Battle of Sarantaporo: Key victory in the First Balkan War

The Battle of Sarantaporo, fought on October 9 and 10, 1912, served as a major turning point in the First Balkan War. This conflict between the Greek Army and Ottoman forces determined the course of the land campaign, opening the path for Greek advancement toward Macedonia.

The Ottoman forces, numbering approximately 25,000 men under Hasan Tahsin Pasha, utilized the strategic Sarantaporo Pass to establish fortified defensive positions. Despite being at a numerical disadvantage compared to the Greek forces, the Ottomans relied on the difficult terrain, including narrow passes and steep slopes, to repel attackers.

Led by Crown Prince Constantine and Lieutenant General Panagiotis Daklis, the Greek Army utilized a combination of frontal assaults and a flanking maneuver through the mountainous Burino region to surprise the enemy. The coordination between infantry and artillery led to a decisive Greek victory. By the evening of October 10, Ottoman forces abandoned their positions in a chaotic retreat, leaving behind significant military equipment and artillery. This victory cleared the way for Greek forces to move toward Larissa, Kozani, and eventually Thessaloniki.