OR Roumeli, That is, Central Greece was one of the main areas of the Greek Revolution of 1821. The activity of the “friendly” pre -revolutionary was great, as was the same as the disagreements between them as to when the revolution could begin.

“The region of Roumeli had a strategic geographical location, of the utmost importance to the Greek Revolution, since it linked the Peloponnese with Macedonia and Epirus and it was important for the Greeks to control it.“Sofia Vakirzidelis, who is the Head of Departments of General Archives of the State in Fthiotida and Euboea, notes speaking to RES – EIA.

The first revolutionary moves in the area began almost simultaneously with the Peloponnese, although there were significant differences in the strategies and conditions. The Roumelian chieftains and fighters played a decisive role in both the start and the maintenance of the revolution.

As Sofia Vakirzidelis notes in RES – EIA, “Roumeli was under the control of the Ottomans, but had a long tradition of resistance, mainly through thieves and armatters, who often came into conflict with the Ottoman administration. ” In fact, she notes that “the Armatolikas, such as that of Agrafa, had evolved into semi -autonomous military units, who maintained the Greek tradition by fighting the Turks‘

The Friendly Society had already developed strong networks in the area, with important members preparing the ground for the revolution. Among them, Athanasios Diakos, Odysseas Androutsos and Panourgias, who had recruited many locals and were preparing the ground for the general uprising.

“From the start of the race until the end, the struggles and sacrifices of the Roumeliots played a decisive role in the liberation of Greece“Sofia Vakirzideli notes in RES – EIA.

On March 24, Panourgias and other chieftains raised Amphissa (Salon), marking the beginning of the revolution in the area. On March 27, the city was under the control of the revolutionaries and the Ottomans in the area began to retreat to the fortresses.

The Holy Monastery of Saint Luke played a decisive role during the revolution of 1821 in Roumeli. On March 27, 1821, the revolution was officially declared in the monastery, in the presence of the Despot of the Salon Isaiah, Athanasios Diakos and the representative of the Friendly Society, Athanasios Zarifis. In the cathedral of the monastery, doxology was performed, weapons and clergy and people were blessed in the struggle for faith and homeland.

After the proclamation of the revolution, Athanasios Diakos headed to Livadia, while Isaiah Salon conveyed the message of the revolution to Amfissa, expanding it to Dorida and Locrida. The monks of the monastery, along with residents of the surrounding villages, arrested the Distomo police officer and his accompaniment, thereby enhancing the struggle. According to surviving documents, the monastery supplied the fight with food and money and supported chieftains such as Diakos, Androutsos, Gouras, Kriezotis, Tzavellas and Karaiskakis.

“The Roumeli region had a strategic geographical location, of the utmost importance for the Greek Revolution, since it linked the Peloponnese with Macedonia and Epirus and it was important for the Greeks to control it. It functioned as a strategic corridor that united the south with Northern Greece, “as Ms Sofia Vakirzidelis notes to add that” its mountain tumors were naturally embarrassed for the fighters, who could organize their defense more effectively. In addition, Roumeli’s warriors played a decisive role in major battles, such as the Basilica and later in the siege of Messolonghi. ” “The critical battles in the Roumeli region – Alamana, Vasilika, Gravia, Mesolongi – are still reference points of the race with their heroes»Ms. Vakirzideli stresses

Despite the difficulties and internal disputes, the revolution in Roumeli has managed to consolidate the Greek resistance, contributing decisively to the final liberation.