NOTED HELLENES: Onasis, the beginning

Aristotle Onassis' father was one of the wealthiest tobacco entrepreneurs in Smyrna. His mother of Penelope Doloğlu married at the age of 17, but died on her 33rd birthday. Six months later, his father remarried Eleni, from whom Aristotle acquired two sisters, Meropi and Kallirroi.

His grandmother, Gethsemane, was very religious and dreamed of her grandson becoming a priest. From a young age he was an altar boy and he liked to learn Byzantine psalms by heart. But he was a mischievous student, although he attended the best schools.

Growing up he became an attractive young man, and he showed his body proudly to the girls. He had gusto, boldness, connections and money ... He bribed the employees of his schools, bought cigarettes that he smoked with his friends, was often quarreled and he was lied for fun. But he was liked despite his defects and recklessness, for his spiritedness and, of course, his money. He was a regular customer at a brothel and had his first erotic experiences from his French teacher, his family servant and a married Turkish woman.

With the Asia Minor catastrophe, his father was sent to prison. Their business fell into the hands of the Turks and their warehouse was burned down. Having no other choice, Aristotle decided to go in search of a better fortune for him and his family.