Bust of Athanasios Diakos
Bust of Athanasios Diakos
Dedicated to the heroic chieftain of the Greek Revolution of 1821
The bust of Athanasios Diakos, heroic chieftain of the Greek Revolution of 1821, is a special tribute to the martyr of freedom. This realistic bronze sculpture, the work of sculptor Efthymios Kaleiras, was erected in September 1998 by the Union of Rumeliotes of Northern Greece, highlighting the timeless importance of Athanasios Diakos for the Greek people.
The bust depicts Athanasios Diakos with strong features, which exude the determination and courage of the hero. On the marble base of the bust is an engraved passage from "Lamyotika" by Kostis Palamas, which captures the tragic and heroic dimension of Diakos' sacrifice:
"And the glory of heroes, to the glory of the Lord,
Thanassis Diakos, the torture of martyrdom brought you,
"and while your honest body was being consumed by evil fire,
song, angelic kiss, smelled thy mouth."
This passage is not only a hymn to Diakos, but also a reminder of the struggle and the values he represents.
The bust of Athanasios Diakos is located in a quiet green space in the park between Melenikou Street and National Defence Street, opposite the Faculty of Philosophy of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. This location gives it a symbolic connection with the academic community and the youth, reminding the importance of the struggles of the past for the formation of modern Greek identity.
