Trouba, the “red light” district of Piraeus: questions of identity and history
Alexandra Zavvou
Abstract
Trοuba is an area in the center of Piraeus, which was transformed in the first post-war decades into a booming sex and entertainment market, the “red light” district of the port. As such, it offers a privileged vantage point from which to study the spatial politics and cultural significations concerning prostitution and sexuality, nightlife and popular culture. In this article I offer an initial socio-historical analysis of the growth of the sex and entertainment industry in the area, situating Trouba in the context of the urban development of Piraeus. Trouba is approached as a multifaceted and contested urban space but also as a landmark-symbol of a particular socio-cultural identity.