The Role of Arvanites in 19th Century Greece: Clarifying Historical Myths

The claim that Albanians constituted the majority of Greece's population in 1831 is a common myth perpetuated by those eager to rewrite history to suit their narratives. This assertion, however, is widely disputed and lacks substantial evidence. By examining the realities of the Arvanites and their demographics, we can debunk these misconceptions and provide a more accurate representation of 19th century Greece.

The Demographics of 19th Century Greece

According to historical records, the capital city of Athens, which was not even the most populous city in the region at that time, had approximately 8,000 houses by 1831. This number, while significant, provides limited insight into the ethnic composition of the country. It is also crucial to recognize that these houses were predominantly inhabited by Greeks, Arvanites, and other regional minorities, not exclusively Albanians.

Arvanites and the Albanian Question

Arvanites, often mistaken for Albanians, were first recorded as settlers in southern Greece in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. Their presence in Greece long predates the establishment of modern Albania. Arvanites, who were primarily Christian and lived alongside Greeks, had a complex relationship with their Serbian and Albanian counterparts to the north. This difference in religious affiliation and proximity to Greek culture significantly influenced their development.

Arvanites in 1831

The Arvanites, as a distinct group, began to distinguish themselves from other Albanians by the 19th century. By 1854, the estimated number of Arvanites in Greece was between 173,000 and 200,000. This represented a small fraction of the total Greek population of 1,035,527 in 1853.

Arvanites were more connected to the Greek liturgy and closer to the Greek church, which contributed to their distinct identity. Unlike their non-Arvanite Albanian brothers who converted to Islam in significant numbers, Arvanites retained their Christian faith and cultural ties to Greece.

Albanians and the Ottoman Empire

During the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century, Albania was under Ottoman rule and saw many conversions to Islam brought on by religious taxes and the desire for higher positions within the Ottoman administration. This led to significant ethnic and cultural divergence between professing Muslims and Christians in what is now modern Albania.

Following the Greek War of Independence, many Albanian Muslims, who were now viewed as participants in the Ottoman suppression of Greek insurrections, faced discrimination. This was a critical factor in the further differentiation between Arvanites and other Albanians.

Defining 'Albanian' in Historical Context

It is important to clarify that the term 'Albanian' in a historical context is often misused. The Arvanites, despite their eventual alignment with modern Albania, were not the primary ethnic group in Greece in 1831. Their linguistic and cultural differences from their fellow Albanians, as well as their distinct relationship with the Greek state, make it inaccurate to generalize them as 'Albanians' in the modern sense.

Conclusion

The majority in Greece in 1831 was not Albanian. This statement is widely accepted among historians and does not significantly impact the broader picture of Greece's historical development. It is crucial to avoid oversimplifying historical complexities and to recognize the diverse ethnic compositions that shaped the early stages of the Greek state.