PREFECTURE OF IOANNINA

The prefecture borders on Albania, and the prefectures of Arta, Preveza, Kastoia, Kozani, Grevena, Trikala, Thesprotia.

The prefectures economy is based on cattle breeding, agriculture and the forests. The production of dairy products (cheese and butter) is important. The only agricultural products are: tobacco, hopes and corn. The prefecture of Ioannina is sparsely populated. It is also the poorest part of Epirus.

Its history is closely related to the sanctum of Dodoni. In the 3^rd millennium, goddess Earth was worship there. In the 2^nd millennium the Greek tribes bring the worship of Dodoni ( a kind of oak ). In the 14^th - 13^th cent. B.C. the worship of Zeus is established. It was then that the three worships become one. Garth becomes Zeus wife (Diona) and the holy oak becomes the residence of the divine couple. The priest would sleep on the ground and walk without any shops so as to be in touch with Mother Earth. Its history has been already mentioned. The inhabitants of Dodona finally took Shelter in Ioannina. The town of Ioannina was founded by Ioustinianus. Ann Komneni refers that the town was conquered by Normands in 1082, who renovated the castle. In 1204 the domain of Epirus is founded and Ioannina flourishes. The inhabitants gain economic, administrative and religious privileges. During the Turkish domination (17th cent) the middle class by having contact with is at its peak. When Ali Pasha reigns. This town never stopped playing an important role in Greece.

Ioannina
It is a modern town, full of history and monuments is situated on the banks of Vegoritida Lake. It is the largest commercial, industrial, and spiritual centre of Epirus. The population is 70203. It has not been ascertained when the town was founded. The town is first mentioned in 879. In 1020 the town was a See of Bishop. The name is first mentioned a manuscript by Vasileios Voulgaroktonos. Ioannina was occupied by the Normands and Franks, the Byzantine, the Serbs (1345) and the Turks (1431). In 1788, it was Ali Pashas turn. Ioannina flourishes after 1204. The town also played a significant role in the civil life of the domain of Epirus. When Turks threatened the town, the local lords and the priesthood surrendered it on the conditions the inhabitants should not be included in the mass kidnapping of children, they would keep their fortunes and Turks would not settle in Ioannina. However, when the revolution of Dionysus Skyloforus occurred in 1611 the privileges were abolished. The Turks settled in the castle and the inhabitants founded six new settlements outside the walls. In the 17^th and 18^th centuries the middle class contributed to the foundation of new schools or the reinforcement of the old ones. Ali Pasha also played a significant role since he made Ioannina the capital of his domain. The legends related to Ali Pasha and Kyra Frosini are mixed with the battles against Souli still shroud the castle, the banks of the lake and the little island.

Metsovo: A picturesque mountains large village famous for its handicraft and the dairy products, mostly cheese. It is situated on Pindos Mountain. The landscape is impressive. It was the homeland of the national benefactors (Tositsa ).

Dodoni: It is an ancient centre of worship and the Oracle of Zeus. It is 22 km to the south of Ioannina. Old and most recent excavations revealed buildings as well as donations from all over Greece. Zeus and Diona (his wife) were worshipped in combination with the holy tree, the oak, where the divine couple resided. The prophesies given were according to the rustling of the oaks leaves, and the croaks of the holy pidgeons nesting in the oak. Moreover the priests would interpret the sounds of the bronze boilers that surrounded the holy tree. The questions for the oracles were carved on leaden Iavinas, many of which have been found during the excavations. The worship in the sanctum of Dodoni began in the prehistorical times - the oracle was regarded as the most ancient in Greece.