Banitsa is a Macedonian village in the Lerinsko district of Aegean Macedonia. The village is approximately 16km east of the city of Lerin (Florina). Surrounding villages include Ofchareni, Neokazi, Zaberdini and Rosen to the northwest. Petersko, Tserevo are to the southeast. Gornichevo lies just east of Banitsa.
It is mainly a farming village, one of the many villages surrounding the city of Lerin to which
many farmers brought there various goods for sale and trade. Crops commonly grown in Banitsa include barley, corn, lentil, rye and wheat. Coal, lignite and limestone are natural resources that have been mined for many years.
| Staple | Macedonian pronunciation | Po Makedonski |
|---|
| barley | yechmen, yachmen | Ja~men |
| coal, lignite | kyumur | ]umur |
| corn | pchenka | P£enka |
| lentil | leshta, sochivo | Le¡ta, So~ivo |
| limestone | var | Var |
| rye | rzh | R` |
| wheat | pchenitsa, pshenitsa | P~enica |
It is incorrectly referred to as the village where Macedonian revolutionary Gotse Delchev was killed. He was killed in the village of Banitsa, in the Seres district. There is also another Banitsa / Banica in the Strumichko district, and a smaller settlement just outside of the village Dambeni, Kostursko.
About Banitsa
taken from the book Lerin in Mourning by Atanas Tane Naumovski available courtesy of
Pollitecon Publications
Banitsa's name was changed by the Greek Government to Vevi. It is 20 kilometres to the east of Lerin on the periphery of the Pelagonia plain. It is at 21 degrees 37 minutes longitude and 40 degrees 46 minutes latitude, and 680 metres above sea level. It has an area of 26 square kilometres.
The village borders Vrtolom to the west, Zabrdeni to the northwest, Gonichevo to the northeast, and Tserovo to the southeast.
Before the start of the Greek Civil War there were about 2,450 residents of Macedonian background. The residents were employed in agriculture, raising livestock, timber getting, production and sale of lime and other trades and occupations for such a large village.
During 1946-1949 the residents actively took part in the organization of NOF and the armed forces of DAG with more than 150 active fighters. 57 gave their lives.
They were:
- Abor, Stevo Gjorgji
- Abor, Lambe Dzafir
- Alushov, Stojche
- Apchev, Stevo Kitse
- Apchev, Kitse Pavle - father and son
- Apchev, Metodi Vangel
- Babulov, Mire
- Velikin, Pando Gjorgi
- Veshov, Mitse Kotsi
- Dafov, Iljo Lazo
- Dimanov, Dzole Boris
- Gjergev, Tane Lazo
- Ziko, Vangel
- Dziskov, Stojche
- Dziskova, Menka
- Janev, Tsile Kosta
- Janev, Iljo
- Janev, Dore
- Jovchev, Gele Tane
- Kalpakov, Mitse
- Kalpakov, Tsile
- Katronov, Blazhe
- Kipev, Blazhe Dzole
- Kochev, Kole Dzole
- Kochev, Kole Mitse
- Kocheva, Kole Lena - 2 brothers and a sister
- Kochev, Filip Pavle
- Kochev, Leko Dine
- Lakov, Dine
- Lakov, Lazo
- Malinov, Petse
- Malinov, Lazo Kole
- Malinov, Todor
- Mangov, Tane Pavle
- Mangov, Natse Iljo
- Minchev, Gligor
- Nedelkov, Vangel
- Nedelkov, Filip Mitse
- Nichov, Mitse Lecho
- Nichov, Kole Gjorgi
- Olev, Tase Boris
- Olev, Nase Gjorgi
- Pavlev, Leko Pavle
- Pavlev, Petse Tane
- Pavlev, Dine Makile
- Panchev, Blazhe
- Pechinov, Miaile
- Rapov, Filip Lazo
- Robev, Tsile Stojan
- Robev, Filip Dine
- Robeva, Dine Fana - father and daughter
- Robev, Trifun Kocho
- Tanev, Nune Dimo
- Tashev, Gligor Mitse
- Tashev ,Dzole Blazhe
- Shisharev, Gjorgi Blazhe
- Mihali, son of Tanas the blacksmith, and his uncle
The above details were given by Vasev Lazo (Tsarev), Abov Dine Naum and Lazo Vane Popdimitrov from Banitsa, all participants in DAG.
Of the above fallen fighters, 32 were active fighters and the others were sacrificed in prisons and killed by bombing by the monarcho-fascist forces. 54 were men and 3 were women.
The number of residents in the village fell after the Greek Civil War and the forced emigration. In the official census in Greece in 1991 it was recorded that the village had 753 residents.
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.
A Brief History of "The Banitza Benevolent Society"
Among the immigrants from Macedonia who settled in Toronto at the beginning of the twentieth century
were those who came from the district of Banitza. For years they felt the necessity for a Society where
they could meet to discuss common interests, and be of moral and material help to each other. At first
their number was small, but soon grew, and the need for such a Society increased.
After numerous discussion among the more active of them, they finally met on the 26th ay of June, 1911, at
Mr. Hadji Dimiter Peroff's premises at 18 Eastern Avenue, Toronto, and founded the Banitza Benevolent
Society "Hope".
It is recorded in the Minute Book of that date, thtat they collected as an initial fund for the Society, the
sum of $25.75, and decided upon a membership fee of 25 cents per month. They were happy they had laid the
foundation of the Society, which has since progressively advanced materially and in membership. We are
proud today to be able to continue the good work the originators intended.
George Vassos, President
Bill Mallinos, Secretary
The names of those who took part at the meeting of June 26, 1911 to establish The Banitza Benevolent
Society "Hope" are :
- Hadji Lazar K. Bosheff
- Marko K. Cholakoff
- Kostadin Christoff
- Stoche Peter Churlinoff
- Stefo D. Dafoff
- Alekso S. Daikoff
- Mihail N. Daikoff
- Kruste N. Deleff
- Dafo Risto Djogomanoff
- Tase G. Djogomanoff
- Traiko Dino Katronoff
- Mihail N. Kimoff
- Stoiche K. Kocheff
- Pando Aleko Krustoff
- Dine M. Nedelkoff
- Peter Christo Nedelkoff
- Krusto Mitse Papadinoff
- State M. Papaleff
- Goga Mitse Peikoff
- Christo P. Peroff
- Hadji Dimiter Peroff
- Kostadin D. Peroff
- Krusto Lazo Petkoff
- Lazo Dino Petkoff
- Tase Vane Petkoff
- Dine N. Popaleff
- Leko G. Ranoff
- Petse Ristoff
- Mitse G. Samoff
- Ilia D. Shisharoff
- Petse P. Shisharoff
- Pando M. Tanasoff
- Alekso K. Yancheff
- George K. Yancheff
- Mitse Dino Yanoff
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 entusiastic 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"
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 Banitsato 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"
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"
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 chanes, 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 merchangs prospered financially. And espite 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 the 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 Banitza, 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 Banitza. 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 October 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.