North Aegean (Βόρειο Αιγαίο), Greece

The island of Thymena, with Ikaria in the background
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Insel_Thymena_%28Fourni%29.jpg
Author: Waldviertier


The North Aegean Periphery (Βόρειο Αιγαίο) is one of the thirteen regions, called peripheries, of Greece. It encompasses the North Aegean islands, a scattering of islands on the north Aegean Sea located off the coast of Turkey. Many of these islands belong to Greece, including Samos, Ikaria, Chios, Lesbos and Lemnos, while under Turkish administration are the islands of Imbros, Tenedos and the Rabbit Islands.

Panaya Gorgona, Lesbos
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:I_Panaya_i_GorgonaII.jpg
Author: Ego


The North Aegean islands - as are the entire Aegean - have been inhabited since the Mesolithic Age, with permanent settlements being established there since 5000 BC. By around 2000 BC, the Ionians have settled in Chios while the Achaeans settled in Samos and Lesvos. The islands experience a surge in prosperity from the 8th to the 5th centuries BC, when they were conquered by the Persians. Upon their release, they made a pact with Athens. Howeven in the Peloponnesian War (429-402 BC), their allegiance appear to sway between Athens and Sparta.

Village on Samothrace Island, North Aegean
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:20020800_Chora_Samothrace_island_Thrace_Greece.jpg
Author: Ggia


The conquest of Constantinople by the Franks in 1204 saw the Aegean Islands being divided among the Venetians, Genoese and Frank prices. The fall of Constantinople in 1453 and the founding of the Ottoman Empire brought a period of decline and persecution to the Aegean islanders. The islanders were heavily involved in the Greek War of Independence, despite fierce resistance from Turkey. It was only in 1912 that the Aegean Islands were incorporated into the Greek state.

North Aegean Periphery
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Periferia_Voriou_Egeou.png
Author: Pitichinaccio

Prefectures of the North Aegean Periphery

Towns in the North Aegean Periphery

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