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Evanthia Kairis ’ letter addressed by some Greek ladies to the Philhellens of their own sex. 1825: Greece- Europe: some sonsiderations and remarks

• Περλορέντζου, Μαρία

In the frame of the great philhellenic movement that, in the beginning of the 19 th century, overwhelmed Europe and America, Greek women also contributed to the sensibilization of public opinion in the West in favor of the struggle for Greek independence. One of the most important female figures involved in that endeavor was Evanthia Kairis, who in 1825 addressed, in the name of all Greek women, a letter to the Philhellens of their own sex. In that letter, published in European and American reviews, Kairi criticizes the attitude of European governments and authorities favoring the Ottoman Empire and urges the female friends of Greece to promote the Greek cause. The impact of Kairis ’ letter cannot be easily assessed; it nevertheless goes to show that literate Greek women took an active part in the fight for their country’ s freedom.

• History and Archaeology

• Ιστορία