ΟἹ ὈΘΩΜΑΝΟῚ ΤΟῦΡΚΟΙ ὩΣ “ΟἹ ἌΛΛΟΙ” ΣΤῊΝ ΑὐΤΟΒΙΟΓΡΑΦΊΑ ΤΟῦ ΘΕΌΔΩΡΟΥ ΚΟΛΟΚΟΤΡΏΝΗ

Abstract

Through both the Memoirs of Theodoros Kolokotronis and the Narration of the events of the Greek Nation from 1770 to 1836. Dictated by Theodoros Konstantinou Kolokotronis (Athens: Ch. Nikolaïdou Philadelpheos, 1846), we are given the opportunity to approach the image of the “other”, namely the Ottoman Turk, through the experiential narration and personal testimony of one of the leading chieftains of the Greek Revolution. Throughout his narrative, the “tyrant” Turk is frequently depicted as a ruthless conqueror who employs every form of horrific torture in an effort to break the Christian faith and patriotism of the Greeks. In a concise and direct manner, Kolokotronis presents the Ottoman Turk as a “grim executioner”, without, however, steering
the researcher or reader toward a predetermined interpretative path; this allows for a more objective assessment. In the Memoirs, numerous portrayals of both Turks and Greek fighters enable us to approach, to a significant degree, their inner world. Above all, through the inclusion of characteristic dialogues, the text helps us grasp the notion of “the others” ascribed to the OttomanTurks and to form, according to historical criteria, an informed and objective understanding of the events