 On 17 December 1913, the Protocol of Florence ceded the northern part of Epirus to the newly established Principality of Albania.This turn of events catalysed an uprising among the local Greek population, who declared the independence of Northern Epirus.The Autonomous Republic of Northern Epirus was thus proclaimed in Argyrokastro (Gjirokastër) on 28 February 1914, while a provisional government was formed under Georgios Christakis-Zografos.