The Valor of Cretan Volunteers in 1453
In the province of Sfakia lies Kallikratis, a village named after Manousos Kallikratis, who led 1,500 Cretan volunteers to defend Constantinople in March 1453. According to historical accounts, when the city fell to the Turks, they drove the remaining Christians from the walls with cannons and arrows, taking control of Constantinople except for the towers of Leon and Alexios. These towers were valiantly defended by Cretan sailors who fought fiercely until they received a promise of safe passage from the Sultan.
A manuscript from 1460, housed in the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi, recounts that while many fled, the Cretan defenders, led by Captain Grammatikos, chose to continue fighting despite being injured. They preferred death over surrender. Observing their determination, the Sultan sent envoys offering the defenders the chance to leave the city with their arms and possessions in recognition of their bravery.
On June 7, news of the city’s fall reached Crete, causing widespread grief among the inhabitants. Historian accounts state that the Cretans had set sail in late March with five ships to aid the defense. Kallikratis, who commanded one vessel, fought alongside other captains, including Grigoris Vatsianos, Peter Karchas, Andreas Makris, and Nikola. The Cretans manned three towers and fiercely resisted Ottoman attacks until they finally agreed to surrender under honorable conditions, avoiding unnecessary bloodshed.
The Ottoman leaders respected their courage and allowed them safe passage to Crete, where they returned amidst mourning. Tradition holds that black handkerchiefs were worn to symbolize the Cretans’ sorrow for Constantinople’s loss. During their homecoming celebrations, the “Syrtos Chaniotikos,” a famous Cretan dance, was performed for the first time, marking both a tribute to their fallen city and a celebration of their resilience.
