Natalia Hatziaggeli, Author at FETOLIA. The art of scarf

Fetolia Presents the new silk scarf of “Evzonas” (Honored “Protector” of the Greek Parliament). The Evzoni are selected soldiers of the Greek army, more commonly known as tsoliades. Their costume was officially established by King Otto of Greece, which he also wore to official appearances. Through the historical action of the Evzoni battalions, the Evzoni have been reduced to symbols of bravery for the Greek people. Nowadays, the soldiers of the Presidential Guard are called "Evzoni", who perform symbolic missions, with the central guarding of the Monument of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential Palace. But let's go through the historical facts that have lead to the Greek Revolution. The Greek Revolution was one of the key points in the European history of the 19th century as it was the starting point for the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The inability of the Ottoman Turks to suppress the Revolution led to the emergence of Ibrahim's Egyptians, who posed the greatest threat to the Revolution, in conjunction with the civil strife that had broken out between the Greeks. The Revolution actually began in February 1821 during the hegemony of Alexander Ypsilantis and was strengthened in the Peloponnese the following month with the liberation of Kalamata (March 23) and the proclamation of the Greek revolutionaries to the European public opinion that they were free. And despite the failure of Ypsilantis in Moldavia, the spark of the revolution ignited for good in the Peloponnese, one of the most backward parts of Hellenism and spread throughout Greece. The Fall of Tripolitsa in September 1821 consolidated the revolution and highlighted the strategic genius of Theodoros Kolokotronis. The successes of the Greek revolutionaries continued in Dervenakia, Gravia with Odysseus Androutsos, but also at sea, where warriors of the level of a Konstantinos Kanaris and an Andreas Miaoulis were distinguished. The fall of Messolonghi in April 1826 revived the philhellene movement in Europe and the Greek uprising took on international proportions. The contribution of the Great Powers to the liberation was decisive, especially with the Battle of Navarino, in October 1827. The Greeks continued to fight heroically until the last great battle of the Struggle in Petra, Beotia, in September 1829, in which Dimitrios Ypsilantis, an unrecognized figure of the Revolution, was distinguished. During this period, the strategic skills of Georgios Karaiskakis emerged, especially in the Battles of Arachova and in areas of Attica. Meanwhile, the arrival of Ioannis Kapodistrias in Greece at the beginning of 1828 and his proclamation by the National Assembly as Governor of Greece marked the beginning of the building of the new state. The Greeks not only shook off the yoke under which they were, but they have indirectly abolished the notion of a balance in Europe as a whole.The uprising of the enslaved Greeks against the Ottoman dynasty for freedom and self-determination in 1821, was the most important event in the history of Modern Greece. The Greek Revolution was the starting point of national polygenesis, as it achieved the establishment of the Greek State and therefore the presence of Greece, after centuries of extinction, on the political map of the world. In this context, we decided to honour our way this important benchmark in the history of Greece and Europe with a specially designed scarf featuring elements of the "Evzoni" clothing. Each part of their costume represents a core value that has contributed to the uprising and liberation of the Greek state. Have a look at our special scarf and find out all symbolism behind the "Evzoni" clothing here. “I shall always recognize you by the dreadful sword you hold, as the Earth with searching vision you survey with spirit bold. From the Greeks of old whose dying brought to life and spirit free, now with ancient valor rising Let us hail you, oh Liberty!” From the Greek National Anthem “Hymn to Liberty” by Dionisios Solomos in 1823.

Author: Natalia Hatziaggeli

We celebrate the 200 years from the Greek Revolution with a special scarf

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