Biography of young Nikos Zachariadis presented in Egaleo (West Athens)

 The book “Nikos Zachariadis, the years of youth, 1903-1932” (in Greek), written by Antonis Arvanitis was presented on Sunday, October 4, 2015 in the gardens of the old Gunpowder Factory (Baroutadiko).

Nikos Nikolaidis, a dentist, was the keynote speaker at the presentation, stressing the struggles, the action and the services of the central hero of the book to the homeland and the party.

The event took place at the headquarters of the society “Friends of Gunpowder Factory”, in the premises of an old Gunpowder Mill, currently a grove.

Following the address, there was a discussion with A. Arvanitis and the audience.

The event was coordinated by the then president of the “Friends of Gunpowder Factory”, Vassilis Vassiliadis, an accountant.

The book chronicles the background and rise of the late Secretary General of the Greek Communist Party (KKE), Nikos Zachariadis – a political friend and trusted collaborator of Stalin, maybe one of a few who was not afraid of telling him unpleasant truths – to the worldwide comrandes’ mega-stardom.

The biography follows Zachariadis’ trajectory from his humble beginnings at the districts of several towns of Ottoman Empire, up to his rise to the helm of CPG in 1932.

The book by A. Arvanitis on Nikos Zachariadis is the distillation of over 10 years of research. It is a very enjoyable read with solid content, that can surprise its reader on any page he opens it on. It can also be a source of inspiration to anyone (probably not many) young people who want to get involved with politics, not just to secure a seat in history or the high ranks of a party but to contribute to society. Exactly like Zachariadis.

The book leaves no space for comforting stereotypes or myths, and Mr Arvanitis has refused to give in to a politically motivated point of view, while his book may be political, it is not politically affiliated.

Since November 2023, the book is published by M. Sideris Publications.