ACTIVITIES OF GREEK BANDS IN MACEDONIA ACCORDING TO ARCHIVE DOCUMENTS

Abstract

In the late 19th century, one of the most important problems for the Ottoman Empire was the Macedonian issue. The non-Muslim communities living in Macedonia wanted independence or autonomy under the influence of nationalism ideas. The signing of the Treaty of Berlin in 1878 marked a crucial moment in the history of Macedonia as it defined the political divisions among the various ethnic groups present in the region. Bulgarians, Greeks, Serbs, and Albanians all sought to gain control over the land, but their conflicting interests made it difficult to reach a consensus. Due to the increasing influence of Bulgaria in Macedonia, the Greek state has started to pay more attention to the region. In response, the Greeks began a propaganda campaign aimed at spreading their influence through consulates, businesses, churches, and schools in Macedonia. The Greeks formed bands and sent them to Macedonia in order to protect their interests in the region. The Greek bands, mostly composed of officers, sought to diminish the power of the Bulgarians. The Ottoman administration was forced to take measures against the growing Greek bands in Macedonia. Security measures were increased to reduce the influence of the bands. The Ottoman government, recognizing the potential for conflict, responded by increasing its military presence in the region. Troops were deployed to counteract the actions of the Greek bands and maintain stability in the region. Diplomatic efforts were also made. This article examines the activities of Greek bands in Macedonia during the reign of Abdulhamid II. Ottoman archive documents, in particular, were used for this purpose.