Evia Tourist Guide -- Evia during the Revolution of 1821

Evia during the revolution of 1821

Channel of Evripus 18th century

The strategic importance of Evia had obliged the Turks to fortify it strongly. They had ensured their supremacy over the island with the two fortresses which controlled the Channel of Evripos from one side of Chalkida and «Karababa» from the other. Furthermore, in Evia apart from the central administration of Chalkida, there were also separate administrative areas in Karisto and Xirochori (today's Istiaia). The inhabitants of Evia, therefore were victims of the Turkish oppression.

Because of these circumstances the revolution in Evia was to face extreme difficulties. On 8th May 1821 Xirochori was the first place to revolt and soon afterwards followed Limni and Kimi.

Angelis Govios soon took over the leadership of the revolution in Evia and was able to set up an army camp at Vrisakia where the first great battle took place and the Turkish army, led by Omer Vrioni, was defecated. Nicholas Kriezotis distinguished himself during the battle.

At the battle of Stira in southern Evia the Greeks were defeated, However the greatest loss was the death of Ilias mavromichalis, the son of Petrobei, who had come to Evia to help the Greek troops occupy Karistos.

During an ambush between two mountains, Angelis Govios was also killed and Nicholas Kriezotis became leader.

The revolution continued with uncertain victories. The civil clashes between Kriezotis and Diamandi Nicholaou for the leadership of the island were a great test for the Evians.

After his victories against Omer Bey at Thiakofto and Vatitsi, However, the arrival of the Turkish fleet forced the Greek army to disperse and the unarmed population were slaughtered by the Turks. Kriezotis was forced to withdraw to Skopelos.

Afterwards, Odysseus Androutsos, as provisional leader, with the help of the fleet of Psara, besieged Turks at Chalkida. At the same time, Kriezotis returned to Evia and besieged Karistos.

Both sieges were well organised and lasted for six months but they didn't have the appropriate assistance from the rest of the Greek forces. When the Turkish fleet arrived in the Gulf of Evia and landed an army the Greek forces were disbanded. Many atrocities were committed by the Turks at both forts after the sieges had, ended.

Thus, Evia, the most important fortress of the mainland of Greece returned to slavery and the indifference and hostilities of the local leaders made them suffer even greater hardships.

In 1826, the Pholo-Ellene General Favieros tried to occupy Karistos without success. After this failure, the Greek army found itself trapped between two armies at Likorema, opposite the island of Petalioi but fortunately the Greek fleet, lead by Kriezotis, came to their rescue.

So Evia remained in the hands of the Turks even after the arrival of Kapothistria. It was handed over to Greece through a decree issued on 13th June 1930.