# Edessa

> city in Macedonia, Greece

**Wikidata**: [Q209978](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q209978)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edessa,_Greece)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/edessa

## Summary
Edessa is a city in Macedonia, Greece, known by its modern name Vodena. It is a large human settlement with a rich historical background, having been part of the Ottoman Empire before becoming part of Greece in 1913. The city has a population of 17,848 as of 2021 and is located in the Pella Regional Unit.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Large human settlement (city)
- **Area**: 611 square kilometers
- **Coordinates**: 40.8° N, 22.05° E
- **Population (2021)**: 17,848 (census)
- **Historical Population (1913)**: 8,846 (census)
- **Country**: Greece (since 1913), previously part of the Ottoman Empire (1382–1913)
- **Capital of**: Pella Regional Unit and Edessa Municipality
- **Located in**: Edessa Municipality and Commune of Edessa
- **Postal Code**: 58200
- **Elevation**: 316 meters above sea level
- **Patron Saint**: Luke the Evangelist
- **Aliases**: Vodena, Vodina, Edessa (Greece), Edhessa, Dimos Edessa, Voden, etc.
- **Website**: [www.edessa.gr](http://www.edessa.gr/)
- **Local Dialing Code**: 2381
- **Wikidata Description**: City in Macedonia, Greece

## FAQs
- **What is the current population of Edessa?** As of 2021, Edessa has a population of 17,848.
- **When did Edessa become part of Greece?** Edessa became part of Greece on May 30, 1913.
- **What is the historical name of Edessa?** Edessa was historically known as Vodena or Vodina.
- **What is the elevation of Edessa?** Edessa is located at an elevation of 316 meters above sea level.
- **Who is the patron saint of Edessa?** The patron saint of Edessa is Luke the Evangelist.
- **What is the postal code of Edessa?** The postal code for Edessa is 58200.
- **What is the area of Edessa?** Edessa covers an area of 611 square kilometers.
- **What are some of the aliases for Edessa?** Other names for Edessa include Vodena, Vodina, Edessa (Greece), Edhessa, Dimos Edessa, and Voden.

## Why It Matters
Edessa holds significant historical and cultural importance as a city in Macedonia, Greece. Its transition from the Ottoman Empire to Greece in 1913 marked a pivotal moment in its administrative and political history. The city's rich heritage, including its association with Luke the Evangelist as its patron saint, adds to its cultural significance. As a major settlement in the Pella Regional Unit, Edessa plays a crucial role in the region's economic and social development. Its strategic location and historical background make it a notable entity in Greek and European history.

## Notable For
- **Historical Transition**: Became part of Greece in 1913 after being under Ottoman rule since 1382.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Associated with Luke the Evangelist as its patron saint.
- **Administrative Role**: Serves as the capital of both the Pella Regional Unit and the Edessa Municipality.
- **Geographical Significance**: Located at an elevation of 316 meters above sea level in a region of 611 square kilometers.
- **Population Growth**: Population increased from 8,846 in 1913 to 17,848 in 2021.
- **Unique Aliases**: Known by multiple names, including Vodena and Vodina, reflecting its historical and cultural diversity.

## Body
### History
Edessa, historically known as Vodena or Vodina, has a rich historical background. It was part of the Ottoman Empire from 1382 until May 30, 1913, when it became part of Greece. The city has been a significant settlement in the Pella Regional Unit and the Edessa Municipality, serving as their capital. Its transition from Ottoman rule to Greek sovereignty marked a major administrative and political shift in its history.

### Geography
Edessa is located at coordinates 40.8° N, 22.05° E, covering an area of 611 square kilometers. The city is situated at an elevation of 316 meters above sea level, providing a strategic geographical position within its region. Its postal code is 58200, and its local dialing code is 2381.

### Demographics
The population of Edessa has seen growth over the years. In 1913, the population was 8,846, which increased to 17,848 in 2021. This growth reflects the city's development and its role as a major settlement in the Pella Regional Unit.

### Culture and Heritage
Edessa is associated with Luke the Evangelist as its patron saint, adding to its cultural and religious significance. The city's rich heritage includes its historical names and aliases, such as Vodena, Vodina, and Edessa (Greece), which reflect its diverse cultural identity.

### Administration and Governance
As the capital of both the Pella Regional Unit and the Edessa Municipality, Edessa plays a crucial role in the administrative governance of the region. Its status as a major settlement ensures its influence in local and regional affairs.

### Digital Presence
Edessa has an official website, [www.edessa.gr](http://www.edessa.gr/), which serves as a digital platform for local information and services. The city is also represented in various digital databases and encyclopedias, including the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, and the Encyclopædia Britannica.

### Related Entities
Edessa is connected to several other entities, including the Pella Regional Unit, the Edessa Municipality, and the Commune of Edessa. It is also twinned with Gornji Milanovac, Pleven, and Bitola, reflecting its international collaborations and partnerships.

### Unique Identifiers
Edessa is identified by various unique identifiers, including its Geonames ID (736357), MusicBrainz Area ID, and OpenStreetMap Node ID. These identifiers help in its digital representation and mapping within global databases.

### References and Sources
Edessa's information is sourced from various academic and encyclopedic references, including the Great Soviet Encyclopedia, Brockhaus and Efron Encyclopedic Dictionary, and the Encyclopædia Britannica. These sources provide a comprehensive overview of the city's history, culture, and significance.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Integrated Authority File
3. Library of Congress Name Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. MusicBrainz
7. 2021 Greek census
8. [Ergebnisse der Volkszählung 2011 beim Nationalen Statistischen Dienst Griechenlands (ΕΛ.ΣΤΑΤ)](https://web.archive.org/web/20150213024145/http://www.statistics.gr/portal/page/portal/ESYE)
9. Greek census 2011
10. Quora
11. [Source](https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/vodina)
12. museum-digital