The city of Edessa acquires a new, important place of memory and historical documentation with the establishment of the Yessios Museum “The Macedonian Struggle and Edessa”, which was created with love and generosity by the donor and founder Christos I. Yessios.

The Museum is dedicated to the Macedonian Struggle (1904-1908), highlighting the contribution of Edessa and its “Invisible Fighters” to the outcome of the struggle. Through a documented historical narrative and the use of modern museological methods, the Museum seeks to shed light on the actions of those who, with courage and self-denial, contributed to the defence of Greek identity in Macedonia.

The Museum’s Purpose and Vision

The creation of the Museum was the result of a deep personal quest of Mr. Yessios, who decided to donate his family building to the city of Edessa, turning it into a space dedicated to the history of the Macedonian Struggle.

The Yessios Museum aspires to be a document of the recent history of Macedonia and Edessa, contributing to the intellectual and social life of the city. Its aim is to preserve and disseminate national and local historical memory, as well as to enhance the cultural development of the local society.

As part of its educational mission, the Museum offers modern educational programmes for primary and secondary education, as well as specially designed spaces for exhibitions, lectures, screenings and conferences. At the same time, the Museum expects to become a dynamic, cultural institution, which will continue to transmit the value and importance of the Macedonian Struggle through educational activities and cultural events, while also encouraging the donation of heirlooms and personal objects that enhance its collection.

Its founder, Christos I. Yessios, states:

“I give my grandmother Pelagia Yessio’s tepeliki as a family signature of an era they lived through. Together with grandfather, Ottoman subjects were born and Greeks passed away. In between, they taught their eight children Greek patriotic marches and sent them to the Slavic neighborhoods to sing them. Let this museum become a memorial to them and all the other Edessaites of that period”.

What makes the Yessios Museum special

It is a preserved architectural gem, housed in a 1936 building in the centre of Edessa. It has been restored with respect to its history and architectural identity, highlighting its special importance.

It features modern technology and is an experiential experience. The permanent exhibition includes video using AI, tablets for listening to traditional songs and multimedia for viewing historical material, offering an interactive and immersive experience to visitors.

The Yessios Museum pays special attention to the “Invisible Fighters” of the city, with a special section on the contribution of the residents of Edessa and the Macedonian Struggle, with personal objects, rare photographic material and historical documents. Visitors have the opportunity to discover names of their ancestors among the hidden heroes of Edessa, which creates emotion and pride.