Was Markos Botsaris a Greek or an Albanian Who Fought for the Greek Independence War?

Markos Botsaris is a revered figure in the history of the Greek Independence War, remembered for his leadership and valor in battling against the Ottoman forces. However, in recent decades, there has been a debate among some Albanians who claim that Botsaris and his fellow Souliotes were Albanians, not Greeks. This article seeks to clarify the historical context and evidence that supports Markos Botsaris as a Greek hero.

Hero of the Greek Independence War

Botsaris is recognized as a Greek hero for his contributions to the Greek War of Independence, specifically in the Battle of Karpenisi. His flag, the original Greek flag, bears witness to his commitment to the Greek cause. Botsaris and his fellow Souliotes fought against Turk-Albanian Muslim forces like Ardi Kule, Al Galdinio, Ken Pira Pashai, and Janines in the Greek city of Karpenisi. The notion that Botsaris was not Greek is refuted by historical evidence. There is no evidence that Botsaris or any of these Souliotes considered themselves other than Greek.

Language and Identity

It is often noted that Botsaris and his clan were forced to develop a local dialect called Arvanitika, a mix of Greek, Albanian, and Turkish words. Despite this, it would be improper to assume that Botsaris was speaking exclusively Albanian. Francois Pouqueville, who asked Botsaris to compile a dictionary, referred to it as "Dictionary of Romaika and Arvanitiki Simple." If Botsaris spoke Albanian, he would have used the Albanian alphabet and language, unless one considers him uneducated. The dictionary itself is written in the Greek alphabet, indicating that Botsaris was proficient in Greek and not just familiar with it.

Historical Context and Literary Evidence

Fitz Halleck, a contemporary poet, wrote a poem that clearly considers Botsaris and the Souliotes as Greeks. Additionally, Lord Byron, a famous English poet remember for his contributions to the Greek struggle, mentions Botsaris in his memoirs. The memoirs highlight Botsaris' deep Greek identity, stating that he needed to write a vocabulary to understand and communicate in Greek. The title of the dictionary he compiled is explicitly titled "Lexicon of the Simple Romaic and Arbanitic language," which includes 1701 Greek words and their respective translations in Albanian. This dictionary was later translated into French and Albanian, further solidifying his connection to the Greek language.

Conclusion

Markos Botsaris, a true hero of the Greek Independence War, is commemorated for his Greek identity and his contributions to the Greek cause. Historical evidence and contemporary literary sources support his status as a Greek rather than an Albanian. The development of the Arvanitika dialect, while unique, does not negate his Greek identity. It is important to recognize and honor the historical figures who fought for national independence, regardless of the modern geopolitical context.