ARVANITE Meaning and
Definition
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Arvanite is a term used to refer to a specific ethnic group found primarily in Greece. The word derives from "Arvan," which means Albanian in the Arvanite dialect. Arvanites are descendants of Albanians who migrated to Greece during the late Middle Ages and early Ottoman periods. They are predominantly found in central and southern Greece, particularly in regions such as Attica, Boeotia, and Peloponnese.
With a distinct cultural and linguistic background, Arvanites have historically maintained strong ties to their Albanian roots while also assimilating into Greek society. Their dialect, known as Arvanitika, is a variant of the Tosk Albanian dialect, with influences from both Albanian and Greek languages.
Arvanites have made significant contributions to Greek history and culture. Their presence in Greece has left indelible marks on various aspects, including culinary heritage, traditional music, and dance. Despite centuries of coexistence and integration, Arvanites have succeeded in maintaining their cultural identity and holding onto customs and traditions that distinguish them from the rest of Greek society.
Today, the Arvanite community is relatively small, and the number of Arvanitika speakers has significantly declined over the years. However, efforts are being made to preserve and promote the Arvanite culture, language, and history by various Arvanite organizations and cultural associations.
Etymology of ARVANITE
The word "Arvanite" is derived from the Albanian word "Arbëreshë", which refers to the Albanian populations living outside of Albania. The etymology of "Arbëreshë" can be traced back to the medieval term "Arvanon", which signifies the region of Arbanon in modern-day Albania. The Albanian population in this region had a significant demographic presence in the Byzantine Empire and other parts of the Balkans during the Middle Ages. Over time, the term "Arvanite" or "Arbëreshë" came to be used to refer to Albanian communities outside of Albania, particularly those settled in southern Italy and Greece.
