Hellenic Idea Demographic history of Macedonia

pro-greek ethnic map of balkans ioannis gennadius, published english cartographer e. stanford in 1877.



ethnic composition map of balkans in 1877 french cartographer a. synvet. considering pro-greek later historians.

the rise of european nationalism in 18th century led expansion of hellenic idea in macedonia. main pillar throughout centuries of ottoman rule had been indigenous greek population of southern macedonia. under influence of greek schools , patriarchate of constantinople, however, started spread among other orthodox subjects of empire urban christian population of slavic , albanian origin started view increasingly greek. greek language became symbol of civilization , basic means of communication between non-muslims. process of hellenization additionally reinforced after abolition of bulgarian archbishopric of ohrid in 1767. though predominantly greek clergy, archbishopric did not yield direct order of constantinople , had autonomy in many vital domains. however, poverty of christian peasantry , lack of proper schooling in villages preserved linguistic diversity of macedonian countryside. hellenic idea reached peak during greek war of independence (1821–1829) received active support of greek macedonian population part of struggle resurrection of greek statehood. according istituto geografiko de agostini of rome, in 1903 in vilayets of selanik , monastir greek dominant language of instruction in region:

the independence of greek kingdom, however, dealt fatal blow hellenic idea in macedonia. flight of macedonian intelligentsia independent greece , mass closures of greek schools ottoman authorities weakened hellenic presence in region century ahead, until incorporation of southern macedonia greece following balkan wars in 1913.