The history of the Greek National Rebirth is filled with heroic moments, bloody battles, and great sacrifices. However, there is one date that stands as a landmark, not only for its military significance but for its symbolism: March 23, 1821
By: Mara Christou
Today marks the day that Kalamata became the first Greek city to shake off the Ottoman yoke, signaling that the uprising was no longer a distant dream, but a reality unfolding in the streets and squares.
In March 1821, the Peloponnese resembled a boiling cauldron. In Mani, the atmosphere was electric. Theodoros Kolokotronis, the "Old Man of the Morea," was already in Kardamyli, coordinating movements with the members of the Filiki Eteria. Petrobey Mavromichalis, the powerful ruler of Mani, despite his initial reservations about whether the timing was right, had finally been convinced by the passion of his comrades and the momentum of events.
A decisive event occurred in the middle of the month: a ship full of ammunition, sent by the Filiki Eteria from Smyrna, arrived at the port of Almyros. The transportation of this "sacred" cargo was carried out under the noses of the Ottomans by Nikitaras and Anagnostaras. When the voivode of Kalamata, Suleiman Aga Arnaoutoglou, began to suspect something, the local elders reassured him with a dose of ingenious cunning, telling him that the armed men circulating were merely peasants protecting olive oil shipments from bandits.
Before Kalamata saw freedom, the spark had already been lit in Tsimova (modern-day Areopoli). On March 17, the Maniot chieftains, gathered at the Church of the Taxiarchs, swore an oath upon their weapons. The decision was irrevocable. While some turned towards Mystras and Monemvasia, the main body of forces, led by Petrobey and Kolokotronis, headed toward the Messenian capital.
On March 22, the sight from the walls of Kalamata was imposing and simultaneously terrifying for the Ottomans. Approximately 2,000 armed revolutionaries had occupied the surrounding hills, encircling the city. Arnaoutoglou, realizing that escape to Tripolitsa was now impossible, shut himself inside the city.
On the morning of March 23, the Greeks entered the city. Ilias Mavromichalis, a man of prestige and courage, approached the Turkish commander and explained the futility of resistance. Arnaoutoglou, seeing the army of Maniots and the determined gaze of the fighters, understood that the end of his rule had come. The surrender was conducted via protocol, and the Ottoman weaponry passed into Greek hands.
The scene that followed at noon that same day remained etched in the collective memory of the nation. On the banks of the Nedon River, in front of the small chapel of the Holy Apostles, a great celebration of freedom took place. Twenty-four priests blessed the flags and the sworn men. There, in an atmosphere of devotion and national exaltation, the fighters promised "Freedom or Death." It was the first time the Greek army appeared organized and victorious.
The liberation of Kalamata was not merely a military success; it was a political act. That same day, the chieftains established the Messenian Senate, the first administrative body of the insurgent Greeks, with Petrobey Mavromichalis as commander-in-chief.
From Kalamata, the famous document "Warning to the European Courts" was issued. It was a cry to the international community, a declaration that the Greeks were no longer subjects (rayas), but a nation claiming its place in the world. The text remains staggering today in its directness:
"Our hands, which until now were tied by the iron chains of barbaric tyranny, are already untied... Our tongue... now loudly cries out and makes the air echo with the sweetest name of Liberty."
The Proclamation of the Messenian Senate
The text of the Proclamation, the original of which is preserved in the archives of the British Foreign Office, is as follows:
Warning to the European Courts, on behalf of the patriotic commander-in-chief of the Spartan troops, Petros Mavromichalis, and the Messenian Senate.
The unbearable yoke of Ottoman tyranny, over the course of more than a century, reached such a peak that nothing remained for the unfortunate Peloponnesian Greeks but their breath, and that only to push forth their heartfelt sighs.
Being in such a state, deprived of all our rights, with one mind we unanimously decided to take up arms and rush against the tyrants. All factionalism and discord among us, as fruits of tyranny, have been cast into the depths of oblivion, and we all breathe the breath of liberty.
Our hands, which until now were tied by the iron chains of barbaric tyranny, are already untied, and have been raised magnanimously and taken up arms for the annihilation of loathsome tyranny.
Our feet, which walked night and day in heartless forced labors, run toward the acquisition of our rights. Our head, which bowed its neck under the yoke, has shaken it off and thinks of nothing else but Liberty.
Our tongue, which was unable to utter a word except for useless pleas for the appeasement of the barbaric tyrants, now loudly cries out and makes the air echo with the sweetest name of Liberty.
In a word, we have decided either to be liberated or to die. Therefore, we earnestly invite the contribution and assistance of all civilized European nations, so that we may more quickly reach our sacred and just goal and receive our rights.
To resurrect our long-suffering Greek race. By right of reason, our mother Greece, from whom you also were enlightened, demands your philanthropic contribution as soon as possible, and we are hopeful that we shall be deemed worthy; and we shall profess to you our utmost obligation, and in time, we shall practically show our gratitude for your contribution.
1821, March 23, in Kalamata. From the Spartan Camp.
Petros Mavromichalis, Commander-in-Chief of the Spartan and Messenian Army.
The liberation of Kalamata acted as a catalyst. The news spread like wildfire throughout the Morea and Central Greece. The psychology of the Greeks changed; the fear of the "invincible" conqueror had been shattered.
Today, this anniversary is not just a local holiday for Messinia, but a reminder for all of Hellenism. It reminds us that freedom was not gifted, but won with unity and unparalleled courage. On that Wednesday in March, under the Messenian sun, Greece began to breathe again.
