Π Ε Ρ Ι Ε ΧΟ Μ Ε ΝΑ

Ioannis Papalazarou
THE MACEDONIAN STRUGGLE IN THE AREA OF OSTROVO
The area of Ostrovo consists of nine small communities, spread out at the feet of
Vermio and Voras, all around the big lake under the same name. These communities
constitute the Municipality of Vegoritida which has Arnisssa as its capital.
We often have references to these villages in historical documents, where they are
mentioned as battlefields, army camps or stations in the legendary Egnatia Street.
The area was conquered by the Turks during the years 1385–1389. It is really
remarkable that the residents of Ostrovo had cultivated a Greek – Orthodox consciousness,
despite the fact that they spoke a slavic kind of language. Their steady beliefs
helped them in their resistance against the efforts of the Bulgarians to bring them to
their side.
The Bulgarian propaganda taking advantage of the slavic language of the residents
of Ostrovo and using pompously attractive slogans, had methodically been trying since
1870 to change the residents’ strong beliefs and high morale, with venality, blackmail
and terrorist attacks.
From the very beginning of the effort to uproot the Greek morale in the area,
defence committees were formed in places like Ostrovo (Arnissa), Tsegani (Agios
Athanasios), Grammatiko and Rosilovo (Xanthogia). The purpose of these committees
was to strengthen the morale of the supporters of the Patriarchy, to prevent incidents
against them, to organise and equip local defence.
Small cores and groups of defence were organised in almost all the communities.
Many young people were recruited in the Greek army under the orders of Captain
Akritas (K. Mazarakis), Nikoloudis and Volanis and took part in mopping off operations
in Vermio, Piperitsa and Voras.
Ostrovo is a small, unimportant spot on the map. However, it is worth our particular
attention, study and respect for the Greek attidute and fighting spirit of its inhabitants
during the Macedodian Struggle.