GREECE 2013 - NATIONAL HISTORICAL EVENTS 1913 PART A' - THE 100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF IOANNINA

 

The war waged by the Balkanallies against the Ottoman Empire ended with many issues unresolved. In early 1913, operations on the Epirus front had ground to a halt, and the Hellenic Army was endeavouring to liberate Ioannina.

 In mid-January 1913, the Hellenic forces in Epirus were encountering difficult conditions. The Commander-in-Chief, Crown Prince Constantine, who assumed command  of the Army of Epirus in the middle of the same month, took a series of measures that aimed to improve the men's living conditions and nutrition, thus raising their morale and increasing their fighting ability, which had been considerably reduced. He also improved the flow of supplies to units at the front by utilising all available means of transport behind the lines, and put into operation a new plan for the capture of Ioannina. February 19th marked the beginning of the end, with a whole day of artillery fire. After many months of struggle, the much-anticipated liberation would be achieved by force and not by negotiation. On 21 February 1913, the Hellenic Army entered Ioannina.

FDC: ALAND 2004 - The Fortress of Bomarsund

 

The ruin of the fortress Bomarsund is one of the greatest tourist attractions in Aland. The dramatic event of the battle of 1854, life after the fall of the fortress and the demilitarization of Aland after the peace 1856 are subjects which are in focus for this interesting FDC.

BUILDING THE FORTRESS

At the beginning of the 19th century, Aland was the last military outpost of the Russian empire towards west. Constructions started in 1832 when the thought of establishing a permanent military base on the islands prevailed. The heart of the fortress was a central barracks, the diameter of which was 290 metres. It could be mounted with 115 cannons and was intended to house up to 2,500 men.

THE BACKGROUND FOR THE ALAND DEMILITARIZATION

In connection with the Crimean War, great Britain and France sent an armed fleet to threaten the Russiancentre of power round St. Petersburg. Bomarsund was one of the targets, and during a combined British-French attack 13-16 August 1854, the only half-completed fortress was completely destroyed and left as a ruin. At the peace talks in Paris 1856, a so-called Aland Treaty was signed on 30 March and aland was demilitarized. This treaty still applies, and the date 30 March is now celebrated as an official flag-flying day in Aland.