1912 Greek Balkan War Aetorachi Epirus Battle Patriotic Postcard Greece For Sale

Scarce early Greek patriotic postcard commemorating the Battle of Aetorachi in Epirus during the First Balkan War of 1912–1913. The dramatic hand-colored illustration depicts Greek soldiers fighting Ottoman forces in a chaotic battlefield scene filled with infantrymen, rifles, artillery, wounded soldiers, smoke, and advancing troops.

A large red Ottoman flag with the crescent and star dominates the center of the composition, while a blue-and-white Greek flag appears at the left. The artwork celebrates the Greek troops who fought to capture the Ottoman defensive position at Aetorachi and open the route toward Ioannina.

The large Greek inscription at the upper left reads:

“ΖΗΤΩ Η ΕΛΛΑΣ”

This translates as:

“LONG LIVE GREECE.”

The printed Greek caption across the bottom reads:

“ΟΙ ΔΙΑ ΤΟΥ ΑΙΜΑΤΟΣ ΤΩΝ ΧΑΡΑΞΑΝΤΕΣ ΤΗΝ ΝΕΑΝ ΧΡΥΣΗΝ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΟΣ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑΝ”

This may be translated approximately as:

“Those who, with their blood, inscribed the new golden history of Greece.”

The adjoining caption identifies the subject as:

or:

“Monument to the Heroes at Aetorachi, Epirus.”

During the First Balkan War, Aetorachi formed part of the Ottoman defensive line protecting the approaches to Ioannina. On November 29, 1912, Greek Evzone battalions supported by artillery attacked the position. After approximately 30 hours of fighting, the Ottoman defenders withdrew, allowing Greek troops to continue their advance toward the fortified positions at Bizani and ultimately Ioannina.

The postcard was distributed by “Atlas,” 25 Madison Street, New York, and was printed in Germany. Its New York distributor suggests that it was produced at least partly for the large Greek immigrant and Greek-American community in the United States. The card is numbered 123.

This is a compelling piece of Greek-American publishing, Balkan Wars history, Greek patriotic imagery, Ottoman military history, and early-20th-century chromolithographic postcard production.

Despite the substantial wear, the principal battle scene, flags, Greek inscriptions, publisher information, and card number remain visible. Please examine both photographs closely, as they are an important part of the condition description.

Item Specifics

• Country: Greece
• Region: Epirus
• Location: Aetorachi, Ioannina
• Historical event: Battle of Aetorachi
• Conflict: First Balkan War
• Date of event: November 29–30, 1912
• Postcard date: Circa 1912–1914
• Subject: Greek and Ottoman troops in battle
• Theme: Military history, patriotism and national liberation
• Featured flags: Greek flag and Ottoman crescent-and-star flag
• Postcard type: Printed and hand-colored patriotic postcard
• Publisher or distributor: Atlas
• Publisher address: 25 Madison Street, New York
• Printing location: Germany
• Card number: 123
• Language: Greek
• Postage condition: Unposted
• Era: Divided-back era
• Original or reproduction: Original antique postcard
• Condition grade: Poor to fair

Keywords
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