong sense of humor, became the reason for some modern "so-called Greek historians" to underestimate him, and who in recent years have tried to reduce his stature and tarnish his reputation by focusing on his outspokenness and not on his contributions. But anyone who knew Karaiskakis or read his history knows very well that his foul-mouthed outspokenness was the color of his soul, the power of honesty, the popularity of a hero who was not afraid to tell the truth neither to the enemy nor to the friend.
Deeply religious, Karaiskakis often turned to the Monastery of the Virgin Mary of Prousiotissa in the most critical moments of the Revolution. He dedicated his three medals, his silver stars, and made an offering of silver and gold to cover the icon of the Virgin Mary, while praying for strength for the freedom of the Nation. His faith was a guide in every battle and every decision, and his actions showed how deep his devotion to the Fatherland and Orthodoxy was.
A strategic genius and a natural leader, Karaiskakis distinguished himself in the battles of Roumeli and Central Greece. Despite his illness (severe tuberculosis since 1823), his exile from Aitoliko in 1824, and the political betrayals of Mavrokordatos, he managed to gather his soldiers again and continue the fight. Even when he was forced to leave on a stretcher with only 80 men, his fame and bravery brought new fighters to his side, quickly reaching 1,500 men who followed him faithfully until the end.
His death in Faliro, on April 23, 1827, on Saint George's day, remains controversial to this day. Some testimonies and information from that time suggest that the shot that hit him may have come from Greek hands, perhaps organized by political opponents such as Mavrokordatos. Nevertheless, until his last moment, Karaiskakis thought of the Fatherland and not himself:
“I am dying, but you must be united and support the Fatherland,” he told his men.
Kolokotronis and other fighters mourned him with tears and rifle shots in the air, but his memory remains alive. Karaiskakis was not just a general but the living proof that the Greek Revolution was made from the innermost souls of the Greek race, a hero who combined strategy, outspokenness, faith and devotion to the Nation in such a way that no traitor or petty historian can question.
Eternal is his memory. Eternal is his example of courage, faith and love for Greece. Under Her Shelter, the Homeland has Karaiskakis and his soul continues to fight for Freedom.
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