Georgios Chatzigeorgiou (1876-1950)

Georgios Chatzigeorgiou (1876-1950) was a prominent figure in modern Greek history, distinguished in both the business and political spheres. Born in Stromnitsa, in present-day North Macedonia, he became involved in the tobacco trade, one of the most important industries of the time in the Balkans. At the beginning of the 20th century, Chatzigeorgiou demonstrated his deep patriotism and unwavering dedication to the Greek national cause through his active participation in the Macedonian Struggle. During this critical historical period, Macedonia was a battleground of intense conflicts and competing claims between the Balkan peoples. His successful business activities in the tobacco sector led him to politics, where he was elected as a Member of Parliament for Thessaloniki in 1915, during the National Schism and Greece’s involvement in World War I. His political career continued with his re-election in 1920 and again in 1926 with the Free-Minded Party of Metaxas, proving his lasting influence and popularity. Pictured: thank-you letter from the Board of Directors of the Iraklis Gymnastic Club of Thessaloniki, dated June 24, 1915, addressed to the Member of Parliament for Thessaloniki, Georgios Chatzigeorgiou. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.