History of Banitsa
Taken from the booklet "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911 - 1986" published by the Banitza Benevolent Society of Toronto, Canada in 1986 along with some additional information.History
One common misconception about the village of Banitsa, in the Lerinsko district of Aegean Macedonia is where Goce Delcev was killed. Goce was originally a teacher who became a Macedonian revolutionary. His death occurred in a lesser-known village in the Seres district also called Banitsa.
Banitsa was mainly a farming village. It was one of the many villages surrounding the city of Lerin to which many farmers brought their goods for sale and trade. Of the primary staples of Banitsa are "kumu" (lignite), "var" (limestone), It is also known for its agricultural products such as "pchentisa" (wheat), "chenka" (corn), "yechmin" (barley), "rzh" (rye), and "leshta" (lentil).
Although not one of the largest populated cities in Macedonia, it was indeed one of the larger and more well-known villages surrounding Lerin. Although as is common with most of Macedonia written records are very scarce if not non-existent. Estimates of Banitsa's population according to the Macedonian Calendar of 2000 are as follows:
Year.....Population
1913.........1,167
1920.........1,653
1928.........1,995
1940.........2,245
1951.........2,062
1961.........2,105
1971.........1,049
1913.........1,167
1920.........1,653
1928.........1,995
1940.........2,245
1951.........2,062
1961.........2,105
1971.........1,049
From the 1940s onward a majority of the inhabitants of Banitsa left the village in search of work in the diaspora. Most of the villagers that emigrated from Banitsa re-settled in the Toronto, Canada and Melbourne, Australia regions. To this day there are high concentrations of Macedonians from Banitsa in these and surrounding areas.
Visible in the middle of the photograph is the schoolhouse, with St. George to the left. Atop the hill was a church named either St.Nikola or St.Tanas (not sure). A cemetary was alongside the church but during the years of 1947-1950 the Greek army had occupied the building and turned it into an army bunker, destroyed all the existing headstones and turned the cemetary into a military burial ground.
In 1986 the Banitza Benevolent Society of Toronto Canada published a small booklet about their village entitled "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911 - 1986, Brief History of the Village Banitza and Its People" to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Banitza Benevolent Association. What follows are brief excerpts and photographs from this book.
The History of Banitsa
taken from the book "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911-1986
Throughout the tumultuous history of Macedonia, one thing has always been a symbol of patriotism and of the wish for freedom, national identity, justice, and truth.
The development of this village in the Lerin district of Aegean Macedonia serves as a reminder of the countless generations of Macedonians who shared the destiny of good and evil. But it's also a testimony to those young people who trace their roots to Banitsa.
A group of enthusiastic members of the Banitza Society in Toronto, Canada came to the conclusion that a historiography of the village was essential as a testimony to perhaps the most patriotic of all Macedonian villages, Banitsa. It is chronologically connected with the period of time up to and including Ilinden (1903), the Balkan Wars (1912-1913), the First and Second World Wars, and the terrors of the Greek Civil War (1946-1949).
The historiography was published using archival documents from the village and with the help of the natives of Banica (Banicheni) who are spread all over the world. There is much left to be told and written about Banitsa. And although we owe gratitude to all those who contributed to this work, we must clarify that there will be many whose names will not be identified. However, they will remain as nameless heroes, soldiers and decent Banicheni, but most of all as Macedonians. These unknown soldiers created the history and will always remain a part of us all. Certainly, thanks must be given to all those who contributed to the production of this historiography. It will always stand as a witness and testimony for the truth about Banitsa, serving as a constant reminder of the past, the present and as a guide for the future
From Ancient Times
taken from the book "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911-1986"
taken from the book "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911-1986"
It is a pleasant region, the beautiful meadows and small hills; The Lerin district of Aegean Macedonia. One of the most beautiful settlements in this area is Banitsa. For thousands of years, Banitsa has been the focal point of a great deal of Macedonian activity; the scene of many bloody and historical battles. From the time of Alexander the Great to the time of the Greek Civil War.
Through Banitsa leads the main road from Solun to Lerin and Bitola. Stops along the way include Sorovich, Kostur, Kozhani, and past Banitsa to Zhivoyno and Bitola. Banitsa is only 13 kilometres away from Sorovich and 22 kilometres from Lerin. It is also connected by rail to these sites.
Banicheni have preciously preserved their Macedonian ethnicity, despite countless assimilation attempts.
According to the archives, during the period of Turkish slavery and oppression, Banitsa was an integral part of the Bitola prefecture. Around the time of Ilinden (1903), it had 1,650 inhabitants, while in 1913 it had 1,167 inhabitants. From that time on, the population of Banica increased considerably. In 1920, it had 1,653 inhabitants, in 1928 - 1,995, and in 1940, its population grew to 2,245. However, the Greek Civil War was a tragic time for this beautiful pearl of Aegean Macedonia. During that period, many were heartlessly persecuted; many escaped in order to survive and to keep their honour, nationality and ancestral roots. They emigrated in droves to Canada, the United States, Australia and Eastern Europe. In 1951, Banica had about 2,000 inhabitants, in 1961, about 2,100. However due to emigration, there were only 1,043 people left in Banica in 1971. Today Banicheni are prominent businessmen, professors, doctors, lawyers, and engineers in their new homelands.
The End of the 19th Century - IMRO
taken from the book "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911-1986"
taken from the book "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911-1986"
The first village committee of IMRO in the village of Banitsa was established some time near the end of the 19th century. It was created during the time of the outstanding IMRO organizer Georgi Pop Hristov and his friend, the legendary ideologist of the Macedonian revolution, Dame Gruev (1871 - 1906). The Banitsa committee of IMRO was under the jurisdiction of the Lerin city committee and also under the auspices of the district committee of IMRO in Bitola.
The IMRO committee in Banica was considered to be among the most active village committees in Lerin. It was responsible for the village militia and its leading member was the local revolutionary, Dzole Stoichev. Dame Gruev even passed through Banitsa before he was imprisoned as the secretary of the Central Committee of IMRO in Solun, and as the President of the Bitola District Committee.
Renaming
taken from the book "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911-1986"
taken from the book "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911-1986"
In 1926, our village Banitsa was renamed Vevi. Voden was renamed Edessa. Sorovich was changed to Aminteon. Kostur was changed to Kastoria. Gabresh was renamed Gavros. Armensko became Alona. Nevoljani became Skopia and so on. The merciless Greek authorities didn't stop there. They also changed the names of the people. Vasil Petrov became Vasillis Petropoulos. Trajan Mangov became Traianos Mangos. Dimche Mallinov became Demetroios Mallinos.
However, using threats and force doesn't automatically change the identity of the people. Macedonians had been repressed for centuries, but they always retained their ethnic identity. Despite the compulsory name changes, the football club formed by the youngsters in Banitsa was named Macedonia. Members of the club included A.Babunov, M.Velikin, president V.Risafil, and vice-president S.Boglev. It was clear that the name "Macedonia" was to be an eyesore for the Greek authorities and sympathizers. One day, the founders were warned by the President of the community that it would be difficult for them unless they changed the name from "Macedonia" to "Greece". To counter the "Macedonia" club, the Greek sympathizers formed the club "Pavlos Melas". But Pavlos Melas wasn't around for long. Most Banicheni were patriotic Macedonians and chose not to support such a club.
Despite the political situation, the economy in Greece began to stabilize and people bcame self-dependent. More than 300 worked in coal mines of Banitsa, Krushoradi, and Novi Grad. Two hundred worked in the stone-pits and the lime-kilns. Others transported coal, stone, and lime with horse yokes, carts, and trucks. Even the merchants prospered financially. And despite the attempted assimilation, they conversed in their own Macedonian language, and during all feasts, weddings, and special occasions, the sounds of beautiful Macedonian songs and dances were heard from afar!
When the historical and cultural development of Banica is discussed, an important period must not be left out. In 1930 and 1931, many Banicheni were determined to become members of the communist party. Not because they were born communists, but because it was the only alternative to the brutal oppression of the Greek fascist governments. The party grew considerably with the addition of many brave individuals: Vangel Koichev, Vangel Zabrdski, Kocho Robev, Dzole Kochev among others.
An event that took place in 1936 is still vivid in the minds of many elderly Banicheni. It shows how inconsiderate and weak-willed the Greek military authorities were at that time. On eht other hand, it brought out the character of our people. It took place on St. George's Day, the 23rd of April, 1936. At the annual village fair in the center of the village, many villagers and special guests were in attendance. People were dancing throughout the town; each group doing its own oro. This beautiful celebration was interrupted by a group of Greek soldiers who dashed into the village suddenly. They were invited to dance, but only according to an old custom, one by one in turn, following the leaders of a semi-circle. At first, the newcomers agreed. But the local Greek policemen stationed in Banica, forced them to take over the dance. The villagers did not agree and they continued to lead the celebrations. This determined stand was a defeat that was typical in Macedonia. The captain Dracopoulos and the police sargeant did not get their way. Embarassed, Dracopoulos had to save face. he ordered the armed forces to come to Banica. This act infuriated the villagers. When the soldiers arrived, the young people could not stand still. They fearlessly attacked the enemy, grabbing their guns and knives.
Determined Struggle
taken from the book "75th Jubilee Banitza 1911-1986"
Finally, admitting their defeat, the commanders asked the villagers to continue the feast. The celebration continued into the night. After this event, many Banicheni were ordered by the Greek authorities to go to Lerin, where they were questioned and threatened. Four were interned; Kitse Kochev, State Boglev, Mitse Vasev, and Kitse Mangov. They were severely punished, but the real criminals were the persecutors.
In 1936, the fascist dictatorship was typically brutal towards the Macedonians. Macedonians were forbidden to speak in their own language. They could no longer practice their traditions and customs. Everyone was forced to declare himself/herself as a Greek. Even the senior citizens were forced to attend night schools to learn the Greek language. If someone was caught speaking Macedonian, he/she had to go to court, facing a fine of 300 drachmas. If he/she was caught a second time, the fine was doubled. If caught a third time, he/she was sent to prison. Some people from Zaberdini and Asanovo were exiled to Crete, Peleponnesus, and other locales because they sang a song about the legendary Banichenetz, Dzole Gergev.
On Ocotober 28th, 1940, Mussolini declared war on Greece, on his way from Albania. A stiff resistance was mounted against the Italians on the Albanian front. Many battles took place along the Albanian border in Epirus and in Western Aegean Macedonia. many of the soldiers in the Greek army units were drafted Macedonians and they were instrumental in mounting a stiff resistance against the invaders to protect their homes.
The victories at Malimadi, Prespa and Ivan are well documented, where many Macedonians (including many Banicheni) took part. As a result, many perished. The Banicheni showed fearless courage in battle, risking their lives against the fascists. And Banicheni mourned the deaths of many sons. To name a few: Pavle Alushev, Stoiche Yiskov, Mitse Tashev, and Gligor Minchev. Their heroic acts will always be remembered by their fellow comrades, their families, and the Macedonian community. It wasn't just the enemy they fought. They also fought the harsh mountain weather conditions, marching through snows, floods, and extreme cold against enemy fire. Due to the conditions many ate dead animals in order to survive. During these cold winter months of 1941, a famous episode in teh course of Macedonian history took place in Korcha. The Macedonians broke the front at Korcha, an Albanian town. This was the last straw for Mussolini and his troops. Nevertheless, the Italian retreat began.
In the 28th regiment of the Greek army, which was composed of many Macedonians, there were many Banicheni. While the battle was going on at the front, Dictator Metaxas carried on his communist purge of the army. Those soldiers who were arrested were interned at a concentration camp on the island of Corfu. When Hitler's Germany attacked Greece, they were transferred to Epirus. The German airplanes spotted the boat carrying the Macedonian soldiers and attacked. There were several Banicheni on board. Many of them jumped overboard, but were later captured. The Greek authorities either imprisoned these Macedonians or turned them over to the Germans. During that time, the Metaxas government made an inhumane move. Only a few days before the Italian army entered Greece (and Aegean Macedonia), many young Macedonians were released from prisons, so that they could fight at the front. At the same time, their brothers and fathers were displaced away from their homes in external exile on some of the isolated Greek islands, where many perished. They never committed a crime. They were punished simply for being Macedonian.
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