Western Thrace

Definition and Location

Western Thrace (Greek: Δυτική Θράκη, Dytikí Thrákī; Turkish: Batı Trakya; Bulgarian: Западна Тракия, Zapadna Trakia) is a geographical region of Greece. It is also known as the Greek Thrace and forms part of the historical region of Thrace.

Physical Geography

The Western Thrace represents the northernmost end of Greece, with its territory overlooking the Aegean Sea. The region is bordered to the west by the Mesta river, which separates it from Greek Macedonia, to the east by the Evros River, which separates it from the Turkish Thrace, and to the north by the Rhodopi Mountains, which separate it from the Bulgarian Thrace.

Administrative Division

Western Thrace is part of the Greek administrative region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Three Greek administrative districts (noma) belong to Western Thrace: Evros, Xanthi, and Rodopi. The Aegean island of Samothrace, part of Nom Evros, also belongs to Western Thrace.

Geography

Western Thrace is located between the Rhodopes to the north and the Maritsa River to the east. Its approximate area is 8578 km2.

Population

A large minority of the inhabitants of the region are Turkish Muslims who descend from the communities present in the area during the Ottoman Empire. The largest city in Western Thrace is Komotini (Gumurjina) with a population of 63,774 (2001).

Larger Cities

* Komotini (Gumurjina)
* Xanthi
* Alexandroupoli

History

### Ancient and Medieval History

The Thracian tribes of the Trojan War are mentioned in Homer's Epic. In ancient times, the region was inhabited by various Thracian tribes, including the Kicons, who created a powerful kingdom.

### Ottoman Era

During the 7th century, Western Thrace became part of the Ottoman Empire. The region remained under Ottoman rule until Greece gained independence in the 19th century.

See Also

* Thrace
* Greek Macedonia
* Turkish Thrace
* Bulgarian Thrace