The ethnic Greek minority in southern Albania, is facing a new wave of forest fires driven by a sharp rise in temperatures, with flames threatening agricultural lands in the region’s Greek-speaking villages.
Critical situation in Albania’s Greek-dominant Dhivër: Aerial reinforcements from Sweden
The situation remains particularly serious in the Greek-dominant village of Dhivër in Southern Albania, where a forest fire has been raging for days, intensified by strong winds. Since the morning of Thursday, August 7, 2025, two firefighting aircraft from Sweden—deployed through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism—and a helicopter from the Albanian Air Force have been assisting in the firefighting efforts.
The two Swedish planes involved are Air Tractor AT-802F Fire Boss amphibious aircraft, provided by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. These water bombers can collect and drop approximately 3,000 liters (about 792 gallons) of water per operation and are mainly deployed in hard-to-reach areas, such as those in the Municipality of Finiq.
According to Albania’s Defense Minister, Niko Peleshi, a safety perimeter has been established around the villages of Navaritsa and Memorachi. Coordinated efforts are being made to halt the fire’s advance.
Residents of Dhivër, Tserkovitsa, Agios Andreas, and Giannitsati report extensive damage to olive groves and other tree plantations, threatening both livelihoods and the rural economy of the Greek-speaking communities.
Dhivër: Demographic growth in the heart of the Greek community of Southern Albania
Dhivër is a village that stretches across the western slopes of Mount Divrovouni approximately 15 miles (24 km) from the city of Agioi Saranda. It serves as the administrative center of the province bearing the same name and includes the villages of Upper and Lower Lesinitsa, Tsarkovitsa, Maltsani, Giannitsati, Kesarati, Loupsati, Agios Andreas, Memorachi, Dermisi, Navaritsa, and Roumantza.
According to folklorist Grigorios Katsalidas, the name Dhivër derives from the Latin word “vivarium” (“fish pond”), which evolved into “vivari” (Greek: διβάρι), and later became Dhivër after linguistic shifts.
The inhabitants of Dhivër in Divrovouni trace their origins to the larger Dhivër near Butrint, beginning with 37 founding families. Over the centuries, the population grew steadily: Ottoman tax records from 1583 list 145 households. In 1888, there were 195 families totaling 1,015 residents. By 1898–1899, the population had risen to 1,100. In 1990, Dhivër counted 1,965 inhabitants and was recognized as the main village of the region.
Religious and cultural heritage
Dhivër is home to several historic churches, including the church of Saint George, a former hermitage dating back to the 9th century. Other notable sites are Saint Nicholas Church and the Church of the Virgin Mary at the Monastery of Divrovouni, built in the 14th century.
The Monastery of Saint Nicholas, now serving as a parish church, is of Byzantine origin, although its exact founding date remains unknown.
This monastery was renowned for its holy relics, believed to possess healing powers. The relics, housed in a rectangular brass reliquary adorned with a silver depiction of the Crucifixion, include bones associated with five saints: the Great Martyr Mercurius, Saint Nicholas, Saint Eleftherios, Saint Charalambos, and Saint Kyriakos. It was customary for people to bring these relics into their homes to protect the sick, the possessed, or young children in need.
Dhivër: A hub of Greek heritage, resistance, and rich natural beauty
The people of Dhivër enduring the forest fires are predominately of Greek descent—Southern Albania’s Greek minority—who participated in the 1847 Tanzimat revolt. They also contributed 44 partisans to the “Lefteris Tallios” battalion during the Anti-Fascist Resistance.
Dhivër is renowned for its natural beauty. The region supports livestock farming, particularly goat herding, while locals depend heavily on olive cultivation for their livelihood. The surrounding hills and meadows are abundant with medicinal plants.
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