◄◄◄

Markos Botsaris
(c. 1788–1823)

Other names: Marco Bozzari

Biographical

Botsaris was a Greek leader of Aromanian origin and a captain of the Souliots in the early years of the Greek War of Independence, known for his military skill and commitment to the cause. His early life was shaped by the long-standing conflict between the Souliots of southern Epirus and Ali Pasa, who had seized control of Ioánnina. When the Souliot strongholds fell to Ali Pasa in 1803, Botsaris and many of his surviving clansmen sought refuge on the island of Corfu, where he remained for 16 years. During this time, he served in an Albanian regiment under French command and was exposed to European ideas of national identity and independence, which influenced his political and military outlook. In 1814, he became a member of the secret revolutionary organisation Philikí Etaireía, which aimed to liberate Greece from Ottoman rule. Botsaris returned to Epirus in 1820 and, despite past hostilities, aligned with Ali Pasa in his rebellion against the Ottoman government. However, after Ali was defeated, Botsaris fully committed himself and his fellow Souliots to the Greek War of Independence, which had begun in April 1821. He emerged as a formidable military leader and played a crucial role in the defence of Missolonghi during its first siege in 1822–1823, helping to repel the Ottoman forces. In August 1823, he led a daring night raid with a few hundred Souliot guerrillas against an encampment of 4,000 Albanians who were advancing as part of a larger Turkish army. The attack succeeded in throwing the enemy into disarray, but Botsaris was fatally wounded in the battle. His death was a major loss for the Greek forces, as he was considered one of their most capable commanders. Following his death, his friend Lord Byron took command of the Souliots and formed a personal bodyguard of 50 men at Missolonghi. Botsaris became a revered figure in Greek history, remembered for his bravery and dedication to the struggle for independence. He was posthumously awarded the honorary rank of general.

Place of birth: Soúli
Place of death: Karpenisíon

Son of Kitsos Botsaris and Chrysoula Papazotou-Gioti, he was married firstly to Eleni Karakitsou in 1806 (divorced c. 1810, no issue), and secondly to Chrysoula Kalogerou (with issue).

© 2024 The Universal Compendium