Statue Demetriou (Tsami) Karatasou

The statue of Dimitrios (Tsamis) Karatasou stands in the centre of Thessaloniki, between Melenikou and Ethniki Amyniki Streets, in the park opposite the Faculty of Philosophy of the Aristotle University. Karatasos was an important chieftain of the Greek Revolution of 1821, known for his action in the Naoussa region and later as an aide-de-camp to King Otto.

The statue, the work of the sculptor Georgios Dimitriadis, depicts Karatasos in his traditional warrior costume, including a fustanella, tsarouchia, shirt and vest. In his left hand he holds a yatagani, which he rests on the ground, exuding a sense of strength and determination. His figure represents Karatasos in his mature age, as he was during the Macedonian Revolution of 1854, giving the sculpture a sense of historical authenticity.

The statue was placed on this spot around 1940, during the mayoralty of Constantine Mercouri, and was donated to the Municipality of Thessaloniki by Karatasos' great-grandson. The place where the statue is located is central and symbolic, incorporating the historical memory of the Greek Revolution into the urban fabric of the city.

The choice of location, in the park opposite the Faculty of Philosophy of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, reinforces the historical and cultural significance of the statue, making it accessible to students, visitors and residents of the city.