Authors
George P. Papadellis | SG Head
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Prodromos Bodosakis-Athanasiadis was an influential figure in 20th-century's Greek industrial history. Born in Cappadocia, Asia Minor in 1890, he migrated to Greece after the Greco-Turkish War. Bodosakis-Athanasiadis built an immense industrial empire, encompassing weapons factories, mines, and plants across various industries in the 1930s. This article explores his early life, entrepreneurial endeavors, political connections, international collaborations, and his lasting impact on Greek industrial development.
Prodromos Bodosakis-Athanasiadis (1890-1979) | Photo by: in the public domain (according to Wikimedia Commons)
Rags to Riches
Bodosakis-Athanasiadis hailed from a poor ethnic Greek family in Asia Minor under the Ottoman Empire. At a young age, he ventured to Adana in search of fortune and swiftly became a significant economic player in the region. During World War I, he established extensive business connections with Germany and France. This period marked the beginning of his aspiration to support the Greek national cause, which would shape his future endeavors.
Bodosakis 2nd Fortune
Following the expulsion of Greeks from Asia Minor in 1923, Bodosakis-Athanasiadis relocated to Greece at the urging of Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos, a political ally. He brought with him a substantial fortune and developed a personal relationship with Emil Georg von Stauss, the director of Deutsche Bank. Despite initial setbacks due to economic turmoil, Bodosakis-Athanasiadis recovered with the help of General Pangalos and acquired various industries, becoming a major contributor to Greece's industrial potential.
Eleftherios Venizelos 1935 | Photo by: Unknown author, Eleftherios Venizelos, portrait 1935, cropped by Shiny Greece, CC0 1.0
The Strongman
In 1930, he already owned weapon factories, mines and other industrial enterprises. In 1934 he took over the control of Pyrkal, one of the oldest Greek defence industries that played a very important role in the Greek - Italian War. Leveraging his German networks, he formed alliances with German armament firms, breaking the French steel industry's monopoly in Southeastern Europe. His involvement in the arms trade earned him comparisons to the renowned arms dealer Basil Zaharoff.
WWII and OSS
With the German invasion of Greece in 1941, Bodosakis-Athanasiadis fled the country, making stops in Egypt, South Africa, and eventually the United States. However, his presence in the US aroused suspicion, leading to a Naval Intelligence report labeling him a "thoroughly disreputable character". Despite these allegations, he managed to leverage his networks and expertise, becoming a valuable asset for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). His recruitment by the OSS involved efforts to pervert high-ranking Nazi and pro-Nazi leaders.
Nikolaos Plastiras collaborated with Bodosakis in the OSS Period | Photo by: Unknown, Nikolaos Plastiras, cropped by Shiny Greece, CC0 1.0
The Money Jar
In 1942, Bodosakis-Athanasiadis authored a study on post-war Greek reconstruction, emphasizing agriculture and industry. He envisioned a collaborative relationship with the United States for mutual benefit, with Greece serving as a strategic base for US extension into the Balkans and the Middle East. After the war, he remained influential, engaging in various industries and employing over 15,000 individuals. He maintained connections with international institutions responsible for aid to Greece, such as the UNRRA, and sought to strengthen economic relations with Germany.
Last Years
In the 1950s, Bodosakis-Athanasiadis encountered resistance from a younger generation of politicians and emerging industrialists who responded to evolving market opportunities. While his influence waned, he continued to leave a lasting impact on Greek industrial development. In 1972, he established the Bodossaki Athanassiades Foundation, which aimed to support various philanthropic causes, still one of the most prestigious foundations in Greece today. Unfortunately, his nephew, Alexander J. Athanassiades, was tragically assassinated in 1988.
An Immense Impact
Prodromos Bodosakis-Athanasiadis was a pivotal figure in Greek industrial history, creating a vast industrial empire during the 20th century. From his early years in Ottoman Turkey to his business ventures in Greece and international collaborations, his impact on the industrial landscape was immense. Despite facing criticism and political challenges, Bodosakis-Athanasiadis left behind a legacy that extended beyond his lifetime, shaping Greece's industrial development and philanthropic endeavors.
An entrepreneurial genius!!