In Karpenisi, Greece, Marko Boçari, the commander of the Suljots and a hero of the Greek War of Independence, was killed. He was born in Sul, Çameria, in 1790. After the fall of Sul in 1803 under the authority of Ali Pasha Tepelena, he joined the French army in Corfu, serving as the commander of a guild of Suljots. Under the leadership of his uncle, Noti Boçari, Marko fought skillfully for Ali Pasha and participated in the defense of Ioannina from 1821 to 1822. Following the collapse of the Pashalik of Ioannina and the fall of Suli to the Turks in 1822, he aligned himself with the Greek uprising. Marko distinguished himself for his military prowess in a series of battles, earning the nickname “Eagle of Suli” among his fellow warriors. He was eventually appointed commander-in-chief of the Greek Armed Forces. Marko Boçari was killed during an attack on the army camp of Mustafa Bushatli near Karpenisi, struck down by the captain of Mirdita, Lleshi i Zi. He was buried in Missolonghi. At his grave, the English poet Lord George Byron delivered a poignant speech. Renowned European poets, including Victor Hugo, celebrated Marko Boçari’s bravery in the struggle for Greek independence. Additionally, Marko Boçari is known for compiling a Greek-Albanian dictionary of 1,494 words, which he recorded by hand in Corfu in 1809. (In the photo: Marko Boçari)
Text: Albanian encyclopedic dictionary – Vol. 1 , Academy of Sciences of Albania, “Kristalina-KH”, Tirana, 2008, page 269.
Photo: © https://sq.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Bo%C3%A7ari
Graphic processing: AHCF
