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| '''Xanthi''' (]: Ξάνθη) is a city in northern ], in the ] periphery. It is the capital of ]. The city is formerly known as ]: ''İskeçe'', ]: ''Ксанти'' sometimes ''Скеча''. | '''Xanthi''' (]: Ξάνθη/Xanthi) is a city in northern ], in the ] periphery. It is the capital of ]. The city is formerly known as ]: ''İskeçe'', ]: ''Ксанти'' sometimes ''Скеча''. | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
Revision as of 22:11, 20 January 2008
Settlement in Greece| Xanthi Ξάνθη | |
|---|---|
| Settlement | |
.jpg) The clock tower in the central square of Xanthi, 2006 | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | East Macedonia and Thrace |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Michalis Stelianidis |
| Area | |
| • Total | 153.116 km (59.118 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 80 m (260 ft) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 52,270 |
| • Density | 340/km (880/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 671 00 |
| Area code(s) | 2541 |
| Vehicle registration | AH |
| Website | www.cityofxanthi.gr |
Xanthi (Greek: Ξάνθη/Xanthi) is a city in northern Greece, in the East Macedonia and Thrace periphery. It is the capital of Xanthi Prefecture. The city is formerly known as Turkish: İskeçe, Bulgarian: Ксанти sometimes Скеча.
History
Known references to Xanthi (Ξάνθη), or Xanthia (Ξάνθεια), date back to 879 BC. It began as a small village and experienced all the tumultuous periods of the history of Thrace, such as raids, disasters, race conflicts, civil wars. The population of the region of Xanthi had dwindled down to almost nothing and almost everything had been destroyed. This was the situation when the Ottomans arrived at the region. As a result, the Ottomans brought settlers from the depths of Asia Minor, which is how Genisea (Γενισέα) was created, while Oreo (Ωραίο) and Xanthi remained mainly Greek and Christian centres.
Genisea Era
By 1715, Xanthi, as well as Genisea, became renowned for its tobacco quality. Many foreign sightseers traveled throughout the region and described both the life and struggles of the locals. Tobacco commerce throughout Europe led Xanthi into a course of prosperity. In March and April of 1829 two earthquakes literally leveled the city, however played a decisive role in the further developments. The city's re-building immediately got underway. In 1870, the city of Genisea was burned down and thus all of the agencies and services were transferred to Xanthi which, at that time, had a population of about 10000 inhabitants. In 1891, the railroad line was established near the city, while further economic development led to the founding of schools and associations.
Balkans War
The Bulgarians took the city of Xanthi in 1912, but after a period of eight months it was taken by the Greek army. Shortly thereafter, as part of the accords concluding the Balkan Wars, Xanthi and Western Thrace were ceded to Bulgaria, and remained under the control of the latter till the end of World War I. Following the Bulgarian defeat in this war, Western Thrace (Δυτική Θράκη), and thus Xanthi, became a permanent part of Greece in 1919-1920.
Modern Era
Nowadays Xanthi is a modern city, rich in history, traditions and customs, and with many attractions for the visitors (including the surrounding areas). It is worth visiting the city during the Carnival (Greek: Καρναβάλι) (either February or March as dates change) and during the Old Town Festival (Γιορτές Παλιάς Πόλης) (beginning of September). Also, one should not miss the Xanthi Bazaar (Παζάρι) every Saturday. Xanthi is known as "The city of the thousand colours".
Education
Professional Sports
Famous inhabitants of Xanthi
- Democritus
- Protagoras
- Manos Hadjidakis (1925-1994) composer
- Şerif Gören: Winner of 1982 Palme d'Or in Cannes Film Festival
- Vasilis Torosidis
- Archbishop Christodoulos
- Clio-Danae Othoneou, Greek actress, musican and pianist
Sister cities
Municipal districts
Xanthi has three municipal districts, the municipal district of Kimmerio has half of its settlements abandoned from the 1990s.
- Evmoiro
- Kimmeria
- Alikochori (abandoned)
- Anthiro (abandoned)
- Askyra or Askira (abandoned)
- Gialisteri (Γιαλιστερόν )
- Eranos (abandoned)
- Ketiki (abandoned)
- Livadi (Λιβάδιον)
- Panepistimioupoli
- Pelekito (Πελεκητόν)
- Porta (abandoned)
- Prioni (abandoned)
- Ydrochori (abandoned)
- Xanthi
Gallery
-
View of river nestos in xanthi prefecture.
-
Sight in the surrounding
- The old city viewed from river Kosynthos. The old city viewed from river Kosynthos.
References
- De Facto Population of Greece Population and Housing Census of March 18th, 2001 (PDF 39 MB). National Statistical Service of Greece. 2003.
External links
- Democritus University of Thrace
- Municipality of Xanthi
- Thrace the land of Orpheus - Democritus University of Thrace
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