Paroreio

History

Little of history was known between the Medieval and the Balkan Wars but during that time it was called Bitusha (Битуша, Bitousa in Greek). It was annexed to Greece in 1913 and many inhabitants moved northeast, some to Eastern Thrace and Asia Minor. In 1926 the Greek government renamed the village to Parori, and in 1940 to Paroreion. in an effort to Hellenize Macedonia.

The region saw a military presence during World War I and World War II, with French and other ally troops establishing small bases in the area. Border towns like Parorio were at risk of invading parties from the Balkans to the North, who were looking for any point of entry into Greece and access to its important sea routes. The area also saw a brutal conflict when the Greek Civil War emerged following World War II. Many were forced out of their homes and much hardship and tragedy took place at this time.

Only a small fraction of the former population numbering 800 continues to inhabit the village. Pre–war and post–war immigration from Paroreio led to the formation of a diaspora split between communities in Toronto, Canada and Victoria, Australia, in particular the cities of Melbourne and Shepperton.

Today, the area is sparsely inhabited, but is experiencing a slight rejuvenation in the agriculture industry, as part of a plan funded by the European Union. Some of Greece's most fertile land lies in the area that surrounds the region.

Demographics

|1991|70 |2001|40 |2011|23 |2021|12

References

References

1. Institute for Neohellenic Research. "Name Changes of Settlements in Greece: Bitousa – Parori".
2. [https://www.eetaa.gr/eetaa/metaboles/oikmet_details.php?id=16773 EETAA - Hellenic Agency for Local Development and Local Government]
3. Tamis, Anastasios. (2005). "The Greeks in Australia". Cambridge University Press.
4. "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)". National Statistical Service of Greece.
5. "Απογραφή Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2011. ΜΟΝΙΜΟΣ Πληθυσμός". Hellenic Statistical Authority.