Talk:Alexandroupolis

Greece Mid‑importance

	Greece portal This article is within the scope of WikiProject Greece, a collaborative effort to improve the coverage of Greece on Wikipedia. If you would like to participate, please visit the project page, where you can join the discussion and see a list of open tasks.GreeceWikipedia:WikiProject GreeceTemplate:WikiProject GreeceGreek articles
Mid	This article has been rated as Mid-importance on the project's importance scale.

Cities

This article is within the scope of WikiProject Cities, a collaborative effort to improve the coverage of cities, towns and various other settlements on Wikipedia. If you would like to participate, please visit the project page, where you can join the discussion and see a list of open tasks.CitiesWikipedia:WikiProject CitiesTemplate:WikiProject CitiesWikiProject Cities articles

Turkish name

There's a convention put down by Wikipedia and we have to adhere to it wether we like it or not. It clearly states how the names should be place in the article. In this case they should be both in the first line. Regards DeliDumrul 17:37, 25 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Regarding Mywayy's changes on the alternative names of the city, referred discussion and talk pages does not point any concensus on the naming of subject cities. Nonetheless, we should be arranging our articles by the book not by one group or the others desire. Therefore, not seek a concensus when there is already a convention. DeliDumrul 00:14, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

What makes u believe that we should have both names in the first line of this article? --Hectorian 00:23, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

See Edirne. ;) —Khoikhoi 00:26, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Some users are arguing that if Istanbul does not have the Greek name in the first line then the Greek cities should not have Turkish names either. There's a long discussion going on in the Istanbul talk page about what should be done about it. Moving the alternative name in this article with an argument based on what is done in Istanbul article would be a little like performing a retribution (pls excuse my choice on the word, I couldn't find a better way to point it out). I don't understand why we don't go by the book but try to find ways around it. DeliDumrul 00:49, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Speaking about Istanbul, i really cannot understand why it bothers some users so much if the greek name is mentioned in the first line... What they may think? that this would make the city less turkish?! i really see no reason to have the turkish name in this article's first line if we don't put the greek in Istanbul's first line... And if the reason, according to some editors, is that 'the case is later on discussed' or 'there is another article about the name, i am ready to create articles about the different names in other languages of the greek places in Western Thrace and the Aegean, or to create paragraphs mentioning them in the existing articles... Lets be honest, no 'book' or 'rule' prohibits the mentioning of the name 'Κωνσταντινούπολη' in the first line of Istanbul. --Hectorian 00:59, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I'm copying this from Istanbul talk page, just to address your comment on the 'book':

From the second paragraph of Wikipedia:Naming conventions (geographic names);

Relevant foreign language names[3] are permitted and should be listed in alphabetic order of their respective languages, i.e.: (Armenian: name1, Belarusian: name2, Czech: name3). Alternatively, all alternative names can be moved to and explained in a names section immediately following the lead. In this case, the redundant list of the names in the article's first line should be replaced with the following text: (known also by several alternative namesNames). Once such a section or paragraph is created, the alternative English or foreign names should not be moved back to the first line. .

What I'm trying to say is that there is a page for the alternative names already. As the convention suggests the first line should not contain other names if such a section (in this case a section would be too long to include in the article itself) is created.

Having said that, we shouldn't discuss Istanbul on this page. DeliDumrul 01:15, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

They're basically saying a separate section for the alternate names is necessary once there are too many in the lead (see Nagorno-Karabakh for example. If all you need to add to the article is just the Turkish and Bulgarian name, then you don't need new section. See Gdańsk, for example. —Khoikhoi 01:20, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

In Gdansk, Poles and German editors agreed, in such a degree that Gdańsk has been used a lot as an example... but of course, in the case discussed, we have to do with Istanbul... and some editors will never allow the greek name been there...

To DeliDumrul: u were the one to begin the discussion here, and u mentioned Istanbul first. now, u are asking not to talk about it here... --Hectorian 01:39, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

I mentioned Istanbul in response to Mywayyy's edit summary. I shouldn't have, my bad. DeliDumrul 03:41, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Now that someone has determined to block the page

Would that someone correct the word "inhabits" in the population statistics to "inhabitants". Further evidence that blocking pages just leaves an article in an unworthy state. Carlossuarez46 21:33, 26 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Done. -- Ricky81682 (talk) 02:38, 27 June 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Unprotecting

This article seems to have been protected over a small dispute. There has been no discussion in several weeks. I'm unprotecting. --Tony Sidaway 22:47, 16 July 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Adding an external link

i wish to add an external link concerning Alexandroupoli's history [www.emthrace.org] thank you. -unsigned 07-February-2007

01-April-2007: I noted the above webpage-URL links the Ethnological Museum of Thrace, and has an English webpage ("http://www.emthrace.org/en/"), so I added it to the article in External links. -Wikid77 21:53, 1 April 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Other issues

[ Place untitled issues here. -Wikid77]

Fair use rationale for Image:Alexandroupolis.jpg

Image:Alexandroupolis.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.

Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.

If there is other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.

BetacommandBot 01:33, 24 July 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Name in English

I am a bit perplexed why the article uses the transliteration of the Greek name rather than the common English name for the city. Is there a reason, or that's just how the article started out? A spot check of guidebooks, history books, and atlases on my shelf shows only Alexandroupolis. (often with an accent mark) Google returns about 5-6 times as many hits for Alexandroupolis as for Alexandroupoli. Can we move the article to the English name? Jd2718 00:19, 23 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Alexandroupoli is the way all of my maps translate the name from Greek to English. It's basically a direct translation. It could go either way, the city of Alexandroupoli spells it both ways on its city website:[1]!!!! So...?!?! ^{El Greco (talk · contribs)} 01:23, 23 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Just to clarify - I canvassed the 4 or so most recent serious looking editors from this page. I have offered an opinion, but if there is consensus to keep, then there's consensus to keep. And thanks, I looked at the website. Both ways, huh? Jd2718 01:46, 23 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Both ways in the fact that in Greek at the top of the page, they spell it as Alexandroupolis with an s and when you click on the English version of the page, it says Alexandroupoli in the text fields. ^{El Greco (talk · contribs)} 14:12, 23 September 2007 (UTC)[reply]

That's due to possessive vs. non-possessive uses. The use at the top of the page is "Municipality of Alexandroupoli" ("Dimos Alexandroupolis"), which in Greek (unlike English) is a possessive construction, so it gets the possessive form, Alexandroupolis. You might have a house stin Alexandroupoli ("in Alexandroupoli"), but would admire the architecture tis Alexandroupolis ("of Alexandroupoli"). Similar things happen to other cities' names; for example, the Municipality of Thessaloniki becomes "Dimos Thessalonikis". --Delirium (talk) 00:33, 9 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the bit of Greek grammar. However, the difference is, how is it commonly referred to in English? Alexandroupolis is most common. Thessaloniki is most common. It's not our job to change usage. Jd2718 (talk) 00:37, 9 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, I agree with that. Clearly -is is the more common name in English, and so I'd support that move. That's due to a completely different bit of grammar; the word polis has become poli in modern Greek, but English has mostly retained the -polis transliterations (e.g. acropolis is acropoli in modern Greek, but not in English). Sorry for the digression; I got caught up in explaining why the official website seemed to be inconsistent in its usage. --Delirium (talk) 00:48, 9 December 2007 (UTC)[reply]

Turkish name

I am adding the Turkish name to the initial sentence as per Edirne. If somebody thinks that is not appropriate, please explain here first. Filanca (talk) 20:14, 5 June 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Looking at Wikipedia:Naming conventions (Greek and Turkish named places) and Wikipedia:Naming conventions (geographic names), both seem to indicate that Turkish names are allowed in the lead section. I must admit, this means that all the reversions I've done up to now have been in error. Needless to say, I would be really happy if someone could clear this up, what about User:Future Perfect at Sunrise and User:Dr.K.? Pjposullivan (talk) 01:32, 6 August 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Having been pinged for an opinion here, I should probably say that my own thinking on this kind of issue has come to differ a bit from what the WP:NCGN guideline proposed (last time I looked). For me, the most crucial thing is that we should not misuse the issue of mentioning or not mentioning a local name as a means of acknowledging (or refusing to acknowledge) the existence of a local minority that speaks that language, or the role of a local speech community for the history of some place, etc. Names in lead sentences are not to be used as symbolic signs of ethnic territory-marking. The one and only real criterion for giving high visibility to a name variant is whether or not it has been in use in English. In this case, since the place was known exclusively as Dedeagac(h) in English (and all other languages) for half a century between its foundation and its official renaming to Alexandroupoli, it is unsurprising that such usage in English can in fact be found [2], so I would tend to support its inclusion. Whether or not its treatment in the "names" section below is enough to make a mentioning in the lead superfluous is a matter of editorial discretion. Fut.Perf. ☼ 08:54, 6 August 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you Future Perfect at Sunrise. I didn't read WP:NCGN properly the first time, and I now see the importance of the names section. Your words here and Dr.K.'s on my talk page have cleared it up for me. Thanks again, Pjposullivan (talk) 19:49, 6 August 2014 (UTC)[reply]

External links modified

Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified 3 external links on Alexandroupoli. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

This message was posted before February 2018. After February 2018, "External links modified" talk page sections are no longer generated or monitored by InternetArchiveBot. No special action is required regarding these talk page notices, other than regular verification using the archive tool instructions below. Editors have permission to delete these "External links modified" talk page sections if they want to de-clutter talk pages, but see the RfC before doing mass systematic removals. This message is updated dynamically through the template {{source check}} (last update: 5 June 2024).

If you have discovered URLs which were erroneously considered dead by the bot, you can report them with this tool.
If you found an error with any archives or the URLs themselves, you can fix them with this tool.

Cheers.—InternetArchiveBot (Report bug) 04:34, 22 May 2017 (UTC)[reply]

External links modified

Hello fellow Wikipedians,

I have just modified one external link on Alexandroupoli. Please take a moment to review my edit. If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. I made the following changes:

Added {{dead link}} tag to http://alex.eled.duth.gr/Eldoseis/Koukos/orfeas/file22.htm
Added archive https://web.archive.org/web/20110531100744/http://www.evroshotels.gr/webcam.php to http://www.evroshotels.gr/webcam.php

When you have finished reviewing my changes, you may follow the instructions on the template below to fix any issues with the URLs.

This message was posted before February 2018. After February 2018, "External links modified" talk page sections are no longer generated or monitored by InternetArchiveBot. No special action is required regarding these talk page notices, other than regular verification using the archive tool instructions below. Editors have permission to delete these "External links modified" talk page sections if they want to de-clutter talk pages, but see the RfC before doing mass systematic removals. This message is updated dynamically through the template {{source check}} (last update: 5 June 2024).

If you have discovered URLs which were erroneously considered dead by the bot, you can report them with this tool.
If you found an error with any archives or the URLs themselves, you can fix them with this tool.

Cheers.—InternetArchiveBot (Report bug) 05:49, 1 July 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Commons files used on this page have been nominated for speedy deletion

The following Wikimedia Commons files used on this page have been nominated for speedy deletion:

You can see the reasons for deletion at the file description pages linked above. —Community Tech bot (talk) 15:52, 15 August 2019 (UTC)[reply]

Turkish name 2

Hello Simosalex7poli, I see that you regularly delete the Turkish name from the page. Firstly, Dedeağaç is the original name of the city before it was replaced with the Greek name, as you can see in the Name section. It is even included in the lead in the Greek version of the article. Dedeağaç is still a very common name for the city. Even Bulgarian and Macedonian versions use the Turkish name. Also, Greek names are commonly referred in the lead of Turkish cities. Look at: Mersin, Antalya, Amasya, Bursa... Thank you. Dijkstra (talk) 16:02, 6 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

To repeat the sections above, and reference Wikipedia:Naming conventions (geographic names) again, if there is a section on the name of the city, then the other names of the city go there, not in the lead section. Pjposullivan (talk) 19:50, 6 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

The original name of the city is Alexandroupoli. Dedeagaç was the city's name before 100 years. Simosalex7poli (talk) 14:23, 7 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Turkish name should stay in the lead. It is a still widely used common name. The guideline you mentioned has nothing to do with this. You can just look at articles of Turkish cities, almost all of them contain the Greek, Armenian, Kurdish etc. names in the lead and it should be like this. ~~Removing the history just you don't like it won't do Wikipedia any good.~~ Dijkstra (talk) 11:16, 9 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Thank you Dijkstra for going with the guidelines, convention and consensus, that as there is a name section, all alternative names go there, not in the lead section. Those Turkish cities probably do not have a section on their names. The history of the city goes in that section, not the lead. Happy editing, Pjposullivan (talk) 13:40, 9 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

@Pjposullivan, Thank you as well for your constructive replies. However, I couldn't find the section in the guideline about the names in lead. Could you post the exact link? Dijkstra (talk) 22:58, 9 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

@Dijkstra, thanks, yes, I was quoting the paragraph from Wikipedia:Naming conventions (geographic names)#General guidelines, which is quoted on this page at Talk:Alexandroupoli#Turkish Name. As with everything in Wikipedia, since it was quoted here, some of the wording around it has changed, but the core sentence still remains. Hope this helps, happy editing! Best regards, Pjposullivan (talk) 13:00, 16 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

From the guideline:

The title can be followed in the first line by a list of alternative names in parentheses, e.g.: Gulf of Finland (Estonian: Soome laht; Finnish: Suomenlahti; Russian: Финский залив, Finskiy zaliv; Swedish: Finska viken) is a large bay in the easternmost arm of the Baltic Sea.

Relevant foreign language names (one used by at least 10% of sources in the English language or that is used by a group of people which used to inhabit this geographical place) are permitted.

Dijkstra (talk) 23:10, 16 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

What you've quoted deals with the lead section, the discussion above quotes from the second paragraph of the guidelines: All alternative names can be moved to and explained in a names section immediately following the lead. In this case, the redundant list of the names in the article's first line should be replaced with the following text: (known also by several alternative namesNames). Once such a section or paragraph is created, the alternative English or foreign names should not be moved back to the first line. Pjposullivan (talk) 09:59, 17 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Bulgarian name?

The Bulgarian name is Dedeagach. This city was for much of its history under Bulgarian rule. Would it be appropriate if the Bulgarian name was included? --~~ BonsMans1•talk, 15:18, 27 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, it is included. In the name section, where is says: It became known as Dedeağaç (Greek: Δεδεαγάτς; Turkish: Dedeağaç [dedeˈaːtʃ]; Bulgarian: Дедеагач [dɛdɛaɡat͡ʃ]). Hope this helps, Pjposullivan (talk) 08:01, 28 August 2021 (UTC)[reply]

Filling-in bare references request

Please someone save this version (if soon), so that bare references are filled properly (take code from wikitext editing box):

{{About||the ancient city of Alexander the Great in the Thracian mainland|Alexandropolis Maedica|the Alexandropolis in Arachosia| Alexandria Arachosia}} {{Infobox Greek Dimos |name = Alexandroupoli |name_local = Αλεξανδρούπολη |image_map = 2011 Dimos Alexandroupolis.svg |periph = [[East Macedonia and Thrace]] |periphunit = [[Evros (regional unit)|Evros]] |mayor = Ioannis Zamboukis |party = {{nowrap|[[Movement for Change (Greece)|Movement for Change]]}} |area_municipality = 1217.0 |pop_municipality = 72959 |pop_municunit = 61702 |area_municunit = 642.2 |pop_community = 57.812 |population_as_of = 2011 |elevation = |coordinates = {{coord|40|51|N|25|52|E|format=dms|display=inline,title}} |postal_code = 681 00 |area_code = 25510 |licence = ΕΒ |website = [http://www.alexpolis.gr www.alexpolis.gr] |image_skyline =Αλεξανδρούπολη.jpg |caption_skyline = The lighthouse at the promenade, symbol of Alexandroupoli |city_seal = |districts = |since = |elevation_min = 0 |elevation_max = 11 |georegion = [[Western Thrace|Thrace ]]}} '''Alexandroupoli''' ({{langx|el|Αλεξανδρούπολη}}, {{IPA-el|aleksanˈðrupoli|pron}}) or '''Alexandroupolis''' is a city in [[Greece]] and the capital of the [[Evros (regional unit)|Evros regional unit]]. It is the largest city in [[Western Thrace]] and the region of [[Eastern Macedonia and Thrace]]. It has 57,812 inhabitants and is an important port and commercial center of northeastern Greece.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bigbusiness.gr/index.php/oikonomia/22788-ta-sygkritika-pleonektimata-tis-aleksandroypolis-os-diametakomistiko-kentro-kai-energeiakos-komvos|title=The comparative advantages of Alexandroupolis as a transit center and energy hub|website=bigbusiness.gr|language=el-gr|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref> The city was first settled by the [[Ottoman Empire]] in the 19th century and grew into a fishing village, Dedeağaç. In 1873, it became a ''kaza'' and one year later, it was promoted to a ''[[Sanjak of Dedeağaç|sanjak]]''. Thus, the city developed into a regional trading center. Later, it became a part of [[Adrianople Vilayet]]. During the [[Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)]], it was briefly captured by the Russians. Ottoman rule ended with the [[First Balkan War]], as the city was captured by [[Kingdom of Bulgaria|Bulgaria]] in 1912. In the [[Second Balkan War]], [[Kingdom of Greece|Greece]] took the control of the city. However, with the [[Treaty of Bucharest (1913)|Treaty of Bucharest]] (10 August 1913), the city returned back to Bulgaria. With the defeat of Bulgaria in [[World War I]], the city came under Greek control for the second time. In 1920, the city was renamed to honour the King of Greece, [[Alexander of Greece|Alexander]]. With the [[Treaty of Lausanne]] in 1923, Alexandroupoli became an official part of Greece. According to [[Herodotus]] the modern city is near the site of ancient [[Sale (Thrace)|Sale]],<ref>D. C. Samsaris, Historical Geography of Western Thrace during the Roman Antiquity (in Greek), Thessaloniki 2005, p. 126</ref> a [[Colonies in antiquity|colony]] of [[Samothrace]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.xanthi.ilsp.gr/thraki/history/his.asp?perioxhid=R0001|title = Θρακικός Ηλεκτρονικός Θησαυρός - Ιστορία}}</ref> The zone of Alexandroupolis, as well as the whole area from the [[Evros (river)|Evros]] Delta to [[Lake Vistonida]] and the foothills of [[Rhodope Mountains]], was inhabited by [[Cicones]]. Cicones were Thracian people, with whom, according to mythology, [[Odysseus]] and his comrades clashed on their return from [[Troy]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thracian online treasure - History|url=http://www.xanthi.ilsp.gr/thraki/history/his.asp?perioxhid=R0001|access-date=2020-06-20|website=www.xanthi.ilsp.gr}}</ref> Alexandroupoli benefits from its position at the centre of land and sea routes connecting Greece with [[Turkey]].<ref name=visit>{{Cite web|url=http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/mainland/alexandroupolis|title = Alexandroupolis}}</ref> Landmarks in Alexandroupoli include the city's lighthouse in the port, the archaeological sites of the [[Zone (colony)|Mesimvria Zone]], the city's waterfront (the centre of commercial activity), the Ethnological Museum of Thrace, the thermal springs (Hana) of [[Traianoupoli]], the cave of the [[Cyclopes|Cyclops]] [[Polyphemus]] and the nearby [[Maritsa|Evros]] [[river delta|delta]].<ref name=visit/> ==Name== The modern city of Alexandroupoli was founded as a small fishing village in the early 19th century, under the [[Ottoman Empire]], by fishermen from [[Ainos (Thrace)|Ainos]] and the villages of [[Makri, Evros|Makri]] and [[Maroneia]].<ref name=visit/> It became known as '''Dedeağaç''' ({{langx|el|Δεδεαγάτς}}; {{langx|tr|Dedeağaç}} {{IPA|tr|dedeˈaːtʃ|}}; {{langx|bg|Дедеагач}} {{IPA|bg|dɛdɛaɡat͡ʃ|}}). The name supposedly comes from an old Turkish wise man (Turkish [[Dede (religious figure)|''dede'']]) who spent much of his time under the shade of a tree (''ağaç'') and was eventually buried beside it. From the first days of the city's capture (May 14, 1920), the local authorities as well as the Metropolitan, decided to rename the city from ''Dedeağaç'' to '''Neapoli''' ("new city"), as it was until then the newest Greek city.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dedeagac, Neapoli, Alexandroupoli (the topic of the city's naming)|url=https://ordoumpozanis-teo.blogspot.com/2009/05/blog-post.html|access-date=2020-06-20|website=www.ordteo.gr}}</ref> In 1920, King [[Alexander I of Greece]] visited the city, and the local authorities renamed the city '''Alexandroupoli''' ("city of Alexander") in his honor, with the approval of the central government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.visitthraki.gr/θρακη/οικισμοι/αλεξανδρούπολη/,%20https://www.visitthraki.gr/%ce%b8%cf%81%ce%b1%ce%ba%ce%b7/%ce%bf%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%b9%cf%83%ce%bc%ce%bf%ce%b9/%ce%b1%ce%bb%ce%b5%ce%be%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%b4%cf%81%ce%bf%cf%8d%cf%80%ce%bf%ce%bb%ce%b7/|title=Alexandroupoli - Thrace|language=el|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> ==History== === From Neolithic Period to the 19th century === [[File:IMAGE.JP2018.jpg|thumb|Ruins of the Byzantine Avandas castle ([[Avas, Greece|Avas]]) outside the city.]] Human settlements appear since the [[Neolithic Period]] (4500-3000 BC) at the southeast end of [[Western Thrace]]. In the [[Bronze Age]] (3000-1050 BC) there is no strong evidence of active city participation. During the [[Early Iron Age]] (1050-650 BC) the various [[Thracians|Thracian]] tribes appeared and settled in mountainous and, more rarely, in lowland areas. In the [[Byzantine period|Byzantine Period]], the region which covers the modern city of Alexandroupolis played a leading role, because the city bordered with [[Constantinople]] and for this reason was guarded by powerful military installations. In the following years, however, up to the 19th century, the city seems to be deserted and covered by forests and wild trees.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.patridamou.gr/?page_id=228|title=History of Alexandroupolis|access-date=2019-08-29}}</ref> === Ottoman era === [[File:Dedeagach Port Ottoman Postcard.jpg|thumb|Postcard of Dedeağaç, 1899]] The modern city was first settled in the 19th century, under the [[Ottoman Empire]]. Long used as a landing ground for fishermen from the coast of [[Samothrace]] opposite, a hamlet developed in the area during the construction of a [[railway line]] connecting [[Constantinople]] to the major cities of [[Macedonia (region)|Macedonia]] from [[Pythio|Kuleliburgaz]]. The work was part of an effort to modernise the Empire, and was assigned to engineers from [[Austria-Hungary]]. The settlement soon grew into a fishing village, Dedeağaç. In 1873, it was made the chief town of a ''[[kaza]]'', to which it gave its name, and a ''[[kaymakam]]'' was appointed to it. In 1884, it was promoted to a ''[[sanjak]]'', and the governor became a ''[[mutasarrıf]]''. In 1889, the Greek archbishopric of [[Aenus (Thrace)|Aenus]] was transferred to Dedeağaç.<ref name="EB1911">{{EB1911|inline=1 |wstitle=Dédéagatch |volume=7 |pages=917–918}}</ref> In the late 19th and early 20th century, Dedeağaç was part of the [[Adrianople Vilayet]]. ===Russo-Turkish War=== Dedeağaç was captured by the Russians during the [[Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)]], and Russian forces settled in the village. The officers in charge saw that reconstruction incorporated wide streets running parallel to each other, allowing the quick advance of troops, and avoided [[cul-de-sac]]s. This was very unlike the narrow alleys, [[cobblestone|cobble]]d streets, and dead-ends that were characteristic of Ottoman cities at the time. The city returned to Ottoman control by the end of the war, but the brief Russian presence had a lasting effect on the design of Alexandroupoli's streets.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.e-evros.gr/gr/eidhseis/3/h-istoria-ths-ale3androypolhs-kai-h-apeley8erwsh-ths/post13749|title=The history and liberation of Alexandroupoli|website=e-evros.gr|language=el|access-date=2019-08-21}}</ref> ===Balkan Wars=== The building of a railway station in Dedeağaç led to the development of the village into a town, and a minor trade centre by the end of the century. The town became the seat of a ''[[pasha]]'' as the capital of a ''[[Sanjak of Dedeağaç|sanjak]]''. Ottoman control of the town lasted until the [[Balkan Wars]]. On 8 November 1912, Dedeağaç and its station was captured by [[Kingdom of Bulgaria|Bulgaria]]n forces with the assistance of the [[Hellenic Navy]]. Bulgaria and Greece were allies during the [[First Balkan War]], but opponents in the [[Second Balkan War]]. Dedeağaç was captured by [[Hellenic Army|Greek forces]] on 11 July 1913. The [[Treaty of Bucharest, 1913|Treaty of Bucharest]] (10 August 1913) however, determined that Dedeağaç would be returned to Bulgaria along with the rest of [[Western Thrace]]. In September 1913, after the end of the [[Second Balkan War]], about 12,000 Bulgarian refugees took refuge in the outskirts of the city. They were from 17 different villages all over the [[Western Thrace]] fleeing ethnic cleansing.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.promacedonia.org/bmark/lm_tr/lm_tr_15e.htm|title=L. Miletich - Razorenieto.. - 15 e|website=www.promacedonia.org}}</ref> ===World War I=== [[File:Military train station of Dedeagats 1893.jpg|thumb|The old military railway station (''Gare Militaire'') of Alexandroupoli.|207x207px]] The defeat of Bulgaria by the [[Allies of World War I|Allies]] in [[World War I]] (1914–1918) ensured another change of hands for the town. Western Thrace was withdrawn from Bulgaria under the terms of the 1919 [[Treaty of Neuilly]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lib.byu.edu/~rdh/wwi/1918p/neuilly.html |title=Treaty of Neuilly, article 27 (3), 48 |publisher=Lib.byu.edu |access-date=2014-03-05}}</ref> Alexandroupoli was under temporary management of the [[Allies of World War I|Entente]] led by French General Charpy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1919/12/08/97703619.pdf |title=New Rule in West Thrace, The New York Times, December 8, 1919 |work=New York Times |date=1919-12-08 |access-date=2014-03-05}}</ref> In the second half of April 1920 in [[San Remo conference]] of the prime ministers of the main allies of the Entente powers (except United States), Western Thrace was given to Greece. However, Bulgaria retained the right of transit to use the port of Dedeagach to transport goods through the [[Aegean Sea]]. The change of guard between French and Greek officials occurred on May 14, 1920, in the city's Post Office.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.oldalexandroupoli.gr/2010/12/1920.html |title=Grafiki Palia Alexandroupoli |publisher=Oldalexandroupoli.gr |date=1920-05-14 |access-date=2014-03-05}}</ref> In the interior of the Post Office there is a memorial plaque concerning this event. The city was soon visited by [[Alexander of Greece]]. He was the first [[List of Kings of Greece|King of Greece]] to visit the town which was renamed in his honour.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alexpolisonline.com/p/history.html|title=The history of Alexandroupoli|website=Alexandroupoli Online|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> ===Greco-Turkish War=== Following the defeat of Greece in the [[Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922)|Greco-Turkish War]] (1919–1922), the Greek Army under [[General]] [[Theodoros Pangalos (general)|Theodoros Pangalos]] retreated from [[Eastern Thrace]] to the area of Alexandroupoli. Bulgaria used the opportunity of the Greek defeat to demand that Alexandroupoli either be returned to its control or declared a neutral zone under international control. Both demands were soundly rejected by the Greek leadership and found no support in the [[League of Nations]]. The [[Treaty of Lausanne]] (24 July 1923) affirmed the Greek sovereignty on [[Western Thrace]]. ===World War II=== During [[World War II]] (see [[Axis occupation of Greece]]), the Nazis gave Alexandroupoli to their Bulgarian partners.<ref>K.Svolopoulos, Greek Foreign Policy 1945–1981</ref> Alexandroupoli was subsequently under Bulgarian occupation between May 1941 and 1944. The city suffered destruction of its Jewish population by Bulgarian forces led by [[Alexander Belev]] and also some damage to buildings and loss of population during the war, but was largely spared the effects of the [[Greek Civil War]] (1946–1949). Forces of the communist [[Democratic Army of Greece]] in and around the town area were small and loosely organized, resulting in the absence of major battles in the area; the return of peace allowed for Alexandroupoli to grow from a town of 16,332 residents in 1951 to a city of 57,812 residents by 2011. ===Changes in local governance=== Since 1930, Alexandroupoli has been in the [[Evros (regional unit)|Evros regional unit]] in the administrative region of [[Eastern Macedonia and Thrace]], in the historical region of [[Western Thrace]]. In 2006, the province of Alexandroupoli was abolished. In 2011, the municipality of Alexandroupolis was created by the merger of three former municipalities of Alexandroupolis, [[Feres, Evros|Feres]] and [[Traianoupoli]].<ref name=Kallikratis>{{Cite web|url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL8-SrPzKAEPjjtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6hq6ZkZV96FIukI0UzcPsWCK0LpLhpa7rhiWB4R5ntTnoWw7U8E1Amg.|title=ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text|language=el|publisher=[[Government Gazette (Greece)|Government Gazette]]}}</ref> The municipality currently has an area of 1,216.954 km<sup>2</sup>,<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece |title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation) |language=el |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921212047/http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf |archive-date=2015-09-21 }}</ref> and is divided into the communities of [[Aisymi]], [[Avas, Greece|Avas]], [[Kirki, Greece|Kirki]], [[Makri, Evros|Makri]] and [[Sykorrachi railway station|Sykorrachi]]. As of May 2019, the mayor of Alexandroupolis is Ioannis Zampoukis. ==Geography== [[File:Thracian Sea.jpg|thumb|left|[[Thracian Sea]].]] Alexandroupoli is about {{convert|14.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} west of the delta of the [[Maritsa|Evros]], 40 km from the border with [[Turkey]], {{convert|346|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Thessaloniki]] on the newly constructed [[Egnatia highway]], and {{convert|750|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Athens]]. Around the city are small fishing villages like [[Makri, Evros|Makri]] and [[Dikella]] to the west, and suburban Maistros, Apalos, Antheia, Aristino, Nipsa, Loutra to the east, while north of the city are the Palagia, [[Avas, Greece|Avantas]], Aissymi, and Kirki. At the 2001 census, the main city had a population of 48,885 and the municipal unit had a population of 52,720. The current metropolitan population is estimated at around 70,000 inhabitants, and its area covers the southern portion of the regional unit, running from the [[Rhodope (regional unit)|Rhodope regional unit]] to the Evros Delta. Besides Alexandroupolis, its other largest settlements are the villages of Mákri (pop. 820), Ávas (497), Sykorráchi (309), Aisými (289), and Díkella (288). ==Climate== {{Weather box|location = Alexandroupoli (1951-2010 averages) |metric first = Yes |single line = yes |Jan record high C = 17.8 |Feb record high C = 21.4 |Mar record high C = 23.4 |Apr record high C = 27.0 |May record high C = 32.0 |Jun record high C = 36.8 |Jul record high C = 39.0 |Aug record high C = 37.4 |Sep record high C = 36.8 |Oct record high C = 32.6 |Nov record high C = 23.8 |Dec record high C = 23.2 |year record high C = 39.0 |Jan high C = 8.6 |Feb high C = 9.8 |Mar high C = 12.3 |Apr high C = 17.3 |May high C = 22.6 |Jun high C = 27.4 |Jul high C = 30.5 |Aug high C = 30.7 |Sep high C = 26.2 |Oct high C = 20.4 |Nov high C = 14.9 |Dec high C = 10.6 |year high C = 19.1 |Jan mean C = 4.8 |Feb mean C = 5.8 |Mar mean C = 8.5 |Apr mean C = 13.2 |May mean C = 18.3 |Jun mean C = 23.0 |Jul mean C = 25.6 |Aug mean C = 25.2 |Sep mean C = 21.0 |Oct mean C = 15.5 |Nov mean C = 11.0 |Dec mean C = 7.0 |year mean C = 14.9 |Jan low C = 1.4 |Feb low C = 1.8 |Mar low C = 3.7 |Apr low C = 7.2 |May low C = 11.5 |Jun low C = 15.5 |Jul low C = 18 |Aug low C = 18 |Sep low C = 14.4 |Oct low C = 10.5 |Nov low C = 6.7 |Dec low C = 3.3 |year low C = 9.0 |Jan record low C = −13.2 |Feb record low C = −14.0 |Mar record low C = −13.6 |Apr record low C = −2.4 |May record low C = 1.0 |Jun record low C = 7.0 |Jul record low C = 9.0 |Aug record low C = 8.4 |Sep record low C = 0.0 |Oct record low C = −2.0 |Nov record low C = −6.2 |Dec record low C = −8.8 |year record low C = −14.0 |precipitation colour = green |Jan precipitation mm = 63.3 |Feb precipitation mm = 56.3 |Mar precipitation mm = 48.6 |Apr precipitation mm = 35.1 |May precipitation mm = 36.2 |Jun precipitation mm = 28.3 |Jul precipitation mm = 19.8 |Aug precipitation mm = 13.1 |Sep precipitation mm = 27.9 |Oct precipitation mm = 51.5 |Nov precipitation mm = 82.7 |Dec precipitation mm = 82.7 |year precipitation mm = |Jan humidity = 74.9 |Feb humidity = 73.6 |Mar humidity = 73.0 |Apr humidity = 71.3 |May humidity = 68.6 |Jun humidity = 60.6 |Jul humidity = 54.4 |Aug humidity = 53.3 |Sep humidity = 59.7 |Oct humidity = 67.6 |Nov humidity = 75.2 |Dec humidity = 76.7 |year humidity = 67.4 |unit precipitation days = 1.0 mm |Jan precipitation days = 6.8 |Feb precipitation days = 6.1 |Mar precipitation days = 5.8 |Apr precipitation days = 5.5 |May precipitation days = 5.1 |Jun precipitation days = 3.4 |Jul precipitation days = 2.5 |Aug precipitation days = 1.5 |Sep precipitation days = 2.7 |Oct precipitation days = 4.6 |Nov precipitation days = 6.6 |Dec precipitation days = 8.2 |year precipitation days = 53.8 |source 1 = NOAA<ref name = NOAA>{{cite web | url = ftp://dossier.ogp.noaa.gov/GCOS/WMO-Normals/RA-VI/GR/16627.TXT | title = ALEXANDROUPOLIS Climate Normals 1961–1990 | publisher = [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration]] | access-date = January 29, 2013}}</ref> |source 2 = HNMS<ref name = HNMS>{{cite web | url = http://www.hnms.gr/emy/en/climatology/climatology_city?perifereia=East%20Macedonia%20and%20Thrace&poli=Alexandroupolis}}</ref> }} ==Transport== Alexandroupoli is accessible by air, rail, road and ferry. It has an international port, the [[Egnatia Odos (modern road)|Egnatia road]], the [[Alexandroupoli Airport|airport "Dimokritos"]] and a [[Alexandroupoli railway station|railway connection]] with other cities. There are also cycle lanes in the city centre.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://alexandroupolis-likehome.com/about-alexandroupolis/|title=About Alexandroupolis|website=alexandroupolis-likehome.com|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref> ===Airport=== [[File:Flughafen Demokritos von Alexandroupolis.jpg|thumb|[[Dimokritos Airport]]|200px]] Alexandroupoli is served by [[Dimokritos International Airport]] (IATA:AXD) in the suburbs of Apalos, about 6 km from Alexandroupoli city center. There are daily flights to [[Athens]], and also flights to [[Crete]] ([[Heraklion International Airport|Heraklion]] & [[Sitia Public Airport|Sitia]]). The airport is connected to the city by highway, taxi services, and scheduled bus services. ===Seaport=== [[File:Λιμάνι Αλεξανδρούπολης.jpg|thumb|200px|Port of Alexandroupoli|alt=|left]] The port of Alexandroupolis has been used principally by travelers and there are daily services to the islands of [[Samothrace]] and [[Lemnos]]. Due to its strategic location on NATO's eastern flank, it has important military logistical significance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.army.mil/article/248667/atlantic_resolve_rotation_demonstrates_strategic_importance_of_seaport_in_alexandroupoli_greece|title=Atlantic Resolve rotation demonstrates strategic importance of seaport in Alexandroupoli, Greece|website=www.army.mil}}</ref> ===Railway=== [[File:Bahnhof Alexandroupolis.jpg|thumb|200x200px|[[Alexandroupoli railway station|Alexandroupolis railway station]]|alt=]] Alexandroupoli has one railway station: [[Alexandroupoli railway station|Alexandroupoli]] or Alexandroupoli Port. It is served by trains to [[Thessaloniki]] and to [[Dikaia]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.trainose.gr/sites/default/files/news/uploads/ethniko_diktyo.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119112719/http://www.trainose.gr/sites/default/files/news/uploads/ethniko_diktyo.pdf|url-status=dead|title=TrainOSE schedule|archive-date=January 19, 2013}}</ref> There is an extensive network of train and bus replacements services throughout the region of [[Evros (regional unit)|Evros]]. There were railway connections to [[Burgas]] in Bulgaria and to [[Edirne]] and [[Istanbul]] in Turkey, but those were suspended. === Road transport === [[Egnatia Odos (modern road)|Egnatia Odos]] is the largest main road that passes through Alexandroupolis. It connects the city with [[Igoumenitsa]], [[Ioannina]], [[Kozani]], [[Grevena]], [[Veria]], [[Thessaloniki]], [[Kavala]], [[Xanthi]] and [[Komotini]] to the west and [[Kipoi, Evros|Kipoi of Evros]] to the east. There are also bus routes of the Evros Bus Service connecting Alexandroupoli with the cities of Komotini, Xanthi, Kavala and Thessaloniki. There are also some bus routes that connect Alexandroupoli directly with [[Athens]]. There is also a frequent daily connection with the other regions of [[Evros (regional unit)|Evros]] ([[Feres, Evros|Feres]], [[Soufli]], [[Didymoteicho]], [[Orestiada]], etc.). === Urban Transport === The residents of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis are transported by the Urban Bus Service of Alexandroupolis with 15 routes.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Urban transport routes|url=https://astikoktel.gr/%ce%b4%cf%81%ce%bf%ce%bc%ce%bf%ce%bb%ce%bf%ce%b3%ce%b9%ce%b1/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-02|website=ΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΚΤΕΛ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥΠΟΛΗΣ|language=el}}</ref> Through the city buses, the city centre is connected to the [[Democritus University of Thrace|University]] buildings, the Hospital, the Airport and surrounding areas such as: Maistros, [[Makri, Evros|Makri]] (and Agia Paraskevi Beach), Palagia, [[Traianoupoli|Loutra]], Nipsa, [[Mesambria (Aegean Sea)|Mesembria]], [[Avas, Greece|Avas]], [[Amfitriti]], [[Aisymi]], [[Dikella]] and Apalos. Since November 2020, 3 Municipal Transport routes have been added,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Municipal transport routes|url=https://astikoktel.gr/%ce%b4%ce%b7%ce%bc%ce%bf%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%ba%ce%b7-%cf%83%cf%85%ce%b3%ce%ba%ce%bf%ce%b9%ce%bd%cf%89%ce%bd%ce%b9%ce%b1/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-02|website=ΑΣΤΙΚΟ ΚΤΕΛ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥΠΟΛΗΣ|language=el}}</ref> connecting the city centre with three districts of the city's urban complex: Poimenidi, Agios Vasileios and Altinalmazi Park. == Health == === Alexandroupolis University General Hospital (PGNA) === The Hospital of Alexandroupolis was founded in 1939 under the name "Alexandroupolis State Hospital". According to the first organization chart, the hospital was divided into two services, Medicine and Administration. The staff of the hospital at that time was 26 people, ie 13 administrative staff, 5 scientific and 8 nursing staff. In 1987 it was co-located with the Department of Medicine of [[Democritus University of Thrace]]. In 2002, the merger of the University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis and the General Hospital of Alexandroupolis was completed in one unit under the name "University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis". The following subsidiary organizations and services are under its jurisdiction: Medical Center of [[Soufli]], Medical Center of [[Samothrace]] (including the Regional Clinics), Technological Education of First Cycle of Nursing (Nursing School). It operates in a building complex with a total area of 93,544 sq.m., within a plot of 200,000 sq.m., the largest hospital ever built in Greece, and covers the needs of the wider region of [[Eastern Macedonia and Thrace]]. The total capacity of the hospital is 673 beds.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Historical facts and information about the hospital of Alexandroupolis|url=https://pgna.gr/?page_id=7927|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-30|language=en-US}}</ref> === Alexandroupolis Military Hospital (216 KICHNE) === On December 24, 1953, the operation of the 216th Mobile Campaign Surgical Hospital (KICHNE) began under the administration of Dr. Kampakis Vassilios at the Alexander the Great Camp. The mission of the hospital was to provide treatment to officers and hoplites of local units. In 1960 it stopped receiving patients, became a Recruited Unit and in April 1962 it was transferred to the current Patsouka Camp, while it was receiving and treating pathological and surgical patients. Since 1974 the hospital has been treating and examining patients of the [[12th Mechanized Infantry Division (Greece)|12th Mechanized Infantry Division "Evros"]]. In 1996 it was renamed to 492 General Military Hospital and operated under this name until 2011. Since August 1, 2011 it operates as 216 KICHNE.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History {{!}} 216 KICHNE|url=https://216kixne.army.gr/node/136|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-30|website=216kixne.army.gr}}</ref> == Media== <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vrisko.gr/dir-cat/mesa-mazikis-enimerosis/aleksandroypoli|title=Media in Alexandroupolis, Evros|website=vrisko|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref> === Television === There are 3 regional television stations operating in Alexandroupolis: Delta TV, Thraki NET (Thrace Television Network), ALFA TV. === Press === '''''Daily active newspapers''''' * Eleftheri Thraki (Free Thrace) * I Gnomi tis Thrakis (The opinion of Thrace) '''''Weekly active newspapers''''' * Mahitis tou Evrou (Fighter of Evros) * Politis tis Thrakis (Citizen of Thrace) * Thraki Press (Thrace Press) === Radio === The main Radio Stations broadcasting from Alexandroupoli are: * NRG * Polis * Status Radio * Thraki Fm * Heat Radio * Delta Fm * Kanali 5 (Channel 5) * Radio Dee Jay * Maximum * Yparho * Radio Elpida * Radio Alfa === Sites === Local information in electronic form is done through the pages "e-evros", "Alexpolisonline", "evros24" and "evrosnews". == Culture == === Wine Festival === [[File:Konstantinos Altinalmazis.jpg|thumb|right|Konstantinos Altinalmazis, mayor (1925-1941)|140x140px]] Until 80s in the city, the Wine Festival was held under the auspices of the [[Greek National Tourism Organization]] (EOT). This celebration revived after 25 years, in the summer of 2013 at the initiative of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis and is the city's greatest cultural event. The city's and [[Evros (regional unit)|Evros's regional unit]] cultural associations offer red and white local wine along with various meats.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://greece.greekreporter.com/2013/08/05/after-25-years-alexandroupoli-wines-again/|title=After 25 Years, Alexandroupoli Wines Again {{!}} GreekReporter.com|last=Korologou|first=Maria|date=5 August 2013|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref> === Ecopark "Altinalmazis" === Since May 2017, Alexandroupolis has a new 1400-seat garden theatre in "Ecopark Altinalmazis ", where various cultural events such as theatrical performances and concerts are held. It has an area of 135,597 sq.m. (80 acres) and has a refreshment, walkways, green spaces and kiosks. This park is named after Konstantinos Altinalmazis, Alexandroupolis's longest-serving mayor (1925–29, 1929–33, 1933–37,1937-41).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.e-evros.gr/gr/pages/20477/oikoparko-altinalmazh-ale3androypolh|title=Ecopark "Altinalmazis" - Alexandroupoli|last=e-evros.gr|website=e-evros.gr|language=el|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref> Each year, in the summer on the coast avenue of King Alexander, book exhibition is held, and every two years near the harbor the international trade fair "Alexpo" is organized.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.evros24.gr/anoixe-tis-pyles-tis-i-18i-diethni-emporiki-ekthesi-alexpo-2018/|title=Opened the 18th International Trade Fair 2018 ALEXPO|date=2018-06-16|website=evros24.gr|language=el|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref> On 14 May each year, the annexation of the city and [[Western Thrace|Thrace]] to Greece is celebrated by a parade. The city's patron saint is [[Saint Nicholas|Saint Nikolaos]], whose feast is celebrated on 6 December each year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alexpolisonline.com/2012/05/14.html|title=14th May, Alexandroupoli celebrates the freedom of the city|website=Alexandroupoli Online|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.alexpolisonline.com/2012/12/ton-poliouxo-tis-agio-nikolao-tima-i-alexandroupoli.html|title=Alexandroupoli celebrates the patron of the city Saint Nikolaos|website=Alexandroupoli Online|access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref> == Sights == [[File:Φάρος της Αλεξανδρούπολης .jpg|thumb|180px|Alexandroupoli's lighthouse, symbol of the city]] === The Lighthouse of Alexandroupoli === Attraction and symbol of the city is the Lighthouse (recognized as a cultural heritage monument in 2013) located on the city's promenade (Megalou Alexandrou Street). It was built in 1850 and started operating in 1880, built on the western side of the city's harbor to facilitate the coasting of local sailors who traveled to the area of [[Hellespont]]. It is on a cylindrical pedestal and is 27 meters from the average sea level and 18 meters from the ground, making it one of the tallest lighthouses in [[Greece]]. It operates with electricity and its distinctive feature is its light beam reaching 24 nautical miles (approximately 44 km) and three white blinks every 15 seconds.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.e-evros.gr/en/pages/98/alexandroupolis-lighthouse|title=Alexandroupolis Lighthouse|website=e-evros.gr|language=el|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> [[File:Pink flamingos of Delta.jpg|thumb|left|Delta of Evros|230x230px|alt=]] === Evros Delta National Park === Just 20 miles from the city, the [[Evros (river)|Evros]] Delta is one of Europe's most important habitats with 200,000-acre area, which is on the list of protected areas of the [[Ramsar Convention|International Ramsar Convention (1971)]] due to the significant and rare species of plants (more than 300 species), fauna (40 species of mammals, 28 species of reptiles and 46 species of fish) and birds(320 species). Part of the Delta has been designated as a [[Special Protection Area]] and is proposed as a Site of Community Interest in the [[Natura 2000 Network]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wwf.gr/en/areas/360-projects/evros|title=EVROS-The Evros Delta|website=www.wwf.gr|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref>[[File:Ethnological Museum Alexandroupolis.jpg|thumb|The building of the Ethnological Museum of Thrace in Alexandroupoli|alt=|left|200x200px]] === Ethnological Museum of Thrace === It is housed in a 1899 built neoclassical stone building on 14 May, 63 street, and has been operating since October 2002 to preserve historical memory in the wider geographical area of [[Western Thrace|Thrace]]. It includes exhibits on the tradition of Thrace and covers the following themes: clothing, music and worship, confectionery, bronze and earthenware, textiles, land cultivation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.emtgreece.com/en/museums/ethnological-museum-of-alexandroupolis|title=Ethnological Museum of Alexandroupolis {{!}} Eastern Macedonia - Thrace|website=www.emtgreece.com|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> === Cave of Cyclops === It is located in [[Makri, Evros|Makri]] and is a famous cave of the Cyclops [[Polyphemus]] according to local folk tradition. It has traces of use since the [[Neolithic Period|Neolithic period]] (about 4,500 BC) and today the Neolithic settlement, one of the most important in the [[Balkans]], has been discovered.[[File:IMAGE.JP2022.jpg|thumb|200px|The "Cave of Cyclops"|alt=|left]] [[File:20100626 Mesembria Temple of Apollo Thrace Greece.jpg|thumb|200px|The archaeological site of [[Mesambria (Aegean Sea)|Mesembria]]-[[Zone (colony)|Zone]]]] === Mesimbria-Zone === [[Mesambria (Aegean Sea)|Mesimbria]]-[[Zone (colony)|Zone]] is an archaeological site 20 km from Alexandroupolis. A number of coins and ruins from an ancient city, probably [[Zone (Thrace)|Zone]], have been found here. It was one of the colony-fortresses of [[Samothrace]] and flourished in the 5th and 4th centuries BC. The main buildings are: the sanctuary of [[Demeter]], the temple of [[Apollo]], the fortification wall, the walled settlement of the [[Hellenistic period|Hellenistic years]], the cemetery and the Residences.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gtp.gr/TDirectoryDetails.asp?ID=14805&lng=2|title=Archaeological Site of Mesimvria - Zone {{!}} Greek Travel Pages|website=www.gtp.gr|language=en|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> It is noteworthy that a number of amphorae can be seen that were probably used as a waterproofing system. [[File:Roman Baths Hana at Traianoupoli Greece.JPG|thumb|200x200px|Thermal springs of [[Traianoupoli]]]] === Thermal springs of Traianoupoli === The thermal springs of [[Traianoupoli]] are 14 km away from the city of Alexandroupolis and are of the most famous hot springs in the region, since ancient times. Hana was an Ottoman inn and behind it during the Ottoman Empire there were baths (hamams), today ruins from the [[16th century]]. In 1964, modern facilities for bath therapy and positherapy were rebuilt at the archeological site, which are officially recognized by the Greek state for their healing properties and are considered one of the most important in Greece.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The thermal springs of Traianoupolis are being upgraded|url=https://www.ert.gr/perifereiakoi-stathmoi/orestiada/anavathmizontai-ta-iamatika-loytra-traianoypolis/|access-date=2020-07-13|website=ert.gr|date=February 2019}}</ref> === Museums=== * Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis (335, Democracy Avenue) * Ethnological Museum of Thrace (63, 14 May street) * Archaeological Museum of Alexandroupolis (44, Makris Avenue) * [[File:Ecclesiastical museum, Alexandroupoli.jpg|thumb|200x200px|Ecclesiastical Museum of Alexandroupolis]]Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis (Mitropoleos Square) * Folklore Museum of Cappadocian Association of Alexandroupolis (1, Mitropoulou street) * Museum of Folklore and Natural History (8, Thermopylae street, Nea Chili) * Museum of Natural History (Platanopathos of Maistros) * Museum of Flora and Fauna (Art & Culture Center of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis "[[Georgios Vizyinos]]") *Museum of Sarakatsani Tradition ([[Aisymi]]) <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://greece.terrabook.com/evros/chapter/museums|title=Evros - Museums|website=Terrabook|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> === Historic Preserved Buildings of architectural interest === <gallery widths="200" heights="150"> File:Ζαρίφειος Σχολή.jpg|Zariphios Educational Academy founded by [[Georgios Zariphis]] File:Kapnomagazo.jpg|Old "Kapnomagazo" (tobacco store), the new municipal library of Alexandroupolis File:Παλιό Νοσοκομείο.jpg|The οld hospital of Alexandroupolis, which now is used as a Music High School File:Αναγνωστήριο ΔΠΘ.jpg|The historic building of the [[National Bank of Greece|National Bank]] which houses the Reading Room of the [[Democritus University of Thrace]] File:Alexandroupoli customs building.jpg|Alexandroupoli's port customs buildings File:1ο Δημοτικό Σχολείο Αλεξανδρούπολης.jpg|The old building of the 1st primary school of Alexandroupolis File:3rd Public Primary School, Alexadroupoli.jpg|The 3rd Primary school of Alexandroupolis which is housed in the courtyard of the Metropolis File:Κτίριο Ιεραποστολικής Δράσης Αλεξανδρούπολης.jpg|The Building of Missionary Action in Alexandroupoli </gallery> * Zariphios Pedagogical Academy * Kapnomagazo (Tobacco store), now municipal library * Old Hospital * Democritus University of Thrace Building (Reading room) * Port Customs Buildings * 1st Primary School * 3rd Primary School * Building of Missionary Action <ref>{{Cite web|title=Historic buildings of Alexandroupolis that have been declared preserved|url=https://ordoumpozanis-teo.blogspot.com/2010/10/blog-post_19.html|access-date=2020-07-13|website=www.ordteo.gr}}</ref> ==Education== Alexandroupoli houses four Departments of the [[Democritus University of Thrace]]. These Departments are the following: *Department of Medicine<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.med.duth.gr/ |title=med.duth.gr |access-date=2010-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160620172153/http://www.med.duth.gr/ |archive-date=2016-06-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref> *Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mbg.duth.gr/index.php/en/|title=Home|website=www.mbg.duth.gr}}</ref> *Department of Primary Level Education<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eled.duth.gr/|title=Παιδαγωγικό Τμήμα Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης}}</ref> *Department of Education Sciences in Early Childhood<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.psed.duth.gr/ |title=psed.duth.gr |access-date=2010-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160516182453/http://www.psed.duth.gr/ |archive-date=2016-05-16 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Some highly specialised medical operations are performed in the new Regional General University Hospital – Research center, currently the largest one in [[Greece]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://pgna.gr/|title=University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis|language=el|access-date=2019-10-04}}</ref> The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics is the only one in Greece in this scientific field.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mbg.duth.gr/index.php/en/2-uncategorised/4-mbg|title=The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, DUTH|website=www.mbg.duth.gr|access-date=2019-07-17}}</ref> The city has a network of public schools, from nurseries to high schools, under the responsibility of the city council. ==Sport== === Volleyball === The Volleyball team of [[Ethnikos Alexandroupolis V.C.|Ethnikos Alexandroupolis]] has a long-standing presence in the [[A1 Ethniki Volleyball|Greek Volleyleague]] with a long history in the sport, being the first provincial team to participate in the [[A1 volleyball league (Greece)|A1 Volleyball championship]] (42 years). He has made significant progress in all three home titles ([[A1 Ethniki Volleyball|Championship]], [[Greek Volleyball Cup|Cup]], [[Greek Volleyball League Cup|League Cup]]), reaching the final ([[2013–14 Volleyleague (Greece)|2014]]) and 8 times the first 4 teams in ranking, but also in European competitions, reaching two times the quarterfinals of the [[CEV Challenge Cup]] in [[2014–15 CEV Challenge Cup|2015]] and [[2015–16 CEV Challenge Cup|2016]]. He has also featured great athletes of the Greek and global volleyball such as [[Marios Giourdas]], [[Theodoros Baev]] and [[Andreas Andreadis]], while [[Thanassis Moustakidis]], [[Andrej Kravárik]] and [[Nikos Samaras]] also wore his shirt. He has also won many national championships in the infrastructure departments. In total, she has won 5 Junior Leagues in Greece (1976, 1987, 2011, 2012, 2013), 2 Greek Children's Championships (2008, 2011), 3 Greek Championships of Junior children (2007, 2008, 2009). The headquarters of the team is the closed gym of "Michalis Paraskevopoulos", 1000 seats, located next to the "[[Fotis Kosmas]]" athletic stadium.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mgs-ethnikos.gr/%CE%99%CF%83%CF%84%CE%BF%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%BA%CF%8C-%CE%91%CF%81%CF%87%CE%B5%CE%AF%CE%BF|title=M.G.S. Ethnikos Alexandroupolis > Historical file (13. Volleyball)|website=mgs-ethnikos.gr|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> Other city's Volleyball Teams are: * G.S.G. Nike Alexandroupolis: Women's team with 9 participations in [[A1 Ethniki Women's Volleyball|Women's Greek Volleyball Championship]] and best place the 4th (1997–98), that allowed the team to participate in [[CEV Women's Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]]. Nike has won 2 National Junior championships (1990, 1992) and 1 National Girls Championship (1989). * G.E. Alexandroupolis, which has competed in the [[A2 Ethniki Volleyball|A2 Men's Volleyball category]]. * Finikas Alexandroupolis, women's volleyball team, which competes in the [[A2 Ethniki Women's Volleyball|A2 Women's Volleyball category]] === Football === The main sporting facilities are situated around the football and athletics stadium ''[[Fotis Kosmas]]''. The stadium hosts various football teams, such as: {|class="wikitable" |+Notable football clubs based in Alexandroupolis |- !width="180"|Club !Sports !Founded !Achievements |- |[[Ethnikos Alexandroupoli F.C.|MGS Ethnikos Alexandroupolis]]||[[Association football|Football]]||1927||Earlier presence in [[Football League (Greece)|2nd Greek Division]] |- |[[Enosi Alexandroupoli|Enosi Alexandroupoli F.C.]]|| [[Association football|Football]]||1995 ||Earlier presence in [[Gamma Ethniki|3rd Greek Division]] |- |[[Alexandroupoli F.C.]] |[[Association football|Football]] |2019 |[[Gamma Ethniki|3rd Greek Division]] ([[2019–20 Gamma Ethniki|2019-20]], [[2020–21 Gamma Ethniki|2020–21]], [[2021–22 Gamma Ethniki|2021-22]]) |} === Basketball === There are two basketball teams in the city: Ethnikos Alexandroupolis and Olympiada Alexandroupolis. Each game between them is a local derby. These two teams compete in the regional basketball championship of East Macedonia and Thrace. Ethnikos Alexandroupolis has celebrated two rises and participations in the [[Greek C Basket League]] (1995, 2014), counting equal relegations. The biggest success of the team's academy is the 3rd place in the National Children Basketball Championship in 1983/84.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mgs-ethnikos.gr/%CE%91%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82/%CE%9C%CF%80%CE%AC%CF%83%CE%BA%CE%B5%CF%84|script-title=el:Μ.Γ.Σ. Εθνικός Αλεξανδρούπολης > Ακαδημίες > Μπάσκετ|website=mgs-ethnikos.gr}}</ref> === Handball-Beach Handball=== In beach handball the team of Kyklopes Alexandroupolis has 5 National Beach Handball Championships, 4 of them consecutive (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sportsaddict.gr/2019/08/11/%cf%80%cf%81%cf%89%cf%84%ce%b1%ce%b8%ce%bb%ce%b7%cf%84%ce%ad%cf%82-%ce%b5%ce%bb%ce%bb%ce%ac%ce%b4%ce%b1%cf%82-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%bf-beach-handball-%ce%b3%ce%b9%ce%b1-5%ce%b7-%cf%86%ce%bf%cf%81%ce%ac/|script-title=el:Πρωταθλητές Ελλάδας στο beach handball για 5η φορά οι Κύκλωπες Αλεξ/πολης!|first=Δημοσιεύτηκε από: Κοσμάς|last=Πανταζής}}</ref> The women's handball team has 7 participations in the [[Greek Women's Handball Championship|Women's A1 Handball Championship]] with best place the third in 1994-95 that allowed the team to participate in [[Women's EHF Challenge Cup|Challenge Cup]] next year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=European Handball Federation - AS Kiklopes Alexadroupolis|url=http://www.eurohandball.com/ec/city/women/1995-96/clubs/001777/AS+Kiklopes+Alexadroupolis|access-date=2020-06-08|website=www.eurohandball.com|language=en|archive-date=2019-11-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111013330/http://eurohandball.com/ec/city/women/1995-96/clubs/001777/AS+Kiklopes+Alexadroupolis|url-status=dead}}</ref> Also the men's team of Kyklopes participates in the [[A2 Ethniki Handball]]. === Swimming === In June 2013 was inaugurated the new Municipal Swimming Pool of Alexandroupolis "[[Dimosthenis Michalentzakis]]", which is the most modern swimming pool in Greece in terms of technical equipment and one of the most modern in Europe. In this place have been hosted major international events, such as the international synchronized swimming meeting Hellas Beetles Fina Artistic Swimming World Series, in April 2019. It is the headquarters of the swimming clubs: OFTHA and NOA, but also of the polo team of Ethnikos Alexandroupolis. The OFTHA team has held the first place in Thrace for several years and is one of the top clubs in Greece, while many of its athletes have achieved distinctions in national championships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.oftha.gr/swimming/?p=133|script-title=el:Ο καθρέφτης κάθε συλλόγου οι επιτυχίες του !!!!!!!!}}</ref> Also, 3 disabled swimmers from Alexandroupoli are members of the National Team and represent Greece at the [[World Para Swimming Championships]] and [[Paralympic Games]]: [[Dimosthenis Michalentzakis]] (Gold Paralympic Medal in [[2016 Summer Paralympics|2016]] at [[Swimming at the 2016 Summer Paralympics – Men's 100 metre butterfly S9|100 m. butterfly S9]]), Dimitrios Karypidis (4th Paralympian in [[Swimming at the 2020 Summer Paralympics|2021]] at [[Swimming at the 2020 Summer Paralympics – Men's 100 metre backstroke S1|100 m. backstroke S1]]) and Alexandros Lergios (first participation at the [[2020 Summer Paralympics|Paralympic Games]] of Tokyo, 2021).<ref>{{Cite web|title="Flied" to Tokyo Michalentzakis, Karypidis, Lergios and the rest Paralympians|url=https://sportsaddict.gr/2021/08/18/%cf%80%ce%ad%cf%84%ce%b1%ce%be%ce%b1%ce%bd-%ce%b3%ce%b9%ce%b1-%cf%84%cf%8c%ce%ba%ce%b9%ce%bf-%ce%bc%ce%b9%cf%87%ce%b1%ce%bb%ce%b5%ce%bd%cf%84%ce%b6%ce%ac%ce%ba%ce%b7%cf%82-%ce%ba%ce%b1/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-27|website=SportsAddict.gr - Αθλητικά νέα της Θράκης|language=el}}</ref> === Track === The track team of Ethnikos Alexandroupolis also has a great tradition as has been in the first 10 teams of the Greek track championship ranking 4 times in men (1953, 1955, 1956, 1958), best place the 4th (1956), and in women (1959, 1989, 1990, 1991), best place also the 4th (1959). It has featured great athletes such as: [[Hrysopiyi Devetzi|Hrysopigi Devetzi]], [[Dimosthenis Magginas]] and [[Fotis Kosmas]]. Many athletes of the team have won Panhellenic and Balkan medals in development categories.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mgs-ethnikos.gr/%CE%91%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82/%CE%A3%CF%84%CE%AF%CE%B2%CE%BF%CF%82|title=Ethnikos Alexandroupolis track academies|website=mgs-ethnikos.gr|access-date=2019-08-15}}</ref> === Table Tennis=== The 10 recent years, Ethnikos Alexandroupolis has been consistently among the top 10 teams in Greece according to the Hellenic Table Tennis Federation rating tables. The women's team has been participating in the A2 National Championship for 5 consecutive years, while the Men's team has been participating in the Second National North Greece Championship having the youngest average age in the league. As far as infrastructure teams are concerned, the club was 4 times in the finals of the Panhellenic Junior Children Championship (2016, 2017, 2018, 2019). In 2017 he won the 1st place and was the Greek Champion in this category, while in 2016, 2017, 2019 he won the 2nd place in Greece. In the category of Children, in 2017 and 2018 the team of Ethnikos Alexandroupolis took the 3rd place in the Panhellenic Table Tennis Championship and in 2019 was the champion in this category and climbed to the top of Greece. In 2019, Ethnikos Alexandroupolis took the 2nd place in the Panhellenic Table Tennis Championship in the category of Young Women. Athletes of the club are at the top of the federation's ranking list by winning cups and medals at the Panhellenic Open Championships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mgs-ethnikos.gr/%CE%91%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82/%CE%A0%CE%B9%CE%BD%CE%B3%CE%BA-%CE%A0%CE%BF%CE%BD%CE%B3%CE%BA|title=Ethnikos Alexandroupolis Academies> Table Tennis|website=mgs-ethnikos.gr|access-date=2019-10-04}}</ref> === Badminton === Since 2018, the Badminton department of Ethnikos Alexandroupolis has been competing in the A1 Greek Badminton Division, while club's athletes have won medals at the Panhellenic Development Championships.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mgs-ethnikos.gr/%CE%91%CE%BA%CE%B1%CE%B4%CE%B7%CE%BC%CE%AF%CE%B5%CF%82/%CE%9C%CF%80%CE%AC%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%BC%CE%B9%CE%BD%CF%84%CE%BF%CE%BD|script-title=el:Μ.Γ.Σ. Εθνικός Αλεξανδρούπολης > Ακαδημίες > Μπάντμιντον|website=mgs-ethnikos.gr}}</ref> === Rugby === In 2009, the stadium hosted an international [[rugby union|rugby]] match between [[Greece rugby team|Greece]] and [[Bulgaria national rugby union team|Bulgaria]]; the match was the first time that Greece had played a home match outside of [[Attica (region)|Attica]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/match/25810.html|title=ESPN Scrum.com|publisher=ESPN Scrum.com|access-date=2014-03-05}}</ref> === Run Greece Alexandroupolis === Since 2014, with the help of the track team of Ethnikos Alexandroupolis, Run Greece Alexandroupolis is held, which continues until today, on the last Sunday of September, co-organized by [[SEGAS]], Municipality of Alexandroupolis and [[Eastern Macedonia and Thrace|Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace]]. Run Greece includes 800m race for children and races 5 km, 10 km.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.run-greece.gr/files/Aleksandroupoli/programme-alexandroupoli.pdf|title=Run Greece Alexandroupolis-programme}}</ref> === Via Egnatia Run === The international race 'Via Egnatia Run' is an action of [[Evros (regional unit)|Evros Regional Unit]] which started in 2016 and is being held every May. It is a 21.1 km half-marathon on the route of the Ancient [[Via Egnatia]], which once connected Constantinople to Rome, culturally, economically and commercially, passing through the ancient city of [[Sale (Thrace)|Sale]] (today's Alexandroupoli) and [[Traianoupoli]]. There is also a race of 5 km, and two races of 800 meters for disabled people and children. It takes place on the Alexandroupolis-[[Kipoi, Evros|Kipoi]] National Road and the routes have been certified by the [[Association of International Marathons and Distance Races]] (AIMS). The goal is through the sport to get to know the culture and history of this important route.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ert.gr/perifereiakoi-stathmoi/orestiada/alexandroypoli-1-500-dromeis-tha-trexoyn-sto-via-egnatia-run/|title=Alexandroupoli: 1.500 runners will run in VIA EGNATIA RUN 2019|date=2019-05-10|website=ert.gr|language=el|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> ==International relations== {{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Greece}} ===Twin towns – sister cities=== {{div col|colwidth=25em}} *{{flagicon|BUL}} [[Burgas]], Bulgaria (1997)<ref>{{cite web |title=Αδελφοποίηση της Αλεξανδρούπολης με Μπουργκάς και Αγία Πετρόπουλη|url=https://www.evros-news.gr/2017/07/25/%CE%B1%CE%B4%CE%B5%CE%BB%CF%86%CE%BF%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%AF%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%B7-%CF%84%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%B1%CE%BB%CE%B5%CE%BE%CE%B1%CE%BD%CE%B4%CF%81%CE%BF%CF%8D%CF%80%CE%BF%CE%BB%CE%B7%CF%82-%CE%BC%CE%B5/|website=evros-news.gr|publisher=Evros News|language=el|date=2017-05-25|access-date=2020-06-02}}</ref> *{{flagicon|CYP}} [[Lakatamia]], Cyprus (1993)<ref>{{cite web |title=Αδελφοποιήσεις|url=https://www.lakatamia.org.cy/adelfopoihseis|website=lakatamia.org.cy|publisher=Lakatamia|language=el|access-date=2020-06-02}}</ref> *{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Simferopol]], Ukraine (2016)<ref>{{cite web |title=Τι ενώνει την Αλεξανδρούπολη με την Συμφερόπολη της Κριμαίας|url=http://www.pontos-news.gr/article/147171/ti-enonei-tin-alexandroypoli-me-tin-symferopoli-tis-krimaias|website=pontos-news.gr|publisher=Pontos News|language=el|date=2016-02-22|access-date=2020-06-02}}</ref> *{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Sosnovy Bor, Leningrad Oblast|Sosnovy Bor]], Russia (2011)<ref>{{cite web |title=Meeting with delegation of Alexandroupoli (Hellenic Republic)|url=http://kvs.spb.ru/en/news/24564/?page=41|website=kvs.spb.ru|publisher=Committee for External Relations of Saint-Petersburg|date=2014-03-26|access-date=2020-06-02}}</ref> *{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Vyborgsky District, Saint Petersburg|Vyborg (Saint Petersburg)]], Russia (2016)<ref>{{cite web |title=Константин Габаэридис назначен советником губернатора Санкт-Петербурга|url=https://spbdnevnik.ru/news/2016-05-27/konstantin-gabaeridis-naznachen-sovetnikom-gubernatora-sankt-peterburga|website=spbdnevnik.ru|publisher=Evros News|language=ru|date=2016-05-27|access-date=2020-06-02}}</ref> *{{flagicon|TUR}} [[Edirne]], Turkey (1997) {{div col end}} ===Consulate=== The city hosts honorary [[consulates|consulate]] from the following country: *{{flagicon|RUS}} [[Diplomatic missions of Russia|Russia]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newgreektv.com/news-in-english-for-greeks/greece/item/30309-russian-consulate-in-alexandroupolis-reopens-more-than-a-century-later|title=Russian consulate in Alexandroupolis reopens more than a century later|website=www.newgreektv.com|language=en-gb|access-date=2019-10-07}}</ref> ==Notable people== *[[Hrysopiyi Devetzi]] (1976), Greek athlete, silver Olympic medalist in triple jump ([[2004 Summer Olympics|Athens 2004]]) *[[Fotis Kosmas]] (1926-1995), Mediterranean and 7th Olympic winner in decathlon *[[Aggeliki Tsiolakoudi]] (1976), second biggest Greek Javelin thrower *[[Dimosthenis Magginas]] (1982), middle-distance and long-distance runner *[[Dimosthenis Michalentzakis]] (1998), Greek Gold Paralympic champion swimmer in [[Swimming at the 2016 Summer Paralympics – Men's 100 metre butterfly S9|100 m. butterfly S9]] ([[2016 Summer Paralympics|Rio, 2016]]) and Bronze Paralympic Medalist in [[Swimming at the 2020 Summer Paralympics – Men's 100 metre freestyle S8|100 m. freestyle S8]] ([[2020 Summer Paralympics|Tokyo, 2021]]) *[[Maria Tsaousidou]] (1991), Greek sailor, world and european champion of the [[Tornado (sailboat)|Tornado class]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Among the top sailors of Greece is Maria Tsaousidou from Alexandroupoli!|url=https://sportsaddict.gr/2017/02/21/%ce%b1%ce%bd%ce%ac%ce%bc%ce%b5%cf%83%ce%b1-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%bf%cf%85%cf%82-%ce%ba%ce%bf%cf%81%cf%85%cf%86%ce%b1%ce%af%ce%bf%cf%85%cf%82-%ce%b9%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b9%ce%bf%cf%80%ce%bb%cf%8c%ce%bf%cf%85/|website=SportsAddict.gr - Αθλητικά νέα της Θράκης|language=el}}</ref> *[[Demis Nikolaidis]] (1973), Greek former international footballer, [[UEFA Euro 2004|Euro 2004]] champion *[[Marinos Ouzounidis]] (1968), Greek former international footballer, football coach *[[Sotiris Mavromatis]] (1966), Greek former international footballer. Champion with [[PAOK FC|PAOK]] in [[1984–85 Alpha Ethniki|1984-85]] and finalist with [[Greece national under-21 football team|Greek U-21 national team]] in [[1988 UEFA European Under-21 Championship|UEFA Euro U-21 1988]]. *[[Emmanouil Siopis|Manolis Siopis]] (1994), Greek international footballer *[[Savvas Gentsoglou]] (1990), Greek footballer *[[Stavros Stathakis]] (1987), Greek footballer *[[Dimitris Komesidis]] (1988), Greek footballer *[[Athanasios Tsigas]] (1982), Greek former footballer *[[Marios Giourdas]] (1973), Greek former international volleyball player *[[Andreas Andreadis]] (1982), Greek international volleyball player *[[Rafail Koumentakis]] (1993), Greek international volleyball player *[[Anestis Dalakouras]] (1993), Greek international volleyball player *[[Paraskevas Tselios]] (1997), Greek international volleyball player *[[Giorgos Valavanidis]] (1974), Greek former basketball player, silver medalist with Greek National team U16 in [[1991 FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship|Eurobasket U16 1991]], [[FIBA Saporta Cup|Saporta]] winner in [[1990–91 FIBA European Cup Winners' Cup|1991]], [[Greek Basket League|Greek champion]] in 1992 and [[FIBA Korać Cup|Korac]] winner in [[1993–94 FIBA Korać Cup|1994]] with [[P.A.O.K. BC|PAOK]] *[[Nikos Hadjinikolaou]] (1962), Greek journalist *[[Lefteris Hapsiadis]] (1953), Greek Lyrics creator and writer *[[Michalis Kouinelis|Stavento (Michalis Kouinelis)]] (1979), Greek hip-hop singer *[[Arete Kosmidou]] (1997), Greek singer *[[Eleni Hatzidou]] (1980), Greek singer <ref>{{Cite web|title=Eleni Hatzidou: I grew up in Loutra of Evros. In nature. We caught snakes in the mountains.|url=https://www.evros-news.gr/2017/07/16/%ce%b5%ce%bb%ce%ad%ce%bd%ce%b7-%cf%87%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%b6%ce%af%ce%b4%ce%bf%cf%85-%ce%bc%ce%b5%ce%b3%ce%ac%ce%bb%cf%89%cf%83%ce%b1-%cf%83%cf%84%ce%b1-%ce%bb%ce%bf%cf%85%cf%84%cf%81%ce%ac-%ce%ad%ce%b2/|access-date=2020-12-07|website=EVROS NEWS|language=el}}</ref> *[[Sofia Kourtidou]] (1987), Greek singer, actor, songwriter <ref>{{Cite web|title=Sofia Kourtidou, resume|url=http://m.ishow.gr/person.asp?guid=774BD730-02C1-47F2-AE66-B1E2E599E36A|access-date=2020-12-07|website=m.ishow.gr|archive-date=2021-01-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131182950/http://m.ishow.gr/person.asp?guid=774BD730-02C1-47F2-AE66-B1E2E599E36A|url-status=dead}}</ref> *[[Gregoris Mentzas]] (1960), Greek management scientist and professor at the [[National Technical University of Athens]] *[[Georgios Kandilaptis]] (1881-1971), Greek scholar, journalist and teacher *Konstantinos Malamatinas, founder of [[retsina]] [[Malamatina]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.evros-news.gr/2018/01/31/%cf%81%ce%b5%cf%84%cf%83%ce%af%ce%bd%ce%b1-%ce%bc%ce%b1%ce%bb%ce%b1%ce%bc%ce%b1%cf%84%ce%af%ce%bd%ce%b1-%cf%80%cf%89%cf%82-%ce%be%ce%b5%ce%ba%ce%af%ce%bd%ce%b7%cf%83%ce%b5-%cf%84%ce%bf-1895-%ce%b1/|title=Retsina Malamatina: How began its production in 1895 from Alexandroupoli|website=EVROS NEWS|language=el|access-date=2019-10-27}}</ref> *[[Litsa Patera]] (1939), astrologer <ref>{{Cite web|title=Litsa Patera, biography|url=https://www.ishow.gr/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-19|website=iShow.gr}}</ref> ==Historical population== Alexandroupolis is the 11th largest city in Greece.<ref>{{Citation|title=List of cities in Greece|date=2019-05-29|url=http://en.wiki.x.io/w/index.php?title=List_of_cities_in_Greece&oldid=899365590|work=Wikipedia|language=en|access-date=2019-07-17}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! Year !! Town !! Municipal unit !! Municipality |- |1940 |19.384 |_ |_ |- |1951 |18.916 |_ |_ |- |1961 |21.209 |_ |_ |- |1971 |25.529 |_ |_ |- | 1981 || 35.799 || 35,799 || – |- | 1991 || 39.261 || 38,220 || – |- | 2001 || 50.017 || 52,720 || – |- | 2011 || 57,812 || 58,125 || 72,959 |} ==Gallery== <gallery class="center" mode="nolines" widths="200" heights="200"> File:Δέλτα του Έβρου.jpg|[[Evros (river)|Evros]] Delta File:Lighthouse at Alexandroupolis, Greece.jpg|The lighthouse of Alexandroupolis File:Άγαλμα Βισβύζη.jpg|Statue of Domna and Antonis Visvizis, heroes of the Greek War of Independence from Thrace File:Νομαρχεία Έβρου.jpg|The building of the [[Evros (regional unit)|regional unit of Evros]] and with an exact copy of the [[Winged Victory of Samothrace|Winged Victory of Samothace]] in the courtyard File:Παραλιακή Αλεξανδρούπολης.jpg|View of Alexandroupoli's coastal area File:Φάρος Αλεξανδρούπολης.jpg|The lighthouse of Alexandroupoli and the coastal road File:Alexandroupoli seafront.JPG|Sunset in Alexandroupoli File:St Joseph's Church, Alexandroupoli.JPG|[[Saint Joseph|St Joseph's]] Catholic church File:20100626 Mesembria Amphorae Building Thrace Greece.jpg|Waterproofing system with amphorae at the archaeological site of [[Mesambria (Aegean Sea)|Mesembria]]-[[Zone (colony)|Zone]] File:Monastery of Panagia Kosmosotira, Ferres, Evros.JPG|The church of [[Theotokos Kosmosoteira]] in [[Feres, Evros|Feres]] File:Ottoman Baths at Traianoupoli Greece.JPG|Ottoman baths in nearby [[Traianoupoli]] File:IMAGE.JP2020.jpg|One of 6 windmills in Melia File:Castle Potamos.jpg|The castle of [[Avas, Greece|Avas]] File:Alexandroupolis lighthouse (January 2020).jpg|The square of Alexandroupoli's lighthouse File:Alexandroupolis-sunset.jpg|Sunset on the coastal street of Alexandroupolis File:Samothraki from Alexandroupoli.JPG|View of [[Samothrace]] from the city File:Αλεξανδρούπολη παραλιακή.jpg|Sunset with [[Samothrace]] view File:Δειλινό Αλεξανδρούπολη.jpg|Sunset in Alexandroupoli File:Makri coastline, Evros.JPG|View of [[Samothrace]] from a coastline in Makri File:ΣΑΜΟΘΡΑΚΗ.jpg|View of snowy [[Samothrace]] from a beach in Alexandroupolis File:Coast along Alexandroupoli.JPG|Coast along Alexandroupoli File:Alexandroupoli beach and Samothraki.JPG|Beach with view to [[Samothrace]] File:Makri harbour, Evros.JPG|The small harbour of [[Makri, Evros|Makri]] File:Makri, Evros prefecture, Greece.jpg|The village of [[Makri, Evros|Makri]] File:Mountainous Landscape, Aetochori, Evros, Greece.jpg|Mountainous landscape in Aetochori File:Road with small ekklisaki in Dikella.jpg|Road with small church near [[Dikella]] File:Russian monument in Dedeagach of liberation of Bulgaria 1877-78 russo-turk war.jpg|Russian monument in the yard of the metropolitan church for the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) File:Alexandroupoli (11).JPG|Pedestrian area in Alexandroupolis File:Via Egnatia near Loutra Traianopolis.jpg|[[Via Egnatia]] in [[Traianoupoli]], near Alexandroupoli File:Olivenhain Alexandroupolis.jpg|Centuries-old olive grove in Alexandroupolis File:Πλατεία Ελευθερίας Αλεξανδρούπολη.jpg|Eleftherias Square </gallery> ==See also== *[[Burgas-Alexandroupoli pipeline]] *[[List of settlements in the Evros regional unit]] *[[Ethnikos Alexandroupolis V.C.|Ethnikos Alexandroupolis]] *[[Alexandroupoli Airport|Alexandroupolis Airport]] *[[Western Thrace|Thrace]] *[[Evros (regional unit)|Evros]] ==References== {{reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==External links== {{wikivoyage|Alexandroupolis}} {{commons-inline|Category:Alexandroupoli|Alexandroupoli}} * {{Official website|http://www.alexpolis.gr/ }} {{in lang|en|el}} {{Eastern Macedonia and Thrace}} {{Alexandroupoli div}} {{Prefectures and provinces of Greece}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Alexandroupoli| ]] [[Category:Mediterranean port cities and towns in Greece]] [[Category:Populated coastal places in Greece]] [[Category:Greek prefectural capitals]] [[Category:Western Thrace]] [[Category:Municipalities of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace]] [[Category:Populated places in Evros (regional unit)]] [[Category:Port cities of the Aegean Sea]] [[Category:Thracian Sea]]

--5.43.84.70 (talk) 08:09, 24 March 2022 (UTC)[reply]

/I cannot do that because of Error: An automated filter has identified this edit as potentially unconstructive, so it has been disallowed. If this edit is constructive, please report this error. Disruptive editing may result in a block from editing. --5.43.84.70 (talk) 08:12, 24 March 2022 (UTC)/[reply]

A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for speedy deletion

The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for speedy deletion:

Κτίριο Ιεραποστολικής Δράσης Αλεξανδρούπολης.jpg

You can see the reason for deletion at the file description page linked above. —Community Tech bot (talk) 14:23, 26 February 2023 (UTC)[reply]

Names

@TU-nor: tagging you first. I have added the English name used in sources. The reason I've removed Dedeağaç from the lead is, it's mentioned below. For Alexandroupoli and Neapoli. Did not find "Neapoli" somewhere. Old Greek name probably. Alexandroupoli is often used just because it's a direct translation of its Greek name. Anglicization should be prioritzed here. Beshogur (talk) 12:15, 6 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]

@Beshogur: My concern was mainly the description of the administrative situation, which had been changed to a clearly inferior presentation (as in a number of other articles) some time ago. Your edits came in a squeeze in-between.

I am quite happy with removing 'Dedeağaç' from the lede, since it is properly mentioned in the name section.
I have not touched your unbolding of 'Alexandroupoli' and 'Neapoli'; that was another editor! And I agree with you, they should not be bolded.
I am not quite as happy with removing 'Alexandroupoli' from the lede. It is used in many English-language sources, especially from later years, and it is far more used than 'Alexandrople', se nGram here.

Regards, --T*U (talk) 12:45, 6 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Addition:

Taking a closer look at the use of 'Alexandroupolis', 'Alexandroupoli' and 'Alexandrople', I have made a search in Google Scholar. The result is

Articles only using 'Alexandroupolis': alexandroupolis -alexandroupoli -alexandrople 19 700
Articles only using 'Alexandroupoli': -alexandroupolis alexandroupoli -alexandrople 9 700
Articles only using 'Alexandrople': -alexandroupolis -alexandroupoli alexandrople 15, of which 5 in English

Together with the nGram above, this gives a rather obvious conclusion: I'll remove 'Alaxandrople' and reinsert 'Alexandroupoli' in the first sentence. --T*U (talk) 13:06, 6 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, sounds good. I also found not much results for Alexandronople Beshogur (talk) 14:25, 6 February 2024 (UTC)[reply]