Western Macedonia historical data reveals impact of WWII Occupation

Historical records from the Kozani Municipal Library and the Historical Archives of Macedonia detail the severe impact of the Axis Occupation (1941–1944) on Western Macedonia. Data indicates that 2,607 civilians in the region were executed by German, Italian, and Bulgarian forces.

The occupation resulted in widespread destruction of infrastructure and settlements. Of the 49,683 dwellings recorded in Western Macedonia at the time, 15,795 were completely destroyed and 2,568 were partially damaged, representing a 40% loss of housing. Numerous villages across the Kozani, Grevena, Kastoria, and Florina prefectures suffered massacres and total destruction.

Researchers suggest that these figures may be incomplete and advocate for further detailed historical research within local municipal archives and monuments. There is a proposal to exhibit these findings at the Museum of Contemporary Local History in the Municipality of Kozani.