This Week in History: November 7th to 13th

NOVEMBER 8TH:

On this day in 1866, Ottoman forces attacked Arkadi Monastery in Crete during the Cretan Revolution against Ottoman rule. Approximately 900 people, including hundreds of women and children, had sought refuge at the monastery near Rethymno. After two days of fierce fighting, Ottoman troops breached its defenses on November 9. Rather than surrender, some of those inside ignited the monastery’s gunpowder stores, causing a devastating explosion that killed hundreds. Remembered as the Holocaust of Arkadi, the tragedy became a powerful symbol of Cretan resistance and sacrifice. News of the event spread internationally, drawing widespread sympathy for the Cretan struggle for freedom.

NOVEMBER 11TH:

On this day in 1990, Alexis Minotis, the distinguished Greek actor and director, passed away in Athens. Born Alexandros Minotakis in Chania, Crete, he began his acting career in the 1920s and became internationally renowned for his performances in ancient Greek tragedies. He also appeared in Hollywood films, including Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Notorious’ (1946) and ‘Land of the Pharaohs’ (1955). Married to acclaimed actress Katina Paxinou, Minotis played a leading role in the National Theatre of Greece, where he later served as artistic director and general director. He also directed Maria Callas in ‘Medea’, leaving an enduring legacy in classical Greek theater.

NOVEMBER 12TH:

On this day in 1953, Vasilis Karras, the beloved Greek singer and songwriter, was born in Kokkinochori, near Kavala. Known for his distinctive, raspy voice, he became one of Greece’s most popular performers of ‘laïkó’ music, rising to fame in the 1980s. His songs, often exploring themes of love and heartbreak, resonated with audiences in Greece and the Greek Diaspora. Karras passed away on December 24, 2023, at the age of 70, leaving behind a lasting musical legacy.

Also on this day in 1905, Solon Michaelides, the distinguished Cypriot composer, conductor, and musicologist, was born in Nicosia. He studied music in London and Paris under renowned instructors, including Nadia Boulanger and Guy de Lioncourt. A leading figure in Greek and Cypriot music, he founded the Limassol Conservatory in 1934 and later directed the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki. His compositions drew inspiration from Greek and Cypriot musical traditions, and his writings included ‘The Music of Ancient Greece: An Encyclopaedia’ (1978). Michaelides passed away in 1979, leaving an enduring legacy in classical music.