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History of Komotini

Komotini, the capital of the Regional Unit of Rodopi in Thrace, is a city with a rich and long history, spanning from antiquity to the modern era. Throughout the centuries, Komotini has been a crossroads of cultures and conquests, as it passed through the hands of the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. Each period left its mark on the city, with monuments and cultural heritage bearing witness to its historical journey.

Greek rule in the city began in 1913, following victory in the Balkan Wars, and it became part of Greek territory, with the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923 bringing significant demographic and social changes due to the population exchange. In modern times, Komotini continues to be a center of education, culture, and commerce for the broader region of Thrace, with the University of Thrace playing an important role in its development.

7th Century B.C.

Inhabited by ancient Thracians, Komotini was part of the kingdom of the Odrysians, which dominated Thrace.

2nd Century B.C.

It came under the Roman Empire, becoming part of the Roman state, and the city was considered a trade center.

14th-15th Century

It fell under the Byzantine Empire, and after the fall of Constantinople in 1453, it was captured by the Ottomans. Komotini remained under Ottoman rule for many centuries.

1913

It was annexed by Greece after the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkan Wars.

1923

The Treaty of Lausanne and the population exchange brought a large influx of refugees, leading to significant demographic and social changes in the city.

1940-1944

During World War II, Komotini was under German occupation, like many areas of Northern Greece.

1974

Following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the political and strategic situation in Thrace was affected.

1990

The University of Thrace was founded, giving new impetus to the city's development in education and culture.

2000-2020

Komotini continued to grow as an administrative, commercial, and educational center in Thrace, strengthening its position in the broader Balkan region.