Dodecanese

Dodecanese , Gr. Dhodhekánisos, island group (1991 pop. 163,476), c.1,035 sq mi (2,680 sq km), SE Greece, in the Aegean Sea, between Asia Minor and Crete, comprising the greater part of the group known as the Southern Sporades . Despite its name ( "twelve islands" ), it consists of about 20 islands and islets, of which the most important are Rhodes , Kós , Kárpathos , Kálimnos , Pátmos , Astipálaia, Kásos, Tilos, Sími, Léros, Nísiros, Khalki, and Kastellórizo. The city of Rhodes, on the largest of the islands, is the administrative seat. Agriculture, livestock raising, fruit growing, and sponge diving are the main occupations. Tourism is an important industry. Centers of ancient Greek culture, the Dodecanese were held by the Ottoman Turks from 1522 until 1912, when they were occupied by Italy during the Italo-Turkish War. The islands were captured by the Allies during World War II, and in 1947 they formally passed to Greece. However, Turkey claims some of the islands.

Dodecanese (Dhodhekánisos) Group of c.20 islands forming a department of Greece, in the se Aegean Sea, between Turkey and Crete. The capital and largest island is Rhodes. The islands were under Ottoman control (1500–1912), before passing to Greece (1947). The main occupation is agriculture, such as fruit growing, livestock raising, and diving for sponges. Area: 2174sq km (839sq mi). Pop. (2002 est.) 188,900.

Dodecanese (Dhodhekánisos), Greece ‘Twelve Islands’ from the Greek dōdeka ‘twelve’ and nēsos ‘island’ although there are more. Although they were part of the ancient Greek world, the name was designated in the 16th century by the Ottoman Turks, who recognized only twelve as comprising the group because they had voluntarily accepted Turkish rule. This lasted until the Italians took control in 1912. The group was finally ceded to Greece in 1947.