Was Nafplio the First Capital of Greece and the Majority of Population Albanians-Arvanites?

In the early 19th century, Nafplio, a strategically important city, was officially designated as the capital of Greece. However, its historical and demographic context is complex, involving significant populations of Arvanites — an ethnic group of Albanian descent. This article aims to clarify several misconceptions about the demographics and the role of Arvanites in Nafplio during the Greek War of Independence.

Historical Context: Nafplio and the Greek War of Independence

Nafplio's designation as the capital of modern Greece occurred from 1828 to 1834 during the early stages of the Greek War of Independence. This period was crucial for the new nation's formation. The city's strategic position, located on the Peloponnese peninsula, made it a suitable location for the central government. However, the population dynamics of Nafplio reflected a diverse mix of ethnicities, including Greeks, Arvanites, and other groups, reflecting the complex demographics of the region at that time.

Arvanites in Nafplio: A Significant Presence

Arvanites, an ethnic group of Albanian descent, played a significant role in the Greek War of Independence due to their settlement in various regions of Greece, including the Peloponnese. They were not the majority but certainly a notable presence. Arvanites in Nafplio were known for their involvement in various aspects of the struggle for independence. Nevertheless, the city's population was diverse, with a mix of Greeks, Arvanites, and other groups.

Arvanites vs. Albanians: A Distinction

To avoid confusion, it is essential to clarify that not all Albanians were Arvanites. Arvanites were Christian Orthodox and did not convert to Islam for preferential treatment. Instead, they were loyal to the Greek nation and fought for its independence, many becoming prominent figures in Greek politics and society. In contrast, Muslim Albanians, known as Arbeni, fought as mercenaries for the Ottoman Empire, opposing the independence of Greece.

Sources of Misconceptions: The Role of Greek Authors

One of the primary sources that create the misconception about the majority presence of Arvanites in Greece is a book by Greek author Zaharias Papantoniou titled "Othon." This reference tends to mislead readers into believing that all of Greece was populated by Albanians. In reality, the book does not accurately represent the demographics of the entire country, let alone the capital city of Nafplio.

The Role of King Otto and His Court

It is also important to note that King Otto and his court had to rely on Albanian translators due to their education in Ancient Greek, which was not understood by the general population in 1830. This issue was further complicated by how they pronounced Ancient Greek, adding to the communication difficulties.

Misunderstandings about Epidaurus and Aigina

It is noteworthy that Epidaurus was the first capital where the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and not Nafplio. Similarly, Aigina served as the first capital with a temporary administration, before Nafplio was deemed more suitable. Both cities had significant numbers of Arvanites, who were fluent in Greek. The confusion arises from the claim that Nafplio had a majority Arvanite population, which does not align with historical evidence.

Official Population Estimates and Census Data

According to Johann Georg von Hahn's estimation in 1854, the maximum number of Arvanites in Greece was around 200,000. When compared to the Greek census of 1853, which recorded approximately 1,035,527 total inhabitants, the percentage of Arvanites falls below 20%. This data clarifies the misconception about a significant Arvanite majority in Greece.

Challenges and Biases in Historical Narratives

The role of Arvanites, as well as that of other groups, in the Greek War of Independence has often been misunderstood or misrepresented due to biased historical narratives. The internet is filled with exaggerated and misleading claims, often fueled by nationalist sentiments in Albania and North Macedonia. It is crucial to rely on verifiable sources and census data to debunk these myths.

Conclusion

Nafplio was indeed the first capital of modern Greece during the early years of the Greek War of Independence. However, the demographic composition was not dominated by Albanians-Arvanites. The city had a diverse population, and Arvanites, while present, were part of a larger mosaic of ethnicities. Understanding the historical context and using reliable sources are essential for avoiding misconceptions about the role and significance of Arvanites during this monumental period in Greek history.