Mesopotam (Mesopotami; - Mesopotamos) is a village and a former commune in Vlorë County, southern Albania. At the 2015 local government reform it became a subdivision of the municipality Finiq. The population at the 2011 census was 2,786, Besides the village Mesopotam from which it takes its name and which functions as well as an administrative center, the administrative unit consists of 14 other villages: Ardhasovë, Bistricë, Brajlat, Dhrovjan, Fitore, Kardhikaq, Kostar, Kranë, Krongj, Livinë, Muzinë, Pecë, Sirakat, and Velahovë.

Etymology

The name comes from Greek, meaning "between rivers".

Population

The People's Republic of Albania (1945-1991) established cultural rights in special minority zones for ethnic Greeks in all 14 villages of Mesopotam. These rights were preserved after the fall of socialism in Albania. According to a fieldwork of 1995 the majority of the villages, including Mesopotam itself, are inhabited solely by the Greek community, while Muzinë and Pecë, by the Albanian Orthodox. Bistricë has a mixed population and Kardhikaq is a mixed village inhabited by Greeks and Aromanians.

Attractions

The Mesopotam village is known for its 13th century Orthodox Church dedicated to St. Nicholas, declared "Protected Monument" from the government. The "Blue Eye" water spring nearby is a well-known touristic destination.

Notable people