Yanitsa
Giannitsa (Greek: Γιαννιτσά [ʝaniˈt͡sa]; in English also Yannitsa) is a city in northern Greece, geographically situated in Macedonia and administratively belonging to Central Macedonia. It is the largest urban center of the regional unit of Pella, its historical capital, and the administrative seat of the municipality of Pella. According to the 2021 census, Giannitsa has 32,410 inhabitants. The Municipal Unit of Giannitsa covers an area of 208.105 km2, and includes the following settlements: Ampeleies, Archontiko, Asvestario, Damiano, Eleftherochori, Leptokarya, Melissi, Mesiano, and Paralimni.
Giannitsa is located at a short distance from Mount Paiko to the north and from the banks of the Axios River to the east, within the central part of the fertile Giannitsa–Thessaloniki plain, which constitutes the largest lowland area in Greece. Within the same geographical unit extended, until the mid-20th century, Giannitsa Lake, also known as Borboros 'slime' or Borboros Limen, a natural landscape of considerable ecological, economic, and historical significance, which was radically transformed following its drainage. Today, the city functions as a significant economic and industrial center, as the European Route E86 (Greek National Road 2) runs along the southern outskirts of the urban area.
The city is generally considered to have been founded during the Byzantine period; however, it acquired particular prominence after its conquest by the distinguished Ottoman military commander and conqueror Evrenos Bey. Evrenos Bey settled in Giannitsa, died there, and was buried in the city, thereby endowing it with a strong religious character. The continuous influx of Muslims visiting the city for pilgrimage rendered Giannitsa sacred in their perception, leading to a period of remarkable prosperity during the Ottoman era. To this day, the city retains the epithet 'the Mecca of the Balkans'.
The historical significance of Giannitsa is further enhanced by its proximity to ancient Pella, the capital of the Kingdom of Macedon and the birthplace of Alexander the Great, the archaeological remains of which are located approximately 7 km (4 miles) from the city. Giannitsa lies at a distance of 48 km (30 miles) from Thessaloniki, and 332 km (206.3 miles) from Athens.
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