Revision 124193581 of "Benutzer:Ziegler175/Zagori" on dewiki

{{Refimprove|date=March 2009}}
{{Infobox Greek Dimos
  |name = Zagori 
  |name_local = Ζαγόρι
|image_map = 2011 Dimos Zagoriou.png
  |periph = [[Epirus (periphery)|Epirus]]
  |periphunit         =  [[Ioannina (peripheral unit)|Ioannina]]
|pop_municipality   = 6032
|area_municipality  = 995.3
  |population_as_of = 2001
  |elevation = 
  |lat_deg = 39
  |lat_min = 52
  |lon_deg = 20
  |lon_min = 42
  |postal_code = 
  |area_code = 
  |licence = ΙΝ
  |mayor = 
  |website = 
 |image_skyline      = Kokoris.jpg
 |caption_skyline    = 
 |party              = 
 |since              = 
}}
'''Zagori''' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Ζαγόρι), is a region and a municipality in the [[Pindus]] mountains in [[Epirus (periphery)|Epirus]], in northwestern [[Greece]]. The seat of the municipality is the village [[Asprangeloi]].<ref name=Kallikratis>[http://www.kedke.gr/uploads2010/FEKB129211082010_kallikratis.pdf Kallikratis law] Greece Ministry of Interior {{el icon}}</ref> It has an area of some 1,000 square kilometers and contains 45 villages known as Zagoria (or Zagorochoria or Zagorohoria), and is in the shape of an upturned equilateral triangle.  The southern corner of the triangle contains the provincial capital, [[Ioannina]], the south-western side is formed by Mount [[Mitsikeli]] (1,810m), and the [[Aoos]] river and Mount [[Tymfi]] constitute the northern side, and the south-eastern side runs along the Varda river to [[Mount Mavrovouni]] (2,100m) near [[Metsovo]].  The population of the area is about 6,000, which gives a population density of 6 inhabitants per square kilometer, compared to an average of 73.8 for Greece as a whole.

== Geography ==
Zagori is an area of great natural beauty, with striking geology and two national parks, one including the river [[Vikos–Aoös National Park|Aoos and the Vikos Gorge]], the other around Valia Kalda, to the east of the imposing snow-capped [[Tymfi|Mt Tymphe]]. The 45 or so villages of Zagori were interconnected by mountain roads and traditional arched stone bridges until modern roads were opened in the 1950s. The stone arched bridges were built by benefactions from expatriate merchants in the 18th century and replaced older wooden bridges.

== History ==
[[Image:Zagori Dragonlake and Gamila summit.jpg|thumb|220px|left|Dragonlake and Gamila summit (2497m.)]]
The region has been historically difficult to access due to its mountainous terrain; this contributed to its security and stability rather than being a disadvantage. The [[Sarakatsani]] people who can be found in this area use several Greek words of a [[Doric Greek|Northern Greek]] dialect not commonly found in Greek elsewhere<ref>Νικόλαος Κατσαρός – ''Οι αρχαιοελληνικές ρίζες του Σαρακατσάνικου λόγου''</ref>. They are consequently considered by some as indigenous to the area.

=== Early history ===
The first evidence of human presence in the area is dated between 17,000 and 10,000 years ago<ref>Amanatidou: p. 32</ref>. Important [[epipaleolithic]] artifacts have been unearthed from [[Kleidi Cave]] on the banks of the Voidomatis.<ref>{{cite journal | quotes = | last = Gowlett| first = J. A. J. | authorlink = | coauthors = | date = | year = 1987| month = | title = The Archaeology of Radiocarbon Accelerator Dating| journal = Journal of World Prehistory| volume = 1 | issue = 2 | page = 22
 | doi = 10.1007/s002670010251 | id =   | pmid = 11568846| url = http://www.springerlink.com/content/q675r7k41g01pg43/fulltext.pdf | language = 
 | format =PDF  | accessdate = 2009-11-02 | laysummary =  | laysource =  | laydate =  | quote = 
}}</ref>. In antiquity, the region of Zagori was inhabited by the Tymphaeans and formed a part of the ancient kingdom of the [[Molossians]], a [[Greeks|Greek]] tribe of [[Epirus (region)|Epirus]] that gained control over all of [[Epirus (region)|Epirus]] in classical times.  They were known for a breed of huge war-mastiffs they used in military operations.  [[Molossus]], their eponymous ancestor, was said to have been born of a union between [[Neoptolemus]] (son of [[Achilles]] ) and [[Andromache]] (the wife of [[Hector]] of [[Troy]]). Neoptolemus, also called Pyrrhus for his blond hair, was first in a line of Epirotan kings leading to the king [[Pyrrhus of Epirus|Pyrrhus]] of [[Hellenistic]] times who launched several campaigns against the [[Ancient Rome|Romans]] in [[Italy]]. [[Olympias]], the mother of [[Alexander the Great]], was from the ancient town of "Molossis" which was located in the area in front of [[Konitsa]], in the northern boundary of Zagori, where the rivers Voidomatis, [[Aoös]] and [[Sarantaporos River (Ioannina)|Sarantaporos]] come together. Remains of [[cyclopean walls]] in [[Skamneli]] also testify to the antiquity of human occupation.<ref>{{cite book | author=Costas Zissis | title=Zagori, Images of a Greek Heritage | publisher= | year=| editor= | page = 13 |url= http://books.google.com/?id=lkLZKcc5VCkC&dq=skamneli%2Bpelasgian| isbn=9789606316845| accessdate=2011-03-23}}</ref> During the 9th–4th centuries  B.C., a small [[Molossians|Molossian]] settlement existed between [[Monodendri (Ioannina)|Monodendri]] and [[Vitsa]], including  stone houses and two cemeteries which have yielded important findings.<ref>Prefectural Committee of Tourist Promotion: p. 14</ref> However, throughout most of the historical time the local population was sparse while the land provided mainly for pastoralism and firewood for the local needs.<ref name=Amanatidou34>Amanatidou: p. 34</ref>.

=== Byzantine period ===
The passage of the Slavs during the early [[Byzantine]] period is testified to by numerous placenames. Under the [[Byzantine Empire]], Zagori occasionally attracted groups of soldiers who built villages and settled there. Several monasteries were endowed, including the monastery of Votsa near the village of Greveniti and the monastery of the [[Transfiguration of Jesus|Transfiguration]] near [[Kleidonia]], founded in the 7th century by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IV Pogonatus and the monastery of St John of Rogovou near [[Tsepelovo]] founded in 1028 by the sister of Emperor Romanos III Argyros. 

From 1204 to 1337 the region was part of the local [[Despotate of Epirus]]. In the 14th century, when various [[Albanians|Albanian]] clans made incursions into [[Epirus (region)|Epirus]], Zagori formed a bastion of [[Greek people|Hellenism]] in [[Epirus (region)|Epirus]] and was the source of soldiers that served in the [[Ioannina]] garrison<ref>{{cite book|last=Hammond|first=Nicholas|title=Migrations and invasions in Greece and adjacent areas|url=http://books.google.com/books?ei=suEsTJv4Eo6WON3TxawJ&ct=result&hl=el&id=O9saAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22Throughout+this+period+bands+of+Albanians+raiders+pillaged+and+destroyed+the+villages+of+the+Vlachs+and+the+Greeks+in+Epirus%2C+northern+Pindus%2C+the+lakeland+of+Prespa+and+Ochrid%2C+and+parts+of+western+Macedonia.%22&q=%22The+centre+of+Greek+resistance+was+loannina%2C+which+controlled+its+own+plateau+and+shielded+Zagori+against+attack+by+the+Albanians+%28but+not+against+attack+by+the+Vlachs%29.%22#search_anchor|year=1976|publisher=Noyes Press|isbn=0815550472|page=61|accessdate=2011-03-23}}</ref>.  As a result of the campaigns of [[Andronikos III Paleologos]] in 1337, the [[Despotate of Epirus]] and, therefore, Zagori along with [[Ioannina]] and the surrounding region came again briefly under Byzantine rule. 

The region came under Serbian rule in 1348 and the [[Despotate of Epirus]] was reformed and was under Latin rule by [[Tocco family|Carlo II Tocco]] when [[Ioannina]] and Zagori fell to the [[Turkish people|Turks]] in 1430, at the time of [[Ottoman Sultan|Sultan]] [[Murad II]]. Zagori (which then only consisted of 14 villages) «bowed the knee», which meant in practice that there were obligations between delegations of the two sides and a sum in tax was agreed upon in exchange for very considerable privileges: autonomy, administrative independence, and a ban on Turks crossing the borders into the area.

=== Ottoman period ===
The [[Koinon of the Zagorisians]] (Κοινόν Ζαγορισίων) was formed after the treaty of 1431 with Sinan-Pasha. At that point the arrangement that granted local autonomy was called “Voiniko”. The autonomy guaranteed non-interference in the local affairs by the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] overlords. Zagorisians had their affairs entrusted to a Council of Elders called Demogerontia (Δημογεροντία), headed by a president or governor called Vekylis (Βεκύλης). They were allowed to maintain an armed security force of [[Sipahi]] (σπαχήδες)<ref>Constantinos Paparrigopoulos ''History of the Hellenic Nation'' 6 volumes, 1860–1877.</ref>. The villages of the Eastern Zagori, inhabited by [[Aromanian]] Vlachs, entered the [[Koinon of the Zagorisians|Treaty]] in 1480. Consequently, many toponyms in northern and eastern Zagori have [[Aromanian]] etymology, while some toponyms with Slavic etymology are present in western and southern Zagori <ref>{{cite book|last=Ellis|first=Steven|title=Imagining frontiers, contesting identities|url=http://books.google.de/books?id=3zXFCs9EfEYC&pg=PA130&dq=Zagori+Albanians&hl=en&ei=8f0sTI2KF6HfsAbd47TKAg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CDAQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=Zagori%20Albanians&f=false|year=2007|publisher=Edizioni Plus|isbn=8884924669|page=130|accessdate=2011-03-23}}</ref>. Nevertheless, Zagori retained much of its Greek character through its system of government and the benefactions of its [[expatriates]] that favoured Greek education. The [[Koinon of the Zagorisians]] was reformalised by a treaty signed in 1670, under which Zagori enjoyed considerable privileges called Surutia, which were only rescinded fully by the [[Ottoman Sultan|Sultan]] in 1868. 

This solution suited the conquerors and was also the salvation of Zagori, as it added statutory rules to the geographical factors which had made it a natural refuge.  Consequently Zagori was never broken up to be shared out among Turkish landowners. It gained a large population of merchants with links to [[Romania]], [[Russia]] and [[Constantinople]], who came to be the ruling class of the area and contributed to the relative prosperity Zagori enjoyed during the period of [[Ottoman Empire|Turkish rule]]. 

In the 17th century, the villages of Western Zagori were also admitted to the [[Koinon of the Zagorisians|Treaty]], so that by 1678 the total number of villages in Zagori had increased to 60. During the 18th century schools for both boys and girls were built, watermills to grind the corn and the water supply was decorated with ornamental fountains. Traditional medicine flourished in the form of “[[Vikos doctors]]”, who gathered herbs for their preparations from the [[Vikos gorge]]. The growing prosperity, aided by privileges obtained by [[Phanariot]]es of Zagorisian descent and benefactions from expatriates, allowed the building of several schools, some still surviving, for example the ''Common School of Greek Studies '' ([[Greek language|Greek]]: Κοινή Σχολή Ελληνικών Μαθημάτων) in [[Monodendri, Ioannina|Monodendri]] built by the brothers [[Manthos and Georgios Rizaris]] (1835). The brothers also funded the building of the ''Rizareios Ecclesiastical School'' in [[Athens]] (1844), while Zagori itself was under full [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman rule]]. The brothers Ioannis and Demetrios Anagnostopoulos from [[Dilofo]] founded the ''Anagnostopouleios'' in their home village and contributed to the expenses for the [[Zosimaia School]] in [[Ioannina]]. Michael Anagnostopoulos from [[Papingo]] built the ''Kallineios School'' in [[Papingo]] and the ''Anagnostopouleios School'' in [[Konitsa]] <ref>Βασίλης Μηνακάκης ''Ζαγοροχώρια (Zagorochoria)’’ Exlporer, Athens, 2006</ref>.  As a result of the numerous schools, the [[Greek language]] was preserved in the area <ref>{{cite book|last=Hammond|first=Nicholas|title=Migrations and invasions in Greece and adjacent areas|url=http://books.google.com/books?ei=suEsTJv4Eo6WON3TxawJ&ct=result&hl=el&id=O9saAAAAYAAJ&dq=%22Throughout+this+period+bands+of+Albanians+raiders+pillaged+and+destroyed+the+villages+of+the+Vlachs+and+the+Greeks+in+Epirus%2C+northern+Pindus%2C+the+lakeland+of+Prespa+and+Ochrid%2C+and+parts+of+western+Macedonia.%22&q=%22There+the+Greek+pocket+of+resistance%2C+which+preserved+the+Greek+language+even+when+its+ruler+was+Serb+or+Italian%2C+was+the+plateau+of+loannina+and+its+hinterland+%28primarily+Zagori%29.%22#search_anchor|year=1976|publisher=Noyes Press|isbn=0815550472|page=61|accessdate=2011-03-23}}</ref>.

As the mountains were outside the direct rule of the [[Ottoman Empire]], they offered a haven for Greeks on the run from the Ottoman authorities. Several prominent scholars of the [[Greek Enlightenment]], such as [[Neofytos Doukas]] and [[Athanasios Psalidas]] sought refuge here, after the [[Ottoman Sultan|Sultan’s]] army destroyed [[Ioannina]] in 1820. Some among them even made plans to set up a university in the monastery of St John of Rogovou, near [[Tsepelovo]]<ref>Frangoulis, Odysseas T., ‘’Το Σκαμνέλι. Συμβολή στην ιστορία του, ήθη – έθιμα – παραδόσεις (Skamneli, a Contribution to its History: Cultural Practices, Customs, and Traditions)’’, published by the Association of Skamneliots in Zagori, Ioannina 1988</ref><ref>Ευριπίδης Γιαννάκος ‘’Το Μοναστήρι του Αγιάννη στο Ρογκοβό (The Monastery of St John of Rogovou)’’ Εκδόσεις Το Ζαγόρι μας, Ioannina 1985</ref>. In 1820, after the rebellion of [[Ali Pasha]], a [[Turkish people|Turkish]] force of 1500 under Ismael Pasha arrived in Zagori, part of the total army of 20,000 sent against [[Ali Pasha]]. Alexis Noutsos from [[Kapesovo]], a member of the [[Filiki Eteria]], was in command of the force opposing Ismael Pasha. However, the [[Ottoman Sultan|Sultan's]] armies prevailed. Ismael Pasha removed most privileges other than the right to appoint a local governor (Vekylis), whose powers however became nominal. Ismael Pasha introduced very heavy taxation, amounting to 250 silver coins per person and additional taxation in kind. Albanian and local bandits began looting raids once again. Zagori was liberated in 1913 during the [[Balkan Wars]].

=== Modern period ===
Following the union with Greece after the [[Balkan Wars]], emigration to the Greek urban centres depopulated Zagori. Zagori bore the brunt of the Italian attack on Greece in 1940. The area became additionally affected by the conflicts between the Germans and the [[Greek Resistance|partisans]] of [[Napoleon Zervas]] during the [[Second World War]]. At that time several of the villages of Zagori and the monastery of Votsa were burned in German reprisals. The area became almost deserted during the [[Greek Civil War]] of 1946–49. Since the 1980s, state initiatives aim to preserve the traditional character of the villages and the natural landscape.

== Folklore ==

Unique customs are associated with [[ancient Greek]], [[pagan]] or [[Christian]] festivals. The larger churches and monasteries celebrate their nominal saint feast with a festival that can last several days.

Characteristic songs of mourning (moirologia) accompany the lamentation of the dead. [[Funerals|Funerary rites]] include the exhumation of the bones of the deceased following a period of 1–3 years. The bones are washed, perfumed and placed in a wooden [[larnax]] and kept in [[ossuary|ossuaries]] in each village.

== Traditional architecture ==

Villages are built around a central square, also called ''mesochori'' (village centre) with a large church, a [[Platanus|plane]] tree and a public fountain. Cobbled streets and footpaths interconnect the rest of the village. Each individual neighbourhood has a smaller church.

=== Churches ===

Most churches in Zagori date from the 17–18th centuries onwards, although some older foundations survive. In most villages the main church consists of a sizeable [[basilica]] built of stone with a wooden roof covered by [[slate]]. They are decorated by mainly Epirotan [[hagiographer]]s in the [[Byzantine]] tradition. The entrance to the church may be protected by a colonnaded  [[arcade (architecture)|arcade]]. The [[campanile]] is usually detached from the church.

=== Houses ===

Houses until the 18th century were simple rectangular dwellings, often with only a ground floor and with ancillary areas in the basement used as stables. Indeed this appears to be the style of construction of the dwellings in the excavated [[Molossian]] site near [[Vitsa]]. Houses are built of local stone and have a slate roof. The roof slates are held together without cement, only by the weight of the slates above them. The slate roof therefore requires continual upkeep, subjected as it is to heavy snowfalls during the winter months. 

That older type was developed through the 18–19th centuries into more complex styles all the way to the multi-storied [[manor house|manors]] of the wealthier families of the late 18th century. Many houses are fronted by a walled courtyard or garden. The courtyard gate is an edifice in itself, covered by a slate roof and connecting the house to the rest of the village. In addition to the house, there are ancillary buildings, usually a “''mageirio''” (kitchen), an external toilet at the furthest corner from the kitchen, and stables. The main house is built with walls up to a meter thick that may have an internal sand compartment for insulation against the cold. The house entrance opens into the foyer called “''hagiati''” which leads to adjoining rooms called “''ondas''” or “''mantzato''”. The ''hagiati'' originally was and sometimes still is a partially open area in front of the house. The name is probably derived from the [[Persian language|Persian]] word [[Persian gardens#Hayāt|Hayāt]], a style of [[Persian garden]] with pavilions or other edifices.  The ''mantzato'' is the main room for the winter months with a fireplace, a “''tavla''” (table) and seating areas that can be used as beds, called “''basia''”. Opposite the fireplace there is a walled closet called “''mesantra''”. As an aid to its function, the ''mantzato'' often has a location in the south of the house. 

A usually wooden staircase leads from the ''hagiati'' to the upper floor landing called “''krevatta''”. This is a space between the bedrooms. In rare cases, the '' krevatta'' opens into a small balcony covered by a wooden roof. “''Glavané''” is a small entrance to the [[attic]]. The basement of the house contains cellars and other storage areas that may be used as additional quarters for animals.

Few of the old [[manor house|manors]] survive, most having fallen victim to disrepair.  In those that survive, the ''ondas'' room is the most spacious, has a large fireplace and may have floral [[fresco]]es. It was used for the reception of guests.

== The Vikos Gorge ==
{{Main|Vikos–Aoös National Park}}

[[File:Vikos Gorge from Beloe.jpg|thumb|View of Vikos Gorge from Beloe.]]

As the heart of the [[Vikos–Aoös National Park]], the [[Vikos Gorge]] is the largest and most picturesque among the gorges of Zagori. The [[Vikos Gorge]] collects the waters of a number of small rivers that form the Voidomatis river which flows through the gorge. The [[Vikos Gorge]] at 990m deep is one of the deepest in the world, indeed the deepest in proportion to its width. The [[Vikos Gorge]] is also a site of major scientific interest, because it is in almost virgin condition, is a haven for endangered species and contains many and varied ecosystems.

==Municipality and villages==
The municipality Zagori was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 5 former municipalities, that became municipal units (constituent communities in brackets):<ref name=Kallikratis/>
*[[Central Zagori]] (Agios Minas, [[Ano Pedina]], Aristi, Asprangeloi, [[Vitsa]], Dikoryfo, Dilofo, Dipotamo, Elati, Elafotopos, Kaloutas, [[Kato Pedina]], Manassis, Mesovouni, [[Monodendri, Ioannina|Monodendri]]
*[[East Zagori]] (Agia Paraskevi, Anthrakitis, Greveniti, Demati, Doliani, Elatochori, Itea, Kavallari, Karyes, Kastanon, Makrino, Petra, Potamia, Tristeno, Flambourari)
*[[Papigko]]
*[[Tymfi, Greece|Tymfi]] ([[Vradeto]], Vrysochori, [[Iliochori]], [[Kapesovo]], [[Kipoi, Ioannina|Kipoi]], [[Koukouli, Ioannina|Koukouli]], Laista, Leptokarya, Negades, [[Skamneli]], [[Tsepelovo]], Frangades)
*[[Vovousa]]

==Famous Zagorites==
===Art===
*[[John Cassavetes]],actor and director.
*[[Marika Kotopouli]], actress.
*[[Alekos Sakellarios]], director.
*[[Dimitrios Kotopoulis]], actor.
*[[Dimitrios Myrat]], actor {{Citation needed|date=November 2008}}

===Commerce and Philanthropy===
*[[Manthos and Georgios Rizaris]], benefactors, merchants, members of [[Filiki Eteria]] and founders of the [[Rizarios Hieratical School]] in [[Athens]].
*[[Konstantinos and Pavlos Paschalis]], benefactors from Kapesovo.
*[[Aggeliki Papazoglou]], benefactor.
*[[Alexios Plakidas]], merchant and benefactor.
*[[Konstantinos Rantos]], merchant and member of the Filiki Eteria.

===Education and Literature===
*[[Methodios Anthrakites]] (1660–1736), scholar and priest.
*[[Neophytos Doukas]] (1760–1845), scholar.
*[[Georgios Gennadios]] (1786–1854), scholar.
*[[Anastasios Sakellarios]], director of [[Zosimea]] School (1833–1862) of Ioannina.
*[[Angelos Kitsos]] (1934–2008), f. president of [[Rizarios Foundation]]
*[[Konstantinos Lazarides]], scholar and botanologist.

===Politics===
*[[Manthos Iconomou|Manthos Oikonomou]], chancellor of [[Ali Pasha]], member of [[Filiki Eteria]].
*[[Michael Dukakis]]<ref>[http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE3DC1138F934A25753C1A96E948260 NY Times]</ref>, US politician and Democratic presidential nominee in 1988
*[[Louca Katseli]], member of the [[Greek Parliament]]
*[[Lefteris Zagoritis]], member of the [[Greek Parliament]] and secretary of the [[New Democracy (Greece)|New Democracy]] party.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Sources==
*{{cite web | last=Amanatidou |first=Despoina | title=A case study in Vikos-Aoos National Park – Greece | format=PDF | url=http://www.freidok.uni-freiburg.de/volltexte/2378/pdf/DespoinaAmanatidouDissertation.pdf |year= 2005| accessdate=2009-07-27  |work=[[University of Freiburg]]}}

== External links ==
* http://www.zagori.info Zagori Tourist, travel and hotels guide
* http://www.e-zagori.gr Zagori topology, agrotourism, ecology
* http://www.zagoroxoria.gr Everything about Zagori:Tourist guide & Reservations

{{Kallikratis-Epirus}}
{{Villages of Zagori}}

[[Category:Regions of Greece]]
[[Category:Epirus (periphery)]]
[[Category:History of Greece]]
[[Category:Municipalities in the Ioannina Prefecture]]

[[el:Ζαγόρι]]
[[it:Zagori (Epiro)]]
[[he:זגוריה]]
[[nl:Zagori]]
[[sk:Zagori]]