Bouboulina. Born in the Ottoman prisons of Constantinople, she became a main figure of the Greek Revolution. She spent her vast fortune building a war fleet that she would personally lead to battle, becoming the first woman in modern history to receive the title of admiral. Have you heard of her?
Posted by freddo_expresso@reddit | AskBalkans | View on Reddit | 162 comments
Final-Nebula-7049@reddit
I feel like they had a bit of help lol
albardha@reddit
I think we can all agree her nickname is badass
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
It means Thunder in Greek ⚡️
Significant-Risk4463@reddit
So does in Albanian
KingKohishi@reddit
Facts:
Moist-Park-4781@reddit
She was not Greek but an Arvanite, a.k.a Orthodox Albanian
This is a tremendous oversimplification of the Arvanite cultural identity and as an Arvanite myself I find it full of political POV. We Arvanites have Albanian ancestors from the middle ages but we settled into mainland Greece during the Byzantine Empire and interrmixed heavily with the local populations for centuries.
Yes we have an Albanian origin but our culture branched off waay before Skanderbeg and the birth of modern Albanian nationalism. At this point our ties with modern Albanians are similar to the ties Italians have with the Spanish as they're both "Latin peoples" but they each have their own thing going.
Saying we're Orthodox Albanians implies an affiliation with the modern Albanian republic which is not the case at all as we have assimilated into Greek life and now live as ordinary mainland Greeks with a distinct culture and worldview, different from Albanians.
We are definitely related but we are not the exact same people any more nor do we live our lives as Albanians. We're a mixed people with a unique hisyory and presence in the Balkans.
KingKohishi@reddit
My tremendous oversimplification is simply factual.
Your identification with the Greek Orthodox Church doesn't change your ethnicity.
Saying Arvanites are Orthodox Albanians implies one thing. They are Orthodox Albanians. The level of your assimilation in not my concern.
Also, remember this. The initial migration of Albanians to the Peloponnese, Attica, and Boeotia started before the Ottomans, but continued until the 15th century. This was possible only because the social mobility granted during Pax-Turcica.
Moist-Park-4781@reddit
The level of my assimilation is in fact your concern when discussing this topic because it's precisely the heart of the topic itself. It's what makes us different from modern Albanians. You can't pick and choose parts of our cultural history like picking your favorite foods at a buffet.
If you're going to be asinine enough to go to another person, point your finger at them and tell them that they don't belong to their present nation then at least have the courage to treat all aspects of the conversation equally. We used to be Albanians that branched off a long time ago and have no functional connection with mainland Albanians who live in Albania any more than a NorthWestern Romanian has with a Hungarian.
Orthodox Albanians are modern Albanian citizens who are members of the modern Albanian Orthodox Chruch. This has zero connection with Arvanites whose ancestors lived in Greece since the times of the Eastern Roman Empire and now live their lives as Greeks.
KingKohishi@reddit
The saddest part about the Arvanites is this. They have always known the fact that as soon as they embrace their Albanian origins, they will be segregated by Greeks.
AntiKouk@reddit
I'm not passing judgment on whether assimilation was good or bad but it was well underway way before there even was a Greek state. The Arvanite origin Greek heroes all were bilingual and identified as Greek before the creation of a Greek state during the ottoman era.
Hyllius1@reddit
No, not all of them. Based on A.Kolas work, more than half of the arvanite population didn't speak greek. That's why M.Boçari made the Greek/Albanian dictionary. The idea of a Greek state was born in Ukraine.
The arvanites had typical Albanian tribal mindset. They started the civil war while fighting the Ottomans in order to claim the high seat when Greece gained independence.
AntiKouk@reddit
Yeah I can imagine the fact that the Arvanite leaders spoke Greek didn't have to translate to the average Arvanite person. And as we only know the personal stories of leaders we have a biased view.
Hyllius1@reddit
Aristeidis Kollias, as he was known in Greek, was an arvanit and president of the Association of the Arvanites Marko Boçari. You should check him up.
He took his time to compare his culture and traditions with those from Kosovo, Albania and arberesh from Italy. There are more similarities than you would think.
I just think it's sad that the arvanite culture and traditions have been erased by the Greek government. Especially the language. To this day, you don't have an arvanit school in Greece.
KingKohishi@reddit
No. Arvanites self-identified as Romaniotes not Hellens.
Returntomonke21@reddit
Oh, just like all Greeks did? K then
Moist-Park-4781@reddit
KingKohishi@reddit
That's the truth. We know how the Pontics have been treated in Greece.
Moist-Park-4781@reddit
SOHONEYSAME@reddit
Arvanites r 100% Greek.
Moist-Park-4781@reddit
At heart yes definitely. Our genetic history is more complicated thought.
KingKohishi@reddit
You are an assimilated Orthodox Albanian denying your true heritage. That's OK. If you want to call yourself a Greek, then do it, but don't force me to share your delusion please.
Moist-Park-4781@reddit
I'm not denying my true heritage. I have given you a calm and very clear explanation of our cultural differences while you deflect and throw hateful comments at me at every turn. This is no longer a civil discussion so I'll let you return to your maps and ancient scripts that prophesie a Greater Albania that will come and liberate people who never asked for it 🤷♂️
KingKohishi@reddit
I said nothing hateful. You are offended by what I said only because it does not fit to your own narrative. That's human nature.
FYI, I am not an Albanian but I believe that a reunification would stabilize the Balkans.
Moist-Park-4781@reddit
Oh geez thanks. The non Albanian was giving me a lecture about my own family history this whole time. How nice of you to drop by and enlighten us with your wisdom. Not Albanian but defined a "reunification" kind of guy. Got it 👍
KingKohishi@reddit
You're welcome. I work for the peaceful stabilization of the Balkans and the Middle East.
You thinking me as an Albanian proves that you are biased about the subject of Arvanite identity.
Nice chit chat!
Moist-Park-4781@reddit
AntiKouk@reddit
No no he will tell you who you are with anachronistic terms and you'll accept it. Hahahahahah what a joke
AntiKouk@reddit
So it was already going on before the Ottomans but it was only possible thanks to the Ottomans, what? The only reason there was so much depopulation and spare land for them to settle was due to the ravages of ottoman wars leading up to and post ottoman conquest of South Greece
KingKohishi@reddit
The Turkic people are known to cause social mobility throughout the history. The Huns started the Migration Period. The Bulgars crossed the Danube with the Slavs. The Seljuks brought Kurds alongside etc.
No_Idea_479@reddit
Unable_Ad9968@reddit
Love history, never heard about her, but thanks you you I know her now. One note thought , she looks very ugly
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
We have a funny interaction regarding her beauty: "Rumors of Bouboulina's exploits spread beyond Greece and many foreign philhellenes sought to meet her. During one such meeting in Astros, one foreign volunteer (Maurice Persat) showed her a lithograph depicting her which he had purchased in Paris. The highly romanticized and inaccurate depiction caused Bouboulina to burst out laughing."
AcceptablePromise242@reddit
She looks Muslim
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Ignore the big ass Cross on her personal flag in image 4.
Babuci97@reddit
Why you are so affraid to mention this, neighbour ?
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Arvanites fought for Greece, not Albania. She named her flagship Agamemnon, the Greek King who vanquished Troy. Her father and herself, gave their life for Greece.
Babuci97@reddit
No one denies this, but they have Albanian origin, I myself am Arvanite on my mother's side, and they fought for Greece but the Greek government denied them many things (i am not speaking for the ordinary people). We are almost the same people but politics divided us. I spoke about the origin and did not deny what they fought for.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
You can't be Arvanite and claim such things. The Arvanites were never, ever discriminated against by the Greek state. Exactly because they always felt Greek.
You are confusing them with Chams, a completely different people and a completely different story.
Babuci97@reddit
No, i am speaking about my family origin and history. Chams have different dialect and many of them are muslims, and i am orthodox plus chams lived in different area from arvanites, and yes i have arvanites origin from my mom side, exactly from Nafplion
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
You claim your Arvanite relatives from Nauplion, say they are Albanians?
Babuci97@reddit
My grandfather told me something that i will never forget. “We speak Greek, but we cry secretly in Albanian” and i have a question for you my brother, What does Arvanites mean? And another question, do you know about Arbëresh in Italy ? They live in Italy since 15th centry but Italy has no interest in calling them Italian and today they recognize them as the Albanian community in Italy and after 6 centuries. The Arvanites are Arbnon (Albanian) origin then the next question is what language do the Arvanites speak?
Again today a lot of Arvanites feel Greeks and its ok i am allright with that. I told you about origin.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
I remember an Albanian mentioned the "phrase" you just mentioned and he was jumped by all the Arvanites telling him they have never heard of such a thing.
Babuci97@reddit
I'm not sure if the young people know this or not, but the old ones do. I'm sorry that hatred is arising between the two peoples, but I would really like us to go together as peoples. In fact, we do, but the politics are a bit harsh. Anyway, beyond this topic, I am also grateful to the Greek people who kept many Albanians after the 90s, which made my parents get to know each other. I also hope that the children of other immigrants don't forget their origins, so that after many years we don't fight again.
Returntomonke21@reddit
Her father was half Arvanite and spend his life fighting Albanians, who were all muslims and served their Ottoman masters. Why are you afraid to admit this, farm worker?
Babuci97@reddit
If you want to speak properly about history, speak without hatred. In those years, Albanians fought a lot among themselves for many reasons, but this does not make an Albanian a different ethnicity. Albanians are not all Muslims and many of them were subjected to Turkish influence, I personally am Orthodox and 100% Albanian, and if you want to know, I am Arvanite on my mother's side. If you speak with hatred, you will always have a dark curtain to know the truth.
Returntomonke21@reddit
Sorry I broke your fantasy with reality, but its not hatred. Modern Albanian hypernationalists who believe they can lecture Arvanites about their national self determination are the most hilarious people on the internet.
Babuci97@reddit
Everyone is free to feel as they want and no I am not a nationalist, I personally do not live in Albania or Greece and my children can feel American and can fight for America, but the origin is something else. I would like both countries to cooperate but politics has divided us. Anyway I have no hatred for any nation, but because I am half Arvanite myself and I like history that's why I commented. Whether you or anyone else believes or not is not my problem. Anyway I wish you the best in the future.
Shtapiq@reddit
It has a meaning in Albanian too. I’m sure she was Albanian, 100%. That’s a hill I’m read to die on. /s
the_lonely_creeper@reddit
Probably an Arvanite. So as far as we are concerned, basically greek
hubbabubbameqershi@reddit
Is arvanite a region in Greece?
the_lonely_creeper@reddit
No, it's an ethnic group.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arvanites
They're basically a poppulation that speaks Arvanite (or at least used to, the languages has sadly been atritioning over the past century, so lots of younger people can't speak it), a language closely related to Albanian, and that's primarily Greek Orthodox.
They largely sided with the Greeks during the Greek War of Independence, so they've been considered greeks since then, just with their own language.
If you ever look at an old ethnic map of the Balkans, and you see a lot of Albanians around modern Athens, it's referring to Arvanites.
hubbabubbameqershi@reddit
I know very well about it. Arvanite is a term in Greek language for Albanian christian, and the language it's not closely related to Albanian but is very much a pure southern Albanian tosk dialect spoken in south Albania, Greece and Italy. 45% of Albania speaks the same dialect.
AntiKouk@reddit
I think it's so interesting/sad that a lot of the fighting in that war on both sides was done by ethnic Albanians. One side bilingual orthodox Greek identifying and the other Muslim Ottoman supporting.
hubbabubbameqershi@reddit
Not entirely true, but to a certain point yes. I would put the Greek revolution as a Christian coalition, Greeks, Albanians, Vlachs and Greek Slavs in one side and Ottomans on the other side. The Ottomans being particularly Albanian is because during that time the Islamization of Albanians was very close to finished and they had very high positions in Ottoman society. One of the major reasons why Albanian language wasn't allowed like Greek language school and slavic were those Ottoman Albanians themselves.
AntiKouk@reddit
Yeah. Certainly Christian driven revolution. Although I don't know any Slavic origin leaders. Yeah the Albanians seem to have been very invested into the Ottoman empire, hence they were one of the last to get a national state as well. I think part of the reason so much of the armies sent to put the rebellion down were Albanian was because the central Turkish armies were posted against the Russians and Persians as well. I was amazed to read more recently on the leaders on the ottoman side and see they were all mostly Albanian.
Defiant_Being_9222@reddit
Look up Vasos Mavrovouniotis. You can imagine where he is from.
AntiKouk@reddit
Oh TBF yeah I have heard of him
Taki32@reddit
The Arvanites were transplants to Greece from Albania, because they were orthodox and assimilated Greek culture to large degree, they are considered Greek and have been for quite a while. It's an interesting case, because the zeitgeist of the conquered peoples (slavs, helenes, albanians, etc) was of a byzantine legacy and identity, and that took a long time to change, especially because they all hated ottoman rule.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Boubounito means Thunder in Greek.
r6dSPqs6@reddit
We say Bubullima in Albanian.
AntiKouk@reddit
Does it have the same meaning?
r6dSPqs6@reddit
Yep, thunder.
smiley_x@reddit
She took the name of her second spouse who was called Bouboulis.
kadaka80@reddit
All Albanians are secretly a Greek tribe that refused to learn Greek
CodExtension6180@reddit
other way around
casual_philosopher02@reddit
she was actually an Arvanite I think. That last name was not hers, it was of her rich ship owning husband, Bouboulis
Lothronion@reddit
"Laskarina" as a name comes from "Laskaris", the famous noble name, with various interpretations regarding its origin. I prefer the one that suggest it is a corruption of "Daskalos", meaning "Teacher".
LetterSpiritual8172@reddit
she didn’t die heroically fighting the Ottomans. She was assassinated in 1825 during a family feud/blood vendetta involving her son and relatives of her second husband.
Poglavnik_Majmuna01@reddit
That sounds like something an Albanian would do. Was she of Arvanite descent?
LetterSpiritual8172@reddit
Yes, Bouboulina had Arvanite (Orthodox Albanian) roots on her father’s side, that’s well documented. Many heroes of the Greek Revolution did. But that’s exactly why your comment is lame. She spent her entire fortune building a war fleet, personally led it into battle against the Ottomans, and became the first woman in modern history to be named admiral, all for Greece. She didn’t die heroically fighting Turks. She was assassinated in 1825 during a classic Balkan blood feud involving her son and relatives of her second husband. That kind of vendetta wasn’t some special “Albanian” hobby, it was standard Balkan chaos the moment the common enemy (the Ottomans) loosened their grip. Greeks, Arvanites, everyone was doing it. So no, it doesn’t “sound like something an Albanian would meddle in.” It sounds like something Balkan people did when they ran out of Turks to shoot. Nice try with the cheap tribal point though.
NoHawk668@reddit
So, you confirm it was so, and more, but you are offended because someone pointed it out?
StPauliPirate@reddit
This is the Balkan spirit
Aztur29@reddit
According wiki killer wasn't prosecuted because murder was ok with local tradition.
CockamouseGoesWee@reddit
Still is now. My mother witnessed a murder when she was 10 that happened in broad daylight and nobody did anything
NoHawk668@reddit
Ha, you have more in common with Albanians than I thought.
CockamouseGoesWee@reddit
And don't forget that the reason she was on that island was because the Greeks rewarded her with exile for her service as they did with so many revolutionaries. They needed a scapegoat
JonAxe@reddit
If we are speaking about Global Modern History aka from the 1500s onwards, she wasn't the first woman to have the title of admiral at all, that title goes to many others before her such as Isabelle Barreto de Castro from the Spanish empire in the late 1500s or Keumalahayati of the Aceh Sultunate in what is today modern Indonesia.
I've seen this specific post about Bouboulina and I always see that they are referring to her as "the first woman admiral" while a better term would "one of the first". Despite the fact that as Greek I want her to be more known to the world just like the entire Greek war of independence, at the same time as a history student false terms and stereotypes should always be corrected and fought against.
Returntomonke21@reddit
Famous Greek figures Isabelle Barreto de Castro and Keumalahayati of the Aceh Sultunate
JonAxe@reddit
The text of your post doesn't mention that she was the first GREEK woman admiral but the first woman admiral in modern history in general which is false. If you said "Greek woman admiral" I'd have no problem with that however you didn't, so here we are.
el_charles-vane@reddit
no but i have heard of Zheng Yi Sao one of the most successful female pirates who lead over 200 ships in 1805, so yea.....
memestoica@reddit
There’s a romanian song about Bubulina
https://youtu.be/luxt65Zq9P8?si=WiXpFk0-G7BxBUSs
Adorable-Bend7362@reddit
Not really, no. At schools we're taught that Russia was aiding the cause of Greek independence, but there's no major focus on this topic, and the most memorable involved person that a schoolkid would know would be Ioannis Kapodistrias
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
In school we're taught the Ottomans were only kept alive due to English and French interests, as to not letting Russia annihilate them and gain access to the Mediterranean. The Ottomans were so weak they asked Egypt for help against the Greek Revolution.
Adorable-Bend7362@reddit
We get that part of history taught as well.
vladonamission@reddit
I know this is a historic topic but just came to drop this for laughs as I know about Bouboulina from this interview of a Canadian-Bulgarian actress:
https://youtube.com/shorts/A7tKQpfWjcI?is=9wFEgoRHHYakQNJa
PavelKringa55@reddit
Greeks somehow have a number of "private citizen that financed a military ship" folks. I know their awesome, still sailing pre-dreadnought was private financed, but didn't know about this one. Amazing.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Greeks are the world's leading shipowning nation in commercial shipping.
Greek shipowners control the largest merchant fleet in the world, more than 20% of the global merchant shipping capacity.
It's insane but true, we run this business for thousands of years 😂
PavelKringa55@reddit
Averof, that's the awesome historic ship.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_cruiser_Georgios_Averof
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
The GOAT 🥲
ouzans@reddit
Interesting. Is there anybody knows how she made a vast fortune in Ottoman prisons?
MrKorakis@reddit
She was not imprisoned there.
She was born in the prisons because her father was imprisoned for taking part in an uprising against the Ottoman empire. So either the mother was imprisoned as well or she was allowed to be with her husband.
Not sure how the family managed to weasel their way out of the predicament but she was from an established and wealthy family not some random woman off the street
ouzans@reddit
Very interesting, That is one hell of a story, with many open points.
I would love to read/watch some impartial documentary about her.
AntiKouk@reddit
Another interesting part of that the Ottoman government tried to seize her wealth when she inherited it from her husband on the claim her husband had been involved in a revolt in the past and she managed to convince I think the Sultan's mother that it was unlawful and managed to retain it thanks to her.
ouzans@reddit
She is good at politics too then.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Yes she was, in fact she had good relations with the Valide Sultan. The Queen Mother was fond of her spirit. When the Greek Armies finally conquered Tripolis, Bouboulina was one of the generals that led the siege. She personally saved the entire harem of the Ottoman governor, upon Valide's request.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
She was from a rich family of shipowners, her father was imprisoned for fighting in the Orlov Revolt. She later married two other shipowners, both were killed by Algerian pirates, and she inherited their fortune.
ouzans@reddit
So she was a child in prison? Do you know how old she was in prison?
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Her father was in prison, his pregnant wife came to visit him, and she gave birth in the prison.
She returned to her island soon after, Spetses.
LastHomeros@reddit
Yeah, she was an Arnavite, Albanian.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Albanian? 😂
ronweasly9@reddit
Everytime I read Greek history it amazes me
SOHONEYSAME@reddit
modern Greek history is really underrated.
I personally prefer it to the Roman period.
(tho it can't be compared to ancient, ancient Greek history, including the mythology, a whole different world, is amazing).
ronweasly9@reddit
Do you know any good books or sources about it ?
SOHONEYSAME@reddit
like,
on modern Greek history in general?
or specific topics, like Greek war of independence?
ronweasly9@reddit
Umm I'd say general as of now since I wouldn't say I am very well versed. I feel I'd like specific topics as well but closer to modern times like memoirs etc . Like it'd be interesting to read about how life used to be in the 1900s , although not too tragic ones like the experiences in Istanbul pograms of 53(?) since I have a difficult time reading sad stories . I'd say overall a good book describing greek history since 1800 to 1990s should be good enough for me .
Dizzy-Sale2109@reddit
You should search Georgios Karaiskakis.
The bastard son of an oultaw and a nun turning into one of the figureheads of the Greek revolution.
Also very dirty mouth. Some of his insults veer into poetry tbh.
ronweasly9@reddit
Yk any good books about him ?
AntiKouk@reddit
There's so many characters from the greek revolution. As a kid with no context I took it for granted. Now that I am learned I realise it's such an interesting conflict. So many sides to it
Einherjeren@reddit
Being born a woman in turkey or India is like being born in hell as a man.
Inside_Staff489@reddit
maybe in india but not in turkey.
vodkasucker@reddit
lol, pure ignorance.
Einherjeren@reddit
(((You)))
SistersOfTheCloth@reddit
nice tits
Koniolg@reddit
I literally saw a reel mentioning her yesterday 😭
the one where the podcast host tells a guest that she looks like a woman on greek propaganda posters or smth
No-Significance407@reddit
This one I think I've seen it 3 times in a row 😂
AntiKouk@reddit
And she did look like a twin tbf
tripikimi@reddit
Bubulina is a popular name in Kosovo. I guess because of her
hubbabubbameqershi@reddit
Her last name was Pinoçi. Laskarina Pinoçi
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Her last name was Πινότση to be precise. Her name, Laskarina, comes from the noble Greek family of Laskaris.
Ok_Let_5476@reddit
As faslr as I knew she was albanian, so he is right about the name, check it. We know her in Bulgaria, and its also well know that she was albanian.
CypriotGreek@reddit
Her father was of half Arvanite descent from hydra. Yall are dragging it at this point.
SOHONEYSAME@reddit
Arvanites r Greek, regardless.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
You are factually wrong
Ok_Let_5476@reddit
I am not the one making this statement. Historians do so, not me! Open the books, chats, Wikipedia... its says it everywhere. Voila: Laskarina Bouboulina, the Albanian Commander of Greek navy ...Laskarina Bouboulina was of Albanian (Arvanite) descent, an ethnolinguistic group of Albanians who settled in Greece during the Middle Ages. While her heritage is Albanian, she was a fierce naval commander who dedicated her wealth and fleet to the Greek War of Independence.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
She has nothing to do with Albania, she dedicated her life and fortune for her homeland, Greece. The fact that she named her flagship Agamemnon, the Greek King that vanquished Troy, speaks for itself.
hubbabubbameqershi@reddit
In fact her name isn't Laskarina from Laskaris is Dhaskarina. Her real name was Dhaskarina Pinoçi
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
No, it's from the Laskaris family. This name was given to her by her Greek revolutionary godfather, Panagiotis Mourtzinos.
taYetlyodDL@reddit
O laskar
hubbabubbameqershi@reddit
laskar nga fisi i vjeter grek i laskarëve
M3t4ll0@reddit
Her late husband was Bubulis, hence the nickname Bubulina. Her original surname was Pinotsi.
Glittery_Marshmallow@reddit
How sad that she isn't know by her own name and identity.
npaakp34@reddit
Well, barely anyone knows of her husband, so balances out I guess.
albardha@reddit
Not Bubullima? Really?
kostac600@reddit
Yes. Made aware by my cousin when I went to visit in 2001
tranc3rooney@reddit
This is where I first heard about her.
ZAMAHACHU@reddit
Those boobs look very average in size. The name doesn't seem justified.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Her name means Thunder, actually.
ZAMAHACHU@reddit
Ofc it does
Broad-Anywhere-9224@reddit
I didn't know about her, but I know her name from a famous song in Romania that mentions her, Bubulina Gospodina meaning "Bubulina the housewife".
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
This is the last word that would describe her 😂
Broad-Anywhere-9224@reddit
Yea, you are right :)))
CatnipSniffa@reddit
i really adore her as a revolutionary and find her imposing look/stature to be very hot, a true girlboss
Crazylawyer80@reddit
That's Steph Tolev
RedBait95@reddit
I was gonna say she liberated Greece, does stand up, and uplifts her friend and countrymen Stavros, like a real Hellenic patriotis
Archaeopteryx111@reddit
She looks like my grandmother.
gushi1-@reddit
Name looks Albanian, you Greek are welcome again probably Arvanti.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Thanks to the island of Hydra.
Haunting_Toe_7768@reddit
No but there is a popular doll for little girls called like that in Romania years ago
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Really??
Tramagust@reddit
Yes. Also she looks like my grandma.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
Do you have pictures of the doll?
Tramagust@reddit
I don't. And online I just see modern versions. I can't see the classical one anywhere.
Any_Two_6228@reddit
We get it ottoman peeps did terrible stuff. Every super power does. The Greeks aren’t the exception. Is this community just a circle jerk for posts like this?
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
You are being victimized for what?
Margelatu76@reddit
It was the name of a sad character from the famous movie “Zorba the Greek”. That is what I knew till now, thanks for sharing!
Yamez_III@reddit
It was the name of a complex character from the famous book "Zorbas" who was a celebrated prostitute to admirality in her youth, and is given one last hurrah in her old age and melancholy by the titular character. The Book is great, you should read it.
CataphractBunny@reddit
I have not heard of her, but I like her style already. Fighting the genocidal Ottomans is morally right on every ocassion.
No idea why she's not a leader in Civ VII either.
Next_League6403@reddit
I found out about her through this video!
https://youtu.be/v2rtdGYjJUE?t=1589 LOL!
Isn't she originally albanian? sources are conflicted it seems.
freddo_expresso@reddit (OP)
She had an Arvanite father from the Greek island of Spetses, and her mother was from the noble Byzantine family of Kokkinoi.
She was a Greek patriot, her father was imprisoned for fighting in the Orlov Revolt, imprisoned and she was born in the prison while her mother visited him. She was one of the first to join the Greek Revolution, and named her flagship "Agamemnon" the Greek king that conquered Troy.
Next_League6403@reddit
Cool!
Particular_End_4917@reddit
Alexis Zorbas' lover...
Early-Show2886@reddit
Mustafa Bego, the Turkish feudal lord of Ada Kaleh Island—known to the Hungarian authorities as the savior of Kossuth.