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The chapter presents the urban and regional changes in the city of Ioannina, Greece. This city is located in the periphery of Epirus, which is in the western Balkans, Eastern Europe. The chapter examines, with the tools of aerial photos and QGIS software, the spatial transformation of Ioannina city from 1940 to 2015. Map science is a field through which the users could observe and compare maps from past to future. The plans and the planning were formed under the values, standards, and fundamentals of the mosaic of politics, good practices, urban rules, and citizen level. The urban space has already changed until nowadays. The chapter examines the reasons for urban politics and social–economic moments that became the epitome of these urban and regional changes. The results show the comparative spatial study from each historical period.
*Address all correspondence to: efthimios_georgiou@yahoo.gr
1. Introduction
This chapter is an independent effort to analyze and document the urban transformation in Ioannina, Epirus, Greece. The metropolitan area of Ioannina is a mountainous area, located in northern Greece and the western Balkans. It is an area of rich natural and environmental wealth. The main advantages are the cultural and architectural heritage, its important history, and the natural beauty of the wider metropolitan area. The analysis of the metropolitan area, from 1940 to 2015, presents characteristics of change, innovation, modernism, modernization, and Europeanism. At the same time, the traditional and historical characters have not only been preserved but also have been restored, maintained, and adapted to the modern requirements of everyday life. Finally, the functional character of the main and secondary roads is particularly significant, because they serve a key role in hiking and recreational activities for young and older citizens.
The methodology was based on the creation, analysis, classification, and hierarchy of the metropolitan and urban areas of Ioannina. Initially, the emphasis on detail was essential because the analysis parts were sorted into pieces, and the primary spatial data were prioritized. Also, open-source software for geographic information systems was used to create the spatial and descriptive data of the Balkan cities. The result of the mapping was presented with images and paintings. Then, schematically, the data analysis methodology was shown concisely, intelligibly, and effectively. In summary, in the end, the conclusions of the research and the results from the spatial, cultural, political, geographical, historical, and demographic study were presented.
2.1 The basic policies of urban transformation
This chapter presents the key historical events and pillars of urban change from 1940 to 2015. The end of World War II was the first beginning of urban reconstruction. The urban and spatial changes that took place in the Balkan region are related to the general social and economic developments in the Ottoman Empire as well as the nationalist aspirations of the Balkan countries. The appearance of capitalism in the regions was associated with the development of a new urban environment [1].
2.1.1 The continuation of the war in the region of Pindos
The resistance struggle of Greeks, with the slogan “NO,” did not end after the occupation by the invaders in the Balkan region. At that time, the educational level of Greeks was shallow. Few people knew how to write and were highly educated. This fact is added to the high rural population (over 80%) of the Greek territory living in rural, mountainous, and nonurban areas. The world was affected and divided because of poverty.
2.1.2 The Marshall plan
American economic aid was the first firm policy since the end of the war. The Marshall Plan was intended to solve manual work and low educational attainment. It was a key pillar of urbanization, as schools, universities, squares, residences and roads were created, squares in urban centers. Of course, this financial aid did not change the situation from one day to the next, but it lasted for decades. In summary, it was the beginning of liberal democracy and the formation of the everyday routine. With Athens as the central pole, housing and education developed. Since 1974, the democratization of the country has followed. It is essential that at that time in Ioannina, five main trends were formed:
The residents of the metropolitan area came to study in Ioannina.
Trade was developed. The basic traditional products of the settlements for domestic, friendly, related use were transformed into the first shops, guilds, and cooperatives.
The wealthy and historic families moved to Athens and abroad. There was also a lot of emigration from very poor families. The first road axes began to be constructed with the benefits of wealthy Epirus’s. For example, the roads of Dodoni and E. Averoff.
Emphasis was placed on preserving the forces of the past, such as on the principles, values, and visions of the Greek revolution. For example, in Ioannina of the late Ottoman Empire, there was the local expression that the city was “first in arts, wealth, and letters.”
2.1.3 The era of transition and integration in the European Union
A significant change occurred in 1990, with the fall of the socialist-communist regimes. At this point, models of liberal democracy in the city peaked. The inhabitants of the mountainous areas of northern Pindos contributed to the rapid increase of the reconstruction of the metropolitan area of Ioannina. The houses were built, and the first settlements in the wider area were established. These settlements in the following years took the form of small towns with new villas.
On May 28, 1979, the treaty of accession of Greece to the European communities was signed at the Zappeion Megaron. Greece formally joined the European Communities on 1 January 1981 and became its tenth member [2]. The entrance of E.U. gave an essential boost to democracy, liberalism, the opening of borders, and the development of small businesses (bakeries, boutiques, and grocery stores). Moreover, a key aspect was the emigration of people from communist-socialist Albania, who had of Greek-speaking origin, before the borders were closed. These people worked as stone craftsmen and specialized in concrete structures. The reconstruction in the metropolitan area of Ioannina was mainly based on these inhabitants. The residents worked in neighboring regions and cities, such as Thessaloniki, with higher salaries and better working positions.
2.1.4 The historical background of construction
Nowadays, the developmental physiognomy of Ioannina has a basis in the flourishing of tourist products, environmental and ecological activities, recreation, education, business, and administrative services.
2.2 The developmental physiognomy of the Ioannina nowadays
Today, Ioannina is the largest city in north-western Greece and one of the largest cities in the Balkan Peninsula in population. The region of Epirus is one of the 13 regions of Greece. Administratively, it is an appellate body of local government. The geographically is identified with the homonymous district. It occupies an area of 9203 sq. km. Furthermore, its population amounts to 336,856 inhabitants.
2.2.1 The metropolitan role
With this innovative, modern, and efficient tool, the Ioannina basin acquires excellent benefits because it is the largest administrative center in the southern-western Balkans. The role and importance are constantly in a strong position because of its historical and cultural background, education, business, and administrative services.
Figure 1a and b show the region of Ioannina in Greece. Epirus covers the west part of Greece. Ioannina is located near Italy, Albania and Patra. Nowadays, the crucial roads connect from the port of Igoumenitsa to Istanbul and the road from Ioannina to Athens. To sum up, the strategic position is the main advantage of the city.
Figure 1.
(a) Epirus and Ioannina and (b) Ioannina in Greece.
Table 1 presents the geomorphology and demographic characteristics of the municipality in Ioannina. For example, the elevation is 480 meters and the area of the municipality is 403.32 km2. Also, the table preserves the biggest cities in the west Balkans. The biggest city is Beograd in Serbia and the second is Zagreb. The city of Ioannina has 112.486 inhabitants and the municipality has 336.856 inhabitants.
Municipality
403.32 km2 (155.72 sq. mi)
Municipal unit
47.44 km2 (18.32 sq. mi)
Elevation
480 m (1,570 ft)
Municipality density
280/km2 (720/sq. mi)
Municipal unit
80,371
Municipal unit density
1700/km2 (4400/sq. mi)
Municipality
112,486
Table 1.
The Municipality in Ioannina.
2.2.2 Mapping in QGIS
Figures 2 and 3 and Table 2 show the largest population cities in the western Balkans. The map was constructed with QGIS. The methodology was based on the addition of the Google Satellite background. The shape files of cities were designed. In addition, the spatial and descriptive archive of towns was created. The cities have fields in the illustrative data table, name and population.
Figure 2.
Metropolitan area of Ioannina.
Figure 3.
The population of Balkans cities.
Cities
Population
Zagreb
973.667
Belgrade
1.230.000
Sarajevo
395.133
Tirana
418.495
Ioannina
336.856
Podgorica
156.000
Skopje
546,824
Table 2.
The biggest cities in the west Balkans.
With the editing process, the points were formed, the size was increased, and the color was modified. Finally, with help of the labeling toolbox, the field name was activated, and the names of the cities appeared on the map. The map was exported as an image in scale, representing all the cities of the western Balkans [3].
New technology for assessing the technical condition of datasets and vector sets is proposed. The core of this technology is an estimation of defects and deformations of structures using QGIS during map construction and operation [4].
The methodology is based on data management analysis and QGIS software. Firstly, the author searches the pertinent data about the population in the Balkans cities and demographic sizes. Next, the author creates diagrams with the use of excel office. The diagrams present an innovative understanding of the population, municipality area, elevation, and destiny.
Also, this data uses in QGIS. The following steps create a point layer relative to the name of the cities. This layer shows the main cities in the Balkan area and the classification is about the size of the population. Finally, the user presents the methodology of the progress in the diagram. The progress in one part of the scientific study of spatial analysis assistance of the QGIS (Figure 4).
Figure 4.
The methodology in Data Management.
2.3 The urban transformation in 1940
Figure 5a and b show Ioannina in the year 1940. The urban fabric of Ioannina extends around the lake of Ioannina, which is called Pamvotis. In the figure, there are 4–5 main arteries, which are connected together. There are huge and small roads, which are given below.
The lakeside road.
The road parallel to the main lakeside artery.
The road that connects the city with the west entrance.
The road that connects the city with the eastern exit.
The north entrance, in the grove of Frontzos.
Figure 5.
(a) Aerial photo from Ioannina in 1940 and (b) Aerial photo from Ioannina in 1940.
The urban density is concentrated in a rectangular shape, extending from Mavili Square perpendicular to the park of Frontzos. On both sides of the city, on the west and east, there are large forest areas and bushy cultivation.
The islet of Ioannina is in the lakeside zone of the city. An essential history from the “palingenesis” of the Greek statement. The small island travel is enough to cross it by small boat in about 20-25 minutes. In the old days, many people lived on the island because they were fishermen, merchants, and small - owners of traditional and folk art. The island is famous for its local cuisine, such as the frog’s legs.
2.3.1 Coastal front
The coastal front during this period was a place for swimming, fishing, and recreation. The lake “gave” work to the island’s inhabitants and the castle. The inhabitants were among the most economically robust in the city. In addition, there were significant flora and fauna around the lake. Finally, the lake was an important historical, cultural, architectural, and political place to re-create the Greek state. The reasons are important events, battles, and political decisions. The site preserves the historical tomb with museums and cultural-historical sites.
2.3.2 Road network
The road network in this historical period is not safe and healthy. The effects of the second war are influential in the city. The main roads were built with money from donations. The wealthy Epirus persons give money to construct parks, roads, and squares. Moreover, the city has an essential connection to the entrances of the Ioannina. For example, the steep road, which connects the lakeside zone with the city’s eastern entrance, was the best–maintained. On this street was the historic square of Ioannina, the old clock, the academy, the historic town hall, and the main commercial activity of the residents. Finally, Ioannina is rich in stone reserves because mountains surround the city.
2.3.3 Green areas
Ioannina is an area with a large percentage of greenery. The more comprehensive region benefits from the geomorphology of mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests. In 1940, there was no urbanization in Ioannina. In fact that it was an advantage in the agricultural and livestock sector. Agricultural land was mostly for animal husbandry, while fields were necessary for fodder feed.
The central and most fundamental part of economic life was based on this triptych. The dairy economic function is the cultivation - of sheep - dairy products. Finally, the inhabitants had small crops with vegetables and fruit, contributing to a healthy lifestyle and self-sufficiency.
2.3.4 Main economic activities
In the metropolitan area, the main activities of inhabitants are animals and agriculture. The most significant percentage of the population lived in settlements in mountainous, semi-mountainous, and lowland volumes.
The inhabitants have the purpose of being self-sufficient. For example, the sheep and goats produced milk, cheese, and yogurt. Also, the gardens and fields gave vegetables, fruits, potatoes, and cereals. In this way, the residents made the necessary biological needs for food and sure profits, which sold the products that were left over.
Ioannina was a large administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. There were small - ownership, folk art, technical professions, fish shops, patisseries, bakeries, and professional cooperatives.
2.4 The land uses changes in 2007
The map below depicts the urban fabric of Ioannina in 2007. Ioannina, at this time, is a city that has been transformed into a modern educational, university, sports, and administrative center in Greece.
There is a gradual transformation as a living cell of culture, democracy, and liberal economy, where the forces of conservation strengthen the developmental physiognomy of Ioannina. The city was an important pole of the economic health in Greece during the period 2000–2010.
2.4.1 The Egnatia highroad
An important role is played by the dispute of Egnatia Odos, a landmark road project for the region. The main benefits were the reduction of the equation in time - distance with neighboring regions and the growth of tourist flows from Western Europe and the Balkans.
This was a turning point in the city’s modern history, which began to augmentation the leading role in the region. Today, it is a road junction connecting the Egnatia and Ionian highroads (Figure 6).
Figure 6.
(a) Aerial photo from Ioannina in 2007 and (b) aerial photo from Ioannina in 2007.
This photo is the culmination of the increase in the urban complex of Ioannina. The policies of previous years were crystallized with images. The increase in migratory flows, sustainable development, and improvement of the level of education were crucial pillars of the development process of Ioannina.
The main differences are that now the houses have roofs with ceramic bricks, and the roads’ quality and quantity have improved. The secondary and local roads have increased, and many maintenance and restoration works have been carried out in the old mansions.
In addition, the coastal road and widening the pedestrian street linearly with the lake is essential. Finally, small “hearths” of greenery have been developed within the city’s urban fabric (Figure 7).
Figure 7.
Aerial photo from Ioannina in 2007.
2.4.2 European policies
During this period, the city passed a phase of modernization. The economic, cultural, and tourist developmental activities harmonized with E.U political directions. Ioannina became a cell of democracy, neoliberal politics, a tourist attraction, environmental and cultural center. The main pillars of development are around (Figure 8).
Figure 8.
The triptych of economic development.
2.4.3 Coastal front
The lakeside front of Ioannina is a pole of development. The lake gathers economic activities. In the old days, the island’s inhabitants and the castle area were fishermen and landowners. Today, tourist activities, folk art, cafes, museums, restaurants, and hotels have been developed. The lakeside front of Ioannina is an essential pillar for increasing the per capita income of the inhabitants.
Green fields, parks, playgrounds, and event spaces are gathered linearly. Especially during the summer, there are tourist flows, good entertainment, sports competitions, concerts, and sweet and agricultural products exhibitions. Finally, the factor is important because the cultural character around the lake is an opportunity for more development. It also contributes to the sustainable development of Ioannina. After all, it is the historic center of Ioannina.
2.4.4 Metropolitan benefits
The urban fabric of the city consists of structure and urbanism of the following elements:
Three main areas
Square Pargis
Prefecture Square—Market
Square Mavili—Lakeside Front
Three main entrances
North Entrance—Front Frontzos
Airport Entrance
Entrance Gianniotikos Salon
Urban areas
Historical center
Spaces Pure Residences—Settlements
Administration reas
Restaurants
Green Spaces—Hiking areas, hotels, − spaces for events and recreation
Traditional settlements
A significant benefit is a proximity to traditional settlements of particular natural beauty. The advantages of the mountainous and semi-mountainous settlements are the traditional architecture, the restaurants, the hotel units, the cuisine, and the activities in the natural area.
The metropolitan area of Ioannina is a geographical area of Greece with significant advantages. The geographical position and geomorphology include access to the sea and mountains. Also, the historicity, the cultural heritage, and the natural environment are the strong points of the basin of Ioannina. The developmental physiognomy is based on tourist flows. This politic adds economic value to the residents of the wider region. For example, the proximity to Italy from the air and road connection with Athens is a straightforward solution for tourists.
Also, the role of Ioannina has always been an administrative center and is essential. The rich history confirms this. Today, the responsibilities have been significantly upgraded with the upgrading of the university, the region of Ioannina, the university hospital, the hotels, the services of the municipality, and industries.
In 2015, Ioannina was upgraded for two main reasons. Initially, it is now a crossroads of two major roads of the country. The Ionian and Egnatia Odos are joined 9 km from the city. The Ionian Sea connects the town with Patras and Athens, while Egnatia connects Ioannina with the Ionian Sea, Thessaloniki, and Istanbul. Also, the city is a cultural, historical, environmental, tourist, and administrative center of Greece. The increase in tourist flows through neighboring Italy and other Balkan towns contributed to the rise of visitors.
The unique natural beauty areas of the neighboring mountains are a mixture of the environment, natural beauty, and tradition. Also, the benefits of the traditional mountain settlements are significant. The buildings of the settlements were preserved. The main factors in the development of the wider region are the churches, monuments, restaurants, large hotel units, hiking trails, lakes, and traditional celebrations.
Finally, Figures 9 and 10 are two images of the urban fabric and the historic center of Ioannina. The historic center has been preserved and modernized. Also, the city’s urban fabric shows an increase in the west and east pieces (Figure 11).
Figure 9.
The urban area of Ioannina.
Figure 10.
The historical center.
Figure 11.
The metropolitan area of Ioannina.
The following images show the city in 2007 and 2015. In Figure 12, the urban fabric of the city is gray. Figure 13 shows the shape of the urban fabric in gray—the green color of the forest cradles and parks. The urban fabric’s urban density, perimeter, and area increased from 2007 to 2015. Cartography is usually carried out during building design, planning, and construction. The map contains a variety of important information [5].
Figure 12.
The shape of the city in 2007.
Figure 13.
The shape of the city in 2015.
In the end, the mapping process is a tremendous spatial example. The analysis of data, topological information, attribute information, and overlay study explores scenarios for the practical knowledge of the perimeters, area, and land covers of Ioannina.
The methodology of spatial representation in the city’s shape became the QGIS software. Initially, the images were added to the spatial surface. Also, the shapefiles were created in 2007 and 2015. In continuous, digitization began with the editing tool of the city. Each shapefile was formed based on the urban fabric in the two chronological periods on the image. In the field of descriptive characteristics, the area, the perimeter of the urban fabric, and vegetation were added [3].
The message of the scientific paper is concluded in the three words: thesis, antithesis, and synthesis. Firstly, the idea, because the whole article included:
Basic points,
Pillars,
Fundamentals of the political decisions,
Urban and metropolitan transformations.
Secondly, antithesis, why urbanism changed during the chronological period from 1940 to 2015, and the land uses reshaped in other forms. This anti-phase is crucial to studies as a human body that changes yearly. The years keep the town together, harmonizing with European values and standards. In other words, it is the same, and the city is a little planet of democracy and theoretical and practical ideas.
Thirdly, the word synthesis. The political decisions continue the cohesion policies. The next political steps follow the previous goals of the European Union. The mosaic of these changes synthesizes the modern reality in the city.
I would like to express my thanks to Paula Gavran because she allowed me to participate in this study and write an article for a scientific journal. I am thankful for her suggestion and pleased and enthusiastic about her cooperation. It is an honor for me. I wish her every success.
References
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2.Official Website in E.U. 2022. Available from: https://greece.representation.ec.europa.eu/shetika-me-emas/i-ellada-stin-ee_el. [Accessed May 7, 2022]
3.Official Website QGIS Training Manual. 2022. Available from: https://docs.qgis.org/3.22/en/docs/training_manual/. [Accessed: May 7, 2022]
4.Annenkov Α. Monitoring the deformation process of engineering structures using bim technologies. International Archieves of the Photogrammetry, Remote and Spatial Information. 2022;5:15-20. DOI: 10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVI-5-W1-2022-15-2022
5.Cechavicius R, Visockiene JS, TumelieneInt E. Three-dimensional (3d) modelling of the pedestrian bridge over the river neris. International Archieves of the Photogrammetry, Remote and Spatial Information. 2022;5:47-50. DOI: 10.5194/isprs-archives-XLVI-5-W1-2022-47-2022
Written By
Efthymios-Spyridon Georgiou
Submitted: 09 May 2022Reviewed: 14 June 2022Published: 12 August 2022
Open access peer-reviewed chapter
