Greek War of Independence Symbol Sacrificed for Parking Spaces

Despite local opposition, the Municipality of Trifylia in southern Greece has uprooted the historic "Tambakis Mulberry," a 300-year-old symbol of the Greek War of Independence.

The tree, located in Filiatra’s Kapodistrias Square, was being considered for inclusion on Greece’s List of Protected Natural Monuments. Officials claim the removal was necessary to create parking spaces, dismissing alternatives such as transplanting the tree.

Having survived the ravages of Ibrahim Pasha’s forces in 1825, the mulberry’s destruction two centuries later by the municipality has ignited public outrage. Many mourn the loss of a historical landmark that could have drawn tourism to the region.