Zakhariadi, the Greek Dynasty, from Magnificence to Deportation

Abstract

The presented work reveals a history of Zakhariadi, the ethnic Greek dynasty, referring
to archive materials, historical publications and witnesses’ reminiscences. Representatives of
this dynasty lived at Southern Bessarabian Region throughout the end of the XIX Century to the
middle of the XX Century. The work also reviews place occupied and part played by ethnic
Greek merchants in social and cultural life of towns and cities of the Danube region.
The work represents information regarding business activities of Zakhariadi brothers –
Alexandr, Pavel and Constantine in Chumai and Tomesht Settlements belonging to the Kahoul
District. The work reviews activities of Ivan A. Zakhariadi as a mayor, his contribution into
education and culture development within the municipal scale. Genealogical links between the
members and relatives of the Zakhariadi family within the Southern Bessarabia are partially
explored.
The author pays special attention to the family history which to date construes an
important source of the past of our region. A history of a particular family enables to follow the
history of entire region, to study routine events, to imagine emotional environment, spirit of past
times with Zakhariadi family as witnesses and participants of the past ages.
Memories of Alexandra Zakhariadi, the grand-daughter of I. A. Zakhariadi, the last
representative of the glorious clan, were used in the work for the first time. They include unique
information about this family and reveal severe and sometimes tragic times of the 1940s.
Contents of the book titled «Drowned Cathedral. Recovered Cathedral» enable to find
out more about the history of a family which gave a real galaxy of outstanding personalities.
The conclusion reflects a part played by ethnic Greek Zakhariadi dynasty in business and
charity activity and their weighty contribution into development of spirituality, arts and
education in the Southern Bessarabian region during the relevant period.
Paying the homage to this family, it may be stated without exaggeration that they
composed a strong, sane and stable economic force and implemented the best features of
industrial and commercial class layer