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Komotini
Thrace
Komotíni, like Xanthi is a fascinating mix of influences, and even more Turkish in feel than its near neighbour. It is only about 100km (62 miles) from the Turkish border to the east, and even closer – 25km (15.5 miles) – to Bulgaria to the north. Both those countries add their flavours to the Greek melting pot that is eastern Thrace.
It is the Turkish influence that is most immediately visible, as several minarets and the domed roofs of mosques can be seen around the town: there are 14 of these that are still in use today. Komotíni was still part of Turkey until as recently as 1920, when the borders were changed, and it had been in the Ottoman Empire since 1363.
Little wonder that it feels as much Turkish as Greek, although it would not be tactful to express that view to the local people until you know where their affinities lie. Greek-Turkish relations are a touchy subject for discussion, and about half the population are of Turkish origin, with a number of Pomaks living here too.
Komotini Museums
Komotíni was founded in the 4th-century A.D., and its early history is told in its good Archaeological Museum. This also has some of the best finds from the nearby sites at Ávdira and Maróneia. There is some delightful gold jewellery recovered from graves, as well as examples of painted sarcophagi, gravestones, statues, ceramics and an extensive coin collection.
The town’s other main museum is the delightfully old-fashioned and jumbled Museum of Folk Life and History, which spreads through the rooms of an 18th-century mansion. Foraging around the museum provides many rewards, and it has a good selection of traditional folk costumes, domestic items and especially embroidery, for which the area is noted.
In keeping with the Turkish influence there is a good bazaar, with the eastern tradition of similar shops being clustered together, so that you will find, for example, a row of shoe shops all in line. You can find everything here from valuable antiques to the day’s fish catch, as well as the region’s best tobacco leaves.
Where is Komotini?
Where to Stay in Komotini
Other Thrace pages
Xanthi in Thrace, Eastern Greece
The city of Xanthi in Thrace is a lively university town with several museums, old mansions, and one of the best markets in Thrace.
Philippi
Philippi is an ancient archaeological site near Kavala in East Macedonia and Thrace and is famous for being the place where the apostle St Paul was imprisoned.
Northern Greece Guide
The Bradt Guide to Northern Greece is a detailed guide to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, Thrace, The Pelion, The Sporades and the rest of Northern Greece.
Macedonia and Thrace
Macedonia and Thrace are the regions in Greece where travelers will find Thessaloniki, Mount Athos monasteries, Halkidiki and sites like Dion and Pella.
Alexandroupoli in the Thrace region of Greece
Alexandroupoli is a city in the Thrace region of Greece, in the extreme east of the country, the closest Greek city to the border with Turkey.
Evros Delta National Park in Thrace, Greece
The Evros Delta National Park is one of the most important wetlands in the whole of Europe, and a magnet for birdwatchers, with nearby accommodation.
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The Dadia Forest in eastern Greece is famous for wildlife, especially birds, with accommodation and information available at the Dadia Ecotourism Centre.
Avdira (or Abdera) and its ancient archaeological site in Thrace
The village of Avdira, or Abdera, with its ancient archaeological site is close to Xanthi in Thrace, Greece, and has its own beach and nearby is Lake Vistonida.
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