**2.3 The urban transformation in 1940**

**Figure 5a** and **b** show Ioannina in the year 1940. The urban fabric of Ioannina extends around the lake of Ioannina, which is called Pamvotis. In the figure, there are 4–5 main arteries, which are connected together. There are huge and small roads, which are given below.

**Figure 4.** *The methodology in Data Management.*

*The Metropolitan Transformation of Ioannina City from 1940 to 2015 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.105884*

#### **Figure 5.**

*(a) Aerial photo from Ioannina in 1940 and (b) Aerial photo from Ioannina in 1940.*


The urban density is concentrated in a rectangular shape, extending from Mavili Square perpendicular to the park of Frontzos. On both sides of the city, on the west and east, there are large forest areas and bushy cultivation.

The islet of Ioannina is in the lakeside zone of the city. An essential history from the "palingenesis" of the Greek statement. The small island travel is enough to cross it by small boat in about 20-25 minutes. In the old days, many people lived on the island because they were fishermen, merchants, and small - owners of traditional and folk art. The island is famous for its local cuisine, such as the frog's legs.

#### *2.3.1 Coastal front*

The coastal front during this period was a place for swimming, fishing, and recreation. The lake "gave" work to the island's inhabitants and the castle. The inhabitants were among the most economically robust in the city. In addition, there were significant flora and fauna around the lake. Finally, the lake was an important historical, cultural, architectural, and political place to re-create the Greek state. The reasons are important events, battles, and political decisions. The site preserves the historical tomb with museums and cultural-historical sites.

#### *2.3.2 Road network*

The road network in this historical period is not safe and healthy. The effects of the second war are influential in the city. The main roads were built with money from donations. The wealthy Epirus persons give money to construct parks, roads, and

squares. Moreover, the city has an essential connection to the entrances of the Ioannina. For example, the steep road, which connects the lakeside zone with the city's eastern entrance, was the best–maintained. On this street was the historic square of Ioannina, the old clock, the academy, the historic town hall, and the main commercial activity of the residents. Finally, Ioannina is rich in stone reserves because mountains surround the city.

### *2.3.3 Green areas*

Ioannina is an area with a large percentage of greenery. The more comprehensive region benefits from the geomorphology of mountains, rivers, lakes, and forests. In 1940, there was no urbanization in Ioannina. In fact that it was an advantage in the agricultural and livestock sector. Agricultural land was mostly for animal husbandry, while fields were necessary for fodder feed.

The central and most fundamental part of economic life was based on this triptych. The dairy economic function is the cultivation - of sheep - dairy products. Finally, the inhabitants had small crops with vegetables and fruit, contributing to a healthy lifestyle and self-sufficiency.

### *2.3.4 Main economic activities*

In the metropolitan area, the main activities of inhabitants are animals and agriculture. The most significant percentage of the population lived in settlements in mountainous, semi-mountainous, and lowland volumes.

The inhabitants have the purpose of being self-sufficient. For example, the sheep and goats produced milk, cheese, and yogurt. Also, the gardens and fields gave vegetables, fruits, potatoes, and cereals. In this way, the residents made the necessary biological needs for food and sure profits, which sold the products that were left over.

Ioannina was a large administrative center of the Ottoman Empire. There were small - ownership, folk art, technical professions, fish shops, patisseries, bakeries, and professional cooperatives.
