NOMOS EVROY

ALEXANDROYPOLI

Population (according to 2021 census): 59.723

History

Alexandroupoli: From Ancient Crossroads to Modern Gateway

Alexandroupoli: The Strategic History of a Crossroads City

Ο επιβλητικός Φάρος της Αλεξανδρούπολης

-Alexandroupoli, the capital of the Evros regional unit, is a crossroads city with a rich history, unique natural beauty, and a gastronomic tradition. The history of the area is, in fact, very long and is closely linked to its strategic position as a gateway between Europe and Asia. -Human activity in the area is documented as early as the Neolithic period (4500-3000 BC) in the southeastern tip of Western Thrace. The area was inhabited by the ancient Cicones, a Thracian tribe also mentioned by Homer (The Odyssey). -From the 7th century BC onwards, colonists from Samothrace established colonies on the opposite mainland coast, the so-called Samothracian Peraia. The most important cities were Zone (archaeological site) and Mesimvria (archaeological site). -The region was incorporated into the Roman Empire, where it became an important station on the Via Egnatia. The city of Traianoupolis was developed in the area, known for its therapeutic baths. -During the Byzantine Period, the area played a primary role, as it bordered Constantinople. To protect the land route to the capital, there were strong military installations. -The modern settlement was essentially born in the mid-19th century (around 1850) as a small fishing village, Dedeağaç ("the tree of the dervish" in Turkish). -Major development began in 1873, with the construction of the railway line connecting Constantinople with Thessaloniki and Western Europe. Dedeağaç was transformed into a significant commercial port for the export of Thrace's products, attracting a population of Greeks, Turks, Armenians, Jews, and others. -The city found itself at the center of conflicts due to its strategic importance. In the First Balkan War (1912), it was captured by the Bulgarian army, while in the Second Balkan War (1913), it was captured by the Greek army, but by the Treaty of Bucharest (1913), it was returned to Bulgaria. During World War I (1914-1918), and following Bulgaria's defeat, the city was placed under Allied control. The definitive incorporation of Western Thrace and Alexandroupoli into Greek territory took place in May 1920, with the landing of the Greek army. That same year (1920), the city was renamed Alexandroupoli in honor of King Alexander I of Greece, who had visited it. -Alexandroupoli is a relatively new city (compared to other Greek ones), with its street layout owing to the influence of Russian engineers who organized it during their brief occupation (1877-1878), with wide, parallel streets.

Traditions

The Tradition and Folklore of Alexandroupoli and Evros

Cultures and Customs: The Folkloric Identity of Evros

-The tradition of Alexandroupoli and Evros is a blend of cultures, customs, and folkloric elements, a result of the area's position as a crossroads of East and West and the coexistence of various population groups (local Thracians, refugees from Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor, and Sarakatsani). -The traditional Thracian costumes are particularly impressive and vary depending on the region and origin of the inhabitants (e.g., costumes from Eastern Thrace). -Thracian dances are lively and dynamic, with a strong rhythm. They are danced in a circle and accompanied by traditional musical instruments, such as the gaida (bagpipe) and the lyra. -In the region of Thrace, and especially near Evros, the customs of the "Koudounoforoi" (or "Arapides") are revived during the Carnival period. These involve men dressed in animal skins, bells, and masks who dance for good fortune and the rebirth of nature. -In Feres (near Alexandroupoli), a large festival is held every year on September 14th for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, at the Holy Monastery of Panagia of Kosmosoteira. -The Easter customs are of particular importance, with special dances and songs linked to Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor.

Local products

Alexandroupoli: A Flavorful Journey in Evros

Thracian Cuisine: The Emblematic Products of Evros

-The traditional products of Evros, with Alexandroupoli as a distribution hub, reflect the rich culinary tradition of Thrace, which features influences from Asia Minor and the Balkans. -Evros is particularly famous for its meat products, which are prepared with traditional recipes, such as Kavourmas, the most emblematic product of Evros, which is preserved meat (usually beef, lamb, or pork) cooked in its own fat. Another is Babo, a traditional thick sausage baked in a traditional oven. -The extensive livestock farming in Evros provides high-quality milk, which is processed by local dairies and small units into fresh and traditional cheeses, as well as yogurts. -Farouk is a type of syrup-soaked pastry dessert, particularly popular in Alexandroupoli, and a characteristic of the local confectionery. -The extra virgin olive oil from the Ultra-centenarian Olive Grove in Makri is famous for its quality and low acidity. Some local producers also offer organic olive oil.

Tourism

Alexandroupoli: A Destination with Multifaceted Interest

Alexandroupoli: From the Lighthouse to the Dadia Forest

Δάσος της Δαδιάς: Ο «πνεύμονας» της Θράκης
Μέρος του υγροβιότοπου του Δέλτα Έβρου

-Alexandroupoli and the wider region of Evros offer a variety of options, from the sea to nature and culture. -The Lighthouse is undoubtedly the symbol and most recognizable monument of the city, dominating the port and the center of the waterfront. -The Lighthouse was built by the French Ottoman Lighthouses Company and began operation in 1880, when the city was still Dedeağaç. -Its role was (and remains) crucial for navigation in the Thracian Sea, as it guided ships approaching the then-new port, which had gained great commercial importance due to its railway connection. -The tower's base height is 27 meters, while its focal height (the height of the light source from sea level) is 30 meters. Regarding its range, its light reaches a distance of approximately 23 nautical miles. -Today, the Lighthouse is the central reference point for residents and visitors. The area around it is always full of life, with cafes, restaurants, and promenades. -The city boasts a series of interesting museums covering all aspects of the history and nature of Evros. -The Ethnological Museum of Thrace is one of the most important folklore museums in Greece. Its purpose is the preservation and promotion of the history and tradition of Thrace. -Its collections include objects depicting the traditional life of the region from the 17th century to 1920, such as traditional costumes, tools, everyday items, and various other exhibits. -It highlights the cultural continuity and complex identity of Thrace, influenced by local populations and refugees from Eastern Thrace. -The Museum of Natural History is dedicated to the geophysical uniqueness, biodiversity, and ecosystems of the Evros region. It is located in the settlement of Makri, just outside Alexandroupoli. -It features rich collections on the fauna, flora, and geological history of the area. It serves as an excellent prelude to visiting the National Parks (Evros Delta and Dadia Forest), as it informs visitors about the natural environment they are about to see. -The Historical Museum of Alexandroupoli is dedicated to the city's historical journey, from its foundation as Dedeağaç in the 19th century to its incorporation into Greece. -It includes exhibits such as photographic material, documents, maps, and objects illuminating the various phases of the city (Ottoman period, Balkan Wars, World War I, and the Greek liberation). -The Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupoli houses finds from the archaeological sites of the wider Evros region, mainly from the Samothracian Peraia (Mesimvria, Zone, etc.). It offers a picture of the ancient civilization of the Cicones and the colonists of Samothrace. -Evros is a top ecotourism destination in Greece, as Alexandroupoli is the gateway to two unique ecosystems. The Evros Delta, protected by the Ramsar Convention, is a wetland of global importance and a paradise for birdwatching, hosting over 320 species of birds. A little further north, the National Park of the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest is the only spot in Europe where all four European vulture species (dominated by the Black Vulture) coexist and breed, offering ideal conditions for hiking and encountering wildlife. -The routes in the Evros region combine centuries of history and culture. You can start from Makri to see the Ultra-centenarian Olive Grove and the archaeological Cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus, while a little further away lie the ruins of ancient Zone and the Roman Baths of Traianoupolis. In Feres, a visit to the Holy Monastery of Panagia of Kosmosoteira, an imposing 12th-century Byzantine monument, is worthwhile. Finally, the nearby Soufli offers a unique cultural experience with the Silk Museum, illuminating the traditional sericulture of Thrace.