   With its strategic position, a crossroads of sea and land
routes, Alexandroupolis connects Europe and Asia, East to the
West. This beautiful seaside city, whose trademark is a
Lighthouse, forms the centre of a truly fascinating region. In
the middle of the 19th century, fishermen from Maroneia and
Makri established a small village, named “Dede-Agats”, meaning
“the tree of the monk”. Tradition has it that it took its name
from an oak tree, under the shade of which had preached and been
buried a dervish.  In 1871 the little fishers’ village obtained
a railway connection and the area became easily accessible by
land. If we add the bustling port activity, we can easily
understand why the area experienced such a great economic
prosperity at that time. Traders and craftsmen settled in the
city and consulates of various countries were established
bestowing a unique cosmopolitan flair on the city.  In 1878,
after the Russo-Turkish Wars, Russian troops settled in the
town. The face of Alexandroupolis changed comple