ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ ΧΑΪΔΑΡΙ - ΣΥΝΑΝΤΗΣΗ ΜΕ ΤΗΝ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ | Page 213

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The Sacred Way near the Daphni Monastery, mid-19th century engraving.
broke the siege of Athens to supply the Athenians in
1826, but was completely ignorant of guerilla tactics and
was not able to contribute much to the Greek fighting.
Kutahiye on the Chaidari battles
Despite the important losses on both sides, Kutayiye’s
letter to Ibrahim refers to a Turkish victory. The letter was
intercepted by a Greek patrol and mentions the general’s
plans to organise new troops and crash the rebels in
Eleusina and Morias. However, Kutahiye had understood
the difficulties of his fight. His campaigns never took place
and he realised that the re-occupation of Athens was of
capital importance for the future of the Revolution. On the
other hand, he attempted to bribe Karaiskakis with fiefs
from Arta to Euvoia so as to join the Ottomans.
The reverberations of the Chaidari clashes:
Karaiskakis talks with Kutahiye
The Greek commander-in-chief was deeply concerned
about Roumeli falling to the Turks and thought of leaving
Athens. Indeed, Karaiskakis campaigned in Roumeli
the following October. Meanwhile, and the day
following the Chaidari battle, the French admiral Derigny
invited Karaiskakis to his ship, which had anchored at
Ampelakia, Salamina. Karaiskakis was surprised
to find Kutahiye on board, along with Homer Pasha
and Homer of Karystos. Kutahiye attempted to bribe
Karaiskakis. However, the Greek general proudly refused
to betray his government and the fight of his Nation.
He marked that he only had guns and bullets for the
Turks and reinforced his decision to continue the
struggle.