Epirus Revolt of 1854
Greek revolt in Epirus during the Crimean War.
The 1854 revolt in Epirus was a significant Greek uprising against Ottoman rule during the Crimean War. It drew on widespread hopes among Epirotes to unite their region with the independent Kingdom of Greece. Despite support from notable military figures, the rebellion was suppressed within a few months due to an unfavorable balance of forces.
Quick Facts
- Date
- 1854
- Location
- Epirus
- Result
- Ottoman victory
Facts from the source article.
Background
The Crimean War between the Ottoman Empire and Russia prompted many Greeks to see an opportunity to reclaim territories with Greek populations not included in the independent Kingdom of Greece. The memory of the Greek War of Independence and Russian assistance in securing that independence remained strong. Although the Greek state, under British and French pressure, stayed out of the conflict officially, uprisings were organized in Epirus, Thessaly, and Crete with support from individuals and groups within Greece.
Uprising
On 30 January 1854, Spyridon Karaiskakis, a Greek Army lieutenant and son of war hero Georgios Karaiskakis, gave speeches in villages east of Arta to inspire revolt. His force of 2,500 irregulars captured Arta. General Theodoros Grivas then led 300 volunteers to Peta and Pente Pigadia. The revolt spread to mountainous Epirus and towns including Paramythia, Souli, Tsamantas, Himara, and areas around Ioannina, as well as parts of Thessaly. Ottoman forces, initially 1,600 troops reinforced by 3,000, recaptured Arta with heavy artillery. In early March, Grivas took Metsovo, which was later looted by Greek troops. By March 27, after repeated Ottoman and Albanian attacks, Grivas retreated, and Metsovo was looted and largely burned.
Suppression
On April 13, a 6,000-strong Ottoman force with British and French artillery attacked the rebel headquarters at Peta. After heavy losses, Kitsos Tzavelas retreated behind the Greek border. The Ottomans then moved north toward Ioannina. At Plaka, 14,000 Ottomans and 1,500 Albanians fought Karaiskakis and Zervas; the Ottomans retreated, with Albanians suffering heavy losses. Additional Ottoman reinforcements arrived, while British and French forces blockaded Piraeus and other Greek ports, hindering rebel supplies and pressuring the Greek government. After battles at Voulgareli, Skoulikaria, and Kleidi on May 12, the revolt collapsed, and Epirotes retreated behind the Greek border. Reprisals followed, with Ottoman and Albanian bands looting and burning towns and villages until the Crimean War ended in 1856.
More in Greek Rebellions Against the Ottoman Empire
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