Petros Syndikas (1875-1926)

Petros Syndikas (1875-1926) was a significant figure in the history of Thessaloniki and Greece during the early 20th century. A lawyer by profession, he served as the mayor of Thessaloniki from 1922 to 1926 during a critical period for the city. He was appointed mayor in December 1922 by the military leaders of the democratic anti-monarchist Movement, as he supported the call for a Republican democracy without a monarchy. Syndikas was a close collaborator of Alexandros Papanasstasiou and an advocate for democratic ideals. His tenure coincided with the arrival of tens of thousands of refugees from Asia Minor to Thessaloniki after the Great Catastrophe of 1922. One of the largest issues he faced was the housing, food, medical care, and employment of the refugee populations. At the same time, he worked to stabilize the political situation in the city during a particularly fluid period, as in 1924 the form of government he supported, the Republican Democracy, was officially established. He died prematurely at the age of 51 in 1926. Pictured: letter from the Board of Directors of the Iraklis Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki, dated May 22, 1923, addressed to P.N. Syndikas, Mayor of Thessaloniki. ©Iraklis New Gymnastics Club of Thessaloniki 1908.