Periklis Argyropoulos (1881-1966)

Periklis Argyropoulos (1881–1966) was a central figure in Greek political life for much of the 20th century. He came from a historic and prominent Phanariot family of diplomats with roots in Constantinople. Born in Athens in 1881, his parents, Alexandros Argyropoulos and Maria Soutsou, were both grandchildren of Grand Dragomans of the Ottoman Empire. After studying law and political science in France, he returned to Greece in 1903 and married Sophia Argyropoulou. In 1904, he took an active role in the Macedonian Struggle, and in 1912, he was appointed the first Prefect of liberated Thessaloniki. During the National Schism, he served as Minister of Labour in Eleftherios Venizelos’s Government of National Defence. He then embarked on a distinguished diplomatic career, serving as ambassador to countries such as France, Algeria, Egypt, and Turkey. Simultaneously, he served as Member of Parliament with various parties, including the Liberal Party, the National Democratic Party, and the United Democratic Left (EDA). He repeatedly held ministerial positions during the interwar period, including those of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Navy. Argyropoulos authored several works and represented Greece at international conferences, remaining an active political figure until the end of his life. He died in Athens in 1966 at the age of 85, leaving a significant mark on the political history of the country. Pictured: Letter from the Board of Directors of the Iraklis Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki, dated April 8, 1917, addressed to P. Argyropoulos, Minister of Labour in the Government of National Defence. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.