Αναταραχή στη Μακεδονία στις παραμονές του Κριμαϊκού Πολέμου (1853-1856): (Σύμφωνα με τις εκθέσεις κυρίως του αυστριακού προξένου Θεσσαλονίκης Joseph Nizzoli)

Abstract

This study is referring to the disorder and thefts in various parts of Macedonia between the months April and October 1853, on the eve of the Russian-Turkish war 1853-1856. The author based on documents from the Vienna Archives «Haus- Hof- und Staatsarchiv» gives a general idea of the critical situation created in South Macedonia, inhabited mainly by Greeks. The inhabitants, mainly of Thessaloniki, Serres and Kavala feel uneasy because of acts of brigandage especially in the countryside. The merchants of these towns, most of them Austrian subjects, terrified, report to their consuls and ask for protection. As a result these consular agents and the Ambassador in Contantinople are complaining to the Turkish authorities, which assure them that they have taken proper steps to cope with the problem and to impose the public order. Shortly the Russian-Turkish breaks out and the bandits and malefactors hurry to enrol as irregulars (basibozuks) in the Turkish army continuing however to create disorder and after their departure to the front.