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History Of Alexandroupoli

Alexandroupoli, the capital of the Regional Unit of Evros in Thrace, is a city with a rich history and strategic importance, which extends from antiquity to modern times. Over the centuries, the region has passed through the hands of the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, and each cultural period has left its own imprint on the city. In ancient times, the region was known for the city of Doriscos, which was a strategic hub in Xerxes’ campaign. After the Ottoman rule, the city experienced a special development with the establishment of its port, which facilitated trade and communication with the rest of the world.

Alexandroupoli was incorporated into Greek territory in 1920, after the Treaty of Neuilly and the Balkan Wars, while the refugee settlement and population exchange in 1923 brought new social and demographic rearrangements. In modern times, Alexandroupolicontinues to develop economically and culturally, maintaining its strategic importance as a commercial and transport center of the region, while its port and air links make it an important hub for the Balkans and the Mediterranean.

Neolithic period (4500-3000 BC)

Human habitation in the area of present-day Alexandroupoli.

 

Bronze Age (3000-1050 BC)

Appearance of Thracian tribes, such as the Kikones, and development of megalithic monuments.

 
 

 

 

M.Ö. 7. yüzyıl

Establishment of Samothracian Peraea by settlers from Samothrace, with important cities such as Mesimbria, Zoni and Salis.

M.Ö. 5. yüzyıl

Sali and Zoni pay tribute to the Athenian Alliance.

Roman period

The area becomes a parking and horse changing area. Traianoupoliemerges as the main city.

Byzantine period

The area becomes strategically important due to its proximity to Constantinople. Cities such as Traianoupoli and Vira flourish.

 
 

 

 

19th century

Establishment of the settlement of Dede-Agats by fishermen.

1871

Construction of the railway and rapid development of Dede-Agats.

1878

Dede-Agats passes to Russia by the Treaty of St. Stephen.

 
 

 

 

1885
The region is annexed to Bulgaria.
1912

Bulgarian troops occupied the region during the First Balkan War.

1913

The area is ceded to Bulgaria by the Treaty of Bucharest.

 
 

 

 

1919

The region is incorporated into Greece by the Treaty of Neuilly.

 
 

 

 

14 May 1920

Official liberation of Alexandroupoli and union with Greece.

 
 

 

 

1923

Treaty of Lausanne, ratifying the union of Western Thrace with Greece.

 
 

 

 

World War II (1941-1944)

Bulgarian occupation of Alexandroupoli.

 
 

 

 

Savaştan Sonraki Dönem

Economic and demographic development of the city.

 
 

 

 

2011

implementation of the Kallikrates Programme and the creation of the new Municipality of Alexandroupoli by merging the former municipalities of Alexandroupoli, Traianoupoli and Feres.

 
 

 

 

Today

Alexandroupoli is an important economic and cultural hub of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, with a developed tourist infrastructure and a high quality of life.