Early Life

Konstantinos Christou, later known as Kottas (a derivation of Konstantinos/Kostas), was born in 1860 or 1863 in the village of Roulia (modern-day Kottas), in the mountainous region of Western Macedonia. The area connected Florina with Kastoria, a strategic location during turbulent times.

Kottas was the only son of Christos and Sophia Christou, relatively prosperous farmers. His family was Slavic-speaking, and Kottas himself grew up speaking limited Greek. Over the years, he worked as a farmer, shopkeeper, shoemaker, candle-maker, innkeeper, and even served as village headman. Known as a skilled hunter and marksman, Kottas was deeply religious and philanthropic, often helping villagers and travelers alike.

The Macedonian Context

By the late 19th century, Macedonia was a battleground of ethnic and nationalist conflicts. Bulgarians, encouraged by Russia, sought to expand their influence through the establishment of the Bulgarian Exarchate, aiming to create a “Greater Bulgaria.” Macedonia was divided into linguistic zones:

• Southern Zone: Greek-speaking Christian populations
• Northern Zone: Slavic-speaking populations
• Intermediate Zone: Mixed populations of Greek, Slavic, and Vlach speakers

Kottas’ region, Western Macedonia, was heavily affected by the oppression of Turkish-Albanian beys, who exploited villagers, imposed excessive taxes, and committed violent acts against women.

Kottas’ Resistance

Kottas became a feared figure for oppressors. In 1897, he and fellow fighter Pavlos Kyrou killed the notorious Kasim Bey in Pissoderi after a dispute over water rights and trade. Following this, Kottas formed an armed band that systematically defended the local population against cruel Turkish-Albanian tyrants, including Albedin Bey, Nuri Bey, Cemal Bey, and Tayir Aga. In 1900, during Easter, he eliminated three ruthless agas near Boufi (modern-day Akritas), gaining legendary status among locals.

Relations with the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO)

During the 1890s, the Bulgarian-backed Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO or EMEO) sought local allies to fight the Ottoman authorities. Initially, Kottas collaborated with IMRO, recognizing their shared goal of challenging Ottoman rule.

However, he soon clashed with IMRO leadership. Kottas refused to execute Greek Patriarchist leaders and villagers, believing that the fight against the Ottoman Empire should come first. The IMRO, often composed of young and idealistic revolutionaries, attempted to assassinate him multiple times. Kottas survived these attacks and continued his mission independently.

Legacy

Kottas’ unwavering dedication to justice, strategic mind, and courage made him a legend in Western Macedonia. Songs about him even circulated among Albanian-speaking communities, honoring his protection of ordinary villagers. His life exemplifies the complex ethnic and political struggles of late 19th- and early 20th-century Macedonia and stands as a testament to his moral and national principles.

Sources:

• Athanasios H. Gantos, Captain Kottas: A Pioneer of the Macedonian Struggle, Military History Magazine, Issue 122, October 2006
• Ioannis S. Koliopoulos et al., Invisible Native Macedonian Fighters, Society for Macedonian Studies, 2008