Hailing from Santa, a town south of Trapezounta in Pontos, Efkleidis Kourtidis led a band of brave fighters defying the onslaught of Turkish forces during the devastating Greek Genocide (1914-23). His unwavering resistance in the face of unimaginable hardship cemented his legacy as a hero for the Pontian people.
Efkleidis Kourtidis (Ευκλείδης Κουρτίδης) (1885 - February 10, 1937)
Beyond Resistance: A Hero for His People
Kourtidis' heroism wasn't limited to leading the defence of his homeland. He's also revered for rescuing countless Greeks, especially women and children, from the advancing Turkish forces. He ensured their safe passage and eventual transport to Greece, offering them a chance at a new life away from the horrors of the genocide.
Following the population exchange of 1923, Kourtidis was one of the last to leave his beloved Pontus in 1924. He settled in Thessaloniki, initially working in farming. Later, he found a permanent home in the village of Nea Santa, named after his occupied hometown in Pontos, a constant reminder of his roots and sacrifices.
His bravery and compassion earned him the status of a hero among Greeks. Not only did he survive the brutal Greek Genocide, but he selflessly helped others survive it, too. Even today, a bust in Nea Santa serves as a lasting tribute to his memory, reminding future generations of his remarkable actions.
*More on GCT: The Pontian Greeks fought hard and bravely against genocidal barbarity
