Kastoria Honours Greek President During Liberation Anniversary

by · Greek City Times

Greek President Konstantinos Tasoulas has described his appointment as an honorary citizen of Kastoria as the culmination of a moral bond with the city and its people, while highlighting the region’s historical significance, cultural heritage and development potential.

Tasoulas delivered the remarks during a ceremony marking his honorary citizenship, held as part of events commemorating Kastoria’s liberation from Ottoman rule 114 years ago.

He said the distinction sealed his personal and moral connection with the city and its residents, while also serving as a symbolic bridge between the state and the citizens of this border region.

Describing Kastoria as an “open museum of contrasts”, Tasoulas highlighted the natural beauty of Lake Orestiada, the city’s Byzantine character, its historic churches and traditional mansions, which reflect its economic and cultural prosperity in earlier periods.

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He also emphasised Kastoria’s contribution to the Macedonian Struggle, describing it as a decisive milestone in Macedonia’s liberation and a precursor to the Balkan Wars.

The President recalled prominent figures associated with the region, including brothers Panagiotis and Ioannis Emmanouil, Anastasios Pichion, Metropolitan Germanos Karavangelis of Kastoria, Ion Dragoumis and Pavlos Melas, whom he described as one of the most significant figures in the struggle for Macedonia.

He also paid tribute to Kastoria’s scholars, educators and intellectuals, who helped spread the ideas of the European Enlightenment and strengthen Greek national and religious consciousness during Ottoman rule.

Restoration of Kastoria’s Cultural Heritage

Tasoulas welcomed initiatives to restore and promote Kastoria’s cultural heritage, particularly praising the work of the local Ephorate of Antiquities.

He singled out the restoration of the Byzantine Church of the Archangels in the Mitropolis district and the conservation of its frescoes. He noted that the church houses the remains of Pavlos Melas and his wife, Natalia Dragoumi, making it an important site of national remembrance and honour.

He also highlighted the upgrading of the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria, which houses important works associated with the so-called Kastoria School, as well as the restoration of the Kursum Mosque, the only surviving mosque in Western Macedonia.

Other projects included the restoration of the Tsiatsiapas Mansion, dating from 1754, and restoration work planned for the mansion of Athanasios Christopoulos, a prominent figure of the Modern Greek Enlightenment.

Tasoulas stressed that Lake Orestiada, the surrounding mountains and the region’s historic monuments form a cultural and environmental legacy that belongs not only to Kastoria’s residents but to all of Greece. He called for its protection for future generations.

Kastoria’s Economic Future Beyond Fur Production

Turning to the region’s development prospects, Tasoulas said Kastoria had the potential to build a new productive future rather than rely solely on its rich historical past.

Addressing the crisis in the fur industry, he expressed confidence that local residents could overcome the challenges through their hard work, creativity and determination.

He said the community could intensify efforts to restructure the local economy and compensate for the losses caused by the crisis in fur manufacturing.

Tasoulas added that preserving the traditional fur industry should go hand in hand with developing new opportunities in tourism, primary production and manufacturing, with government support.

He also referred to infrastructure projects already completed or under way, which he said would support Kastoria’s economic revival and help the region make better use of its natural and cultural resources.

These projects include the redevelopment of the southern lakeside waterfront, the construction of a new municipal library and the establishment of the Kastoria Police Academy.

Tasoulas Recalls Longstanding Ties with Kastoria

During his address, Tasoulas recalled his longstanding relationship with Kastoria, including his cooperation with the Kastoria Furriers Association when he served as president of the Hellenic Foreign Trade Organisation (OPE) between 1990 and 1993.

He also recalled his support for the continued operation of the National Reconciliation Park on Mount Grammos, established through the initiative of the late Filippos Petsalnikos.

The President referred to two presidential decrees directly concerning the region: Presidential Decree 89, dated 21 October 2025, establishing 11 November as a public commemorative day, and Presidential Decree 7, dated 19 February 2026, establishing the Kastoria Police Academy.

Thanking the mayor and municipal council for the honorary citizenship decision, Tasoulas said the distinction went beyond the formal recognition associated with his presidential office.

He pledged to carry the honour as a lasting expression of his moral bond with Kastoria and its people, accepting it with gratitude and an awareness of the responsibility it entailed.

He added that the distinction also represented an expression of confidence in the institution of the President of the Republic and a symbolic bridge between the state and its citizens.

Tasoulas Warns Against National Isolation and Division

In remarks delivered without referring to his prepared speech, Tasoulas also addressed international political developments and Greece’s position amid growing global instability.

He said Greece’s moderate political climate, political stability and healthy economy would help the country navigate international turbulence without suffering serious consequences.

He warned against allowing Greece to become isolated as international uncertainty, social anger and irrationality increasingly affect countries around the world.

Tasoulas argued that Greece should avoid isolation, stressing that a country without international support and strong domestic foundations could become easy prey for those seeking to undermine it.

Referring to the 114th anniversary of Kastoria’s liberation, he concluded that Greece must not fall into the trap of new divisions that could leave the country vulnerable to external threats.

The president of the municipal council, Petros Dokopoulos, read the council’s honorary citizenship decision. Kastoria Mayor Giannis Korentsidis presented Tasoulas with the official decision, a commemorative plaque and a small carpet showcasing the city’s traditional fur craftsmanship.

(Source: AMNA)

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