Aynoros; It is located in the easternmost of the three narrow and long peninsulas in the Balkans extending from the Halkidiki peninsula of Greece to the Aegean Sea. While this region constitutes an important center of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, it has an autonomous form of administration within the Greek Republic.
Aynoroz is a special residential area where women and even female animals are prohibited from entering. The fact that this interesting ban has been in force for more than a thousand years stuns everyone who hears it. Beyond entering the island, women are not allowed to come closer than 500 meters even to the peninsula’s shore.
by the official name Autonomous Monk State of AynorozI; It has an autonomous state structure on the territory of Greece in an area of 390 km². This place has maintained its autonomy for centuries and has historically maintained its independence under Byzantine, Ottoman and Greek domination. District representing 20 monasteries with a council of 20 is managed. The architectural structure of the monasteries is quite striking and surrounded by high walls, with a tower in the centre. What makes Athenoz unique is that an entire peninsula is considered one gigantic monastery and women are banned from entering.
The Population Living in Aynoroz is All Male
The entire population living in Aynoroz consists of men. to the area approximately Women have been banned since 1045 and this tradition has been adhered to. Access to the region can only be provided by sea. However, not every man is allowed to enter this peninsula. Only 100 men per day can enter the area by prior appointment and obtaining the necessary permits. These special permits include an appointment from Thessaloniki, a consular recommendation, and a permit from the Greek Foreign Office.
The autonomous status of Aynoroz has caused controversy within the European Union. Reports were accepted in the European Parliament stating that the area’s closure for women is against the fundamental principles of human rights and gender equality.
The place of Aynoroz in mythology is also remarkable. According to mythological stories, Mount Athos was formed as a result of the rebellion of a Thracian giant against Poseidon. Likewise, the Virgin Mary has a special story related to the region and this is an element that supports the sanctity of the peninsula. The special historical and artistic riches of the region further emphasize the special status of this place.
As a historical anecdote, it should be noted that Greek women were one of those who broke through the ban and that Aliki Diplarakou, who was elected Miss Europe in the 1930s, sneaked into this peninsula dressed as a man. This event had great repercussions and received wide coverage in the international media.
The reason for the prohibition of women’s entry is that the Christian clergy vow of celibacy lies. Author of the book “Renewal in Heaven” on Mount Athos, Dr. According to Graham Speake, an edict of the 10th century declared that female animals should be removed from the peninsula, but there was no mention of women. Because everyone already knew that women were not allowed to enter men’s monasteries. This practice ensures that the vow of celibacy given by the Christian clergy is not violated in the simplest way.
Characteristics of the Aynoroz Peninsula
The soil of the Aynoroz peninsula is calcareous and has a very rough terrain. The highest peak of the peninsula is Mount Athos with a height of 2,033 meters. The majority of the population living in this particular region is made up of priests, with a total of about 2,250 people. At the foot of Mount Athos, there are 20 monasteries under the direct authority of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. The main livelihoods of the people of the region are Mediterranean products such as olives, grape growing and animal husbandry.
Mount Athos, is often referred to as “Agion Oros” (Sacred Mountain) in Greek, and other Eastern Orthodox tradition languages also use names meaning “Holy Mountain”. These names include expressions used in languages such as Bulgarian, Serbian, Russian and Georgian. In the classical era, the peninsula was called Athos, while the ancient name of the peninsula was known as Acté or Akté.
Mount Athos has a rich history, with nearly 1,800 years of Christian presence and monastic tradition dating back to at least 800 AD and Byzantine times. Today, more than 2,000 monks from Greece and Eastern Orthodox countries live in isolation from the world. Athonite monasteries are home to important collections with rich content such as rare books, ancient documents and historical artifacts. Mount Athos has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1988.
Mount Athos, although legally part of Greece, has special jurisdiction. This special status distinguishes the Monastic State and the Athonite institutions with special permissions for Greece to join the European Community. The history of Aynoroz reflects its success in maintaining its independence throughout the Byzantine, Ottoman and Greek dominations.
Aynoroz is also known as “Aynaroz” in the local language. All 20 monasteries of Aynoroz were built according to a common plan. All of these monasteries, which were designed as castles with large courtyards, are surrounded by towered walls. The churches were built from the 10th century, adorned with Byzantine murals on religious themes.
