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| '''Arvanites''' (Greek Αρβανίτες, ''Arvanítes'') are a people originating in central ] that settled various ] lands during the ]. | '''Arvanites''' (Greek Αρβανίτες, ''Arvanítes'') are a people originating in central ] that settled various ] lands during the ]. | ||
| Their number is estimated at 150,000. | |||
| They are predominantly ] Christians and their ], ] is related to ], although it has been heavily influenced by Greek over the centuries and all Arvanites are bilingual in Greek. ] | They are predominantly ] Christians and their ], ] is related to ], although it has been heavily influenced by ] over the centuries and all Arvanites are bilingual in Greek. ] | ||
Revision as of 23:04, 2 June 2005
| File:FArvanites.jpg | |
| Total population: | 150,000 (est.) |
| Significant populations in: | Greece: 150,000 (est.) |
| Language | Arvanitic, Greek |
| Religion | Greek Orthodox |
Arvanites (Greek Αρβανίτες, Arvanítes) are a people originating in central Albania that settled various Greek lands during the Middle Ages. Their number is estimated at 150,000.
They are predominantly Greek Orthodox Christians and their language, Arvanitic is related to Tosk Albanian, although it has been heavily influenced by Greek over the centuries and all Arvanites are bilingual in Greek.
Arvanites played a prominent role in the Greek War of Independence, both in politics and in the Greek Armed Forces. Prominent individuals include Andréas Miaoúlis, Athanásios Miaoúlis, Andónios Kriezís, Pávlos Koundouriótis, Lázaros Koundouriótis and Theódhoros Pángalos.
Arvanites traditionally live in Central and Southern Greece especially in Continental Greece (Στερεά Ελλάδα, Stereá Elládha), the Peloponnese (Πελοπόννησος, Pelopónnisos) and the adjacent islands.
In recent decades, Arvanites have been emigrating from their villages to the cities and especially to the capital Athens. Sadly, urbanisation has led to the gradual erosion of their Arvanitic tongue, and with it the last vestige of any distinction between them and other Greeks.