Research Foundation on Northern Epirus (I.B.E.)

Research Foundation on Northern Epirus

Northern Epirus

"The size of Greece should be measured from North using a line
that starts at the estuary of river Voiousa (Aoos)"
Ioannis Kapodistrias 30-10-1828

From the historical records of I.B.E.

Today, the term "Northern Epirus" refers to the area, which despite its unquestionable Hellenity and its long-lasting, heroic struggles, remains out of the borders of the Hellenic state.

Since the ancient times Epirus, which Aristotelis called "Ancient Greece", was historically, ethnologically and geographically united and undivided. Its split in North and South is purely a technical fabrication of foreign diplomacy which took place at the beginning of our century with the unjust and mercenary cession of the northern part of the, then, newly formed state of Albania.

Ancient Greek
inscription from N. Epirus

Ancient theatre
in Vouthroto

Ethnologically Northern Epirus is determined between Genousos river and today’s borders of Greece - Albania. At that place and lower (at south), at the prefecture of Argirokastro and Koritsa there is the main bulk of the unredeemed Hellenism, which, nowadays, can be counted at more than 400.000 inhabitants.

Northern Epirus, as part of a united and undivided Epirus, follows - in general terms - the historic fate of Hellenism which gives Northern Epirus its national descent and its cultural physiognomy. Northern Epirus has met, at times, and for more than 4 years not only free Hellenic Administration but also its own, in 1914 (Independent Northern Epirus).

Byzantine temple in
Northern Epirus

Traditional
costume

Traditional dancing
in a N. Epirus village

As for its life, it glitters spirit and Greek beauty. All those facts that compose and form its life and give its particular character are Greek. The customs and morals of its people, the legends and traditions, the songs and the dances, the popular art and the costumes, the spirit and beliefs are all Greek and prove the Hellenity of its inhabitants.

Research Foundation on Northern Epirus (I.B.E.)
1/A Kougiou Str. - GR 45221 - Ioannina - Greece
Tel. +30 2651 027496 - Fax +30 2651 070561