Why these seven Greek islands spent centuries avoiding Ottoman rule while others fell

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Known as the Heptanese, the Ionian Islands occupy a unique position in Greek history. While the rest of the Greek-speaking world succumbed to the Ottoman Empire, these islands remained under Venetian control for centuries. This distinct heritage created a cultural bridge between Italy and Greece that persists to this day.

The Ionian Islands—comprising Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Lefkada, Ithaca, Kythira, and Paxi—have long served as a strategic maritime crossroads. Unlike the Greek mainland, which was largely absorbed by the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century, these islands remained under the influence of the Republic of Venice. This era of Venetian rule, which began in earnest for many islands between 1238 and 1502, fostered a unique identity. Venetian became the official language for social advancement, and the islands became a refuge for Greek intellectuals and freedom fighters as the 19th-century independence movement gained momentum.

The islands' political trajectory shifted dramatically in the modern era. Following the fall of Venice in 1797, the territory cycled through French, Russian-Ottoman, and British control. Under the Treaty of Paris in 1815, the islands were placed under British protection, forming a semi-autonomous entity known as the United States of the Ionian Islands. During this period, the British introduced modern justice and education systems, though they also faced local pressure for union with Greece. In 1864, Britain officially ceded the islands to the Kingdom of Greece as a diplomatic gesture to support the newly elected King George I.

The 20th century brought further upheaval, including Italian and German occupations during the Second World War. A devastating earthquake in 1953, which reached a magnitude of 7.2, leveled much of the southern islands, leading to a total reconstruction under a rigorous building code that remains effective today. While the islands have faced economic shifts—transitioning from traditional agriculture and fishing to a tourism-heavy economy—they retain a distinct character. Today, they remain a stronghold of left-wing sentiment, shaped by a history that blends Greek, Italian, and British influences into a singular Mediterranean experience.

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