Dimitrios Digkas (1876-1974)

Dimitrios Digkas was a significant figure in the political landscape of Greece for many years. Born in Athens in 1876, with roots from Naousa, he was raised from a young age in Thessaloniki. Digkas received legal education in Athens and Constantinople, where he initially settled as a lawyer. His political career began when he was elected to the Ottoman Parliament from 1908 to 1912, representing the Vilayet of Thessaloniki. After the city's liberation by the Greek army, Digkas integrated into Greek political life, being elected as a member of parliament for Serres in 1915. He was an active participant in the National Defense Movement of Eleftherios Venizelos between 1916 and 1917, serving as Minister of Justice and later as Minister of Ecclesiastical Affairs and Public Education (1917-1920), during which he promoted the teaching of the vernacular language in elementary schools. Digkas continued his political career for many decades, serving as a senator, Minister of Justice (1929-1930), Minister of Communications (1930-1932), and finally as Minister of Air after World War II (1947-1948). His involvement in national affairs lasted until his death in 1974 in Thessaloniki, where the municipality honored him by naming a street after him. Pictured: letter from the Board of Directors of the Gymnastic Club of Iraklis Thessaloniki, dated April 8, 1917, addressed to the Minister of Justice of the National Defense, Dimitrios Digkas. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.