Xanthi

Xanthi (Greek: Ξάνθη, Turkish: İskeçe, Bulgarian: Ксанти sometimes Скеча) is a city in northern Greece, in the East Macedonia and Thrace periphery. It is the capital of Xanthi Prefecture.

1 History
2 Modern Day
3 Municipal districts
4 University
5 Sporting teams
6 Famous inhabitants of Xanthi
7 Sister cities
8 External links

[edit] 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 raidings, disasters, race conflicts, civil wars. The population of the region of Xanthi had dwindled down to almost nothing and most 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.

By 1715 Xanthi, as well as Genisea, became renowned for its tobacco quality. Many foreign sightseers travelled 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 levelled 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.

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.

[edit] Modern Day

Nowadays Xanthi is a modern city, rich in history, traditions and customs, and with many attractions for the visitors (incl. the surrounding areas). It is a multi-cultural place where people, both christians and muslims, live in harmony.

Sight in the old town.

View of river nestos in xanthi prefecture

It is worth visiting the city during the Carnival (Καρναβάλι) (either February or March as dates change) and during the Old Town Festival (Γιορτές Παλιάς Πόλης) (beginning of September). Also do not miss the Xanthi Bazaar (Παζάρι) every Saturday. Xanthi is "The city of the thousand colours".

Sight in the surrounding mountains.

the clock in the central square of xanthi 2006

the old city viewed from river Kosynthos.

[edit] Municipal districts

Xanthi has three municipal districts, the municipal district of Kimmerio has half of its settlements abandoned from the 1990s.

Evmoiro
- Kallithea
- Lampiri
- Lefki
- Nea Morsini
- Palaia Morsini
- Petrochori
Kimmeria
- Alikochori [Αλικοχώριον] (abandoned)
- Anthiro [Ανθηρόν] (abandoned)
- Askyra or Askira [Άσκυρα] (abandoned)
- Gialisteri (Γιαλιστερόν ) [2001 pop: 7]
- Eranos [Έρανος] (abandoned)
- Ketiki [Κετίκιον] (abandoned)
- Livadi (Λιβάδιον) [2001 pop: 5]
- Panepistimioupoli
- Pelekito (Πελεκητόν) [2001 pop: 4]
- Porta [Πόρτα] (abandoned)
- Prioni [Πριόνιον] (abandoned)
- Ydrochori [Υδροχώριον] (abandoned)
Xanthi