The Greeks in Albania are ethnic Greeks who live in or originate from areas within modern Albania. After ethnic Albanians, they form the second largest ethnic group in the country. They are mostly concentrated in the south of the country, in the areas of the northern part of the historical region of Epirus, in parts of Vlorë County, Gjirokastër, Korçë, and Berat County. The area is also known as Northern Epirus. Consequently, the Greeks hailing specifically from Southern Albania are also known as Northern Epirotes. The Greeks who live in the "minority zones" of Albania are officially recognised by the Albanian government as the Greek National Minority of Albania.
Captain of Himara, Spyros Spyromilios, leader of the local revolt, 1912
Dormition of the Theotokos Church, Labovë e Kryqit, a pilgrimage site. The present form of the church was built in the 10th century and was renovated several times after.
The Zographeion College facilities (1881) in Qestorati
Northern Epirus is a term used to refer to those parts of the historical region of Epirus, in the western Balkans, which today are part of Albania. The term is used mostly by Greeks and is associated with the existence of a substantial ethnic Greek minority in the region. It also has connotations with irredentist political claims on the territory on the grounds that it was held by Greece and in 1914 was declared an independent state by the local Greeks against annexation to the newly founded Albanian principality. The term is typically rejected by most Albanians for its irredentist associations.
Territory claimed as part of Northern Epirus
The Greek general Spyromilios, a native of Himara, fought for the incorporation of Epirus in Greece.
Greek Guerilla Chief from Northern Epirus in traditional costume
Picture of the official declaration of Northern Epirote Independence in Gjirokastër (1 March 1914).