Greeks in Albania facts for kids
    
Spyromilios • Konstantinos Zappas • Georgios Christakis-Zografos • Pyrros Dimas
Northern Epirote Declaration of Independence |
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| est. over 215,000 (Greeks of southern Albania/Northern Epirus) Greeks of southern Albania/Northern Epirus (including those of ancestral descent) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Albania, Greece, United States, Australia | |
| Albania and Greece | est. 200.000 |
| United States of America | over 15,000 (est. 1965) |
| Languages | |
| Greek, Himariote Greek dialect (in the Himarë region) also Albanian and English depending on the residing place |
|
| Religion | |
| Orthodox Christianity | |
The Greeks of Albania are people of Greek heritage who live in Albania. Most of them live in the southern part of the country. They are an important part of Albania's culture and history.
Contents
Who are the Greeks of Albania?
The Greeks of Albania are recognized as a special group. They have their own language and traditions. Many of them live in areas that have been historically Greek. These areas are often called Northern Epirus.
Where do they live?
Most Albanian Greeks live in southern Albania. This region includes cities like Sarandë and Gjirokastër. These areas are close to the border with Greece. Some also live in other parts of Albania. Others have moved to Greece, the United States, or Australia.
Language and Religion
The main language spoken by this group is Greek. In some areas, like Himarë, they speak a special Greek dialect. They also often speak Albanian. In other countries, they might speak English.
Their main religion is Orthodox Christianity. This faith is a big part of their culture. Many old churches and monasteries are found in their communities. These places are important for their history and traditions.
A Bit of History
The region where many Greeks live has a long history. It was once part of the ancient Greek region of Epirus. Over time, borders changed many times. After the Balkan Wars in the early 1900s, this area became part of the new country of Albania.
In 1914, the Greeks in Northern Epirus wanted to be self-governing. They set up their own government. This was called the Provisional Government of Northern Epirus. They wanted to protect their rights and culture. Eventually, the area became part of Albania. But the people kept their Greek identity.
Important People
Many famous people come from the Greek community in Albania.
- Spyromilios was a military leader. He helped lead a local revolt in Himarë in 1912.
- Konstantinos Zappas was a wealthy businessman and national benefactor. He helped fund the modern Olympic Games.
- Georgios Christakis-Zografos was a politician. He led the Provisional Government of Northern Epirus.
- Pyrros Dimas is a famous weightlifter. He won many Olympic gold medals for Greece.
Images for kids
-
Captain of Himara, Spyros Spyromilios, leader of the local revolt, 1912
-
Regions with a traditional presence of ethnic or linguistic groups other than Albanian (Blue for Greeks)
-
Distribution of ethnic Greeks as per the 2011 Albanian Census; Greeks and other groups have been underrepresented in numbers due to boycott and irregularities.
-
View of Saranda
-
Dormition of the Theotokos Church, Labovë e Kryqit, a pilgrimage site. The present form of the church was built in the 10th century and was renovated several times after.
-
The Zographeion College facilities (1881) in Qestorati
See also
In Spanish: Griegos de Albania para niños
