Syros: Difference between revisions
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{{For|the tank landing ship serving as ''RHS Syros''|USS LST-325}} |
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{{Infobox settlement |
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{{Infobox Greece place |
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| name = Syros |
| name = Syros |
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| name_local = <small>Περιφερειακή ενότητα Σύρου</small><br><small>Δήμος Σύρου-Ερμούπολης</small> |
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| type = regional unit and municipality |
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| image_skyline = Syros Ano Syros u Ermoupolis140707.jpg |
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| settlement_type = [[Regional units of Greece|Regional unit]] |
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| caption_skyline = Ermoupoli and Ano Syros |
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| image_alt = |
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| image_caption = The port of [[Ermoupoli]]. |
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| imagesize = |
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| image_flag = |
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| image_seal = |
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| image_shield = |
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| nickname = |
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| motto = |
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| image_map = 2011 Dimos Syrou-Ermoupolis.png |
| image_map = 2011 Dimos Syrou-Ermoupolis.png |
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| map_alt = |
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| map_caption = Syros within the South Aegean |
| map_caption = Syros within the South Aegean |
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| coordinates = {{coord|37|26|N|24|55|E|display=inline,title}} |
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| mapsize = 250px |
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| periph = [[South Aegean]] |
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| pushpin_label_position = |
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| pushpin_map_alt = |
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| pushpin_map_caption = |
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| latd = 37 |latm = 27|lats = |latNS = N |
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| longd = 24 |longm = 54|longs = |longEW = E |
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| coor_pinpoint = |
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| coordinates_type = |
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| coordinates_display = inline,title |
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| coordinates_footnotes = |
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| subdivision_type = Country |
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| subdivision_name = [[Greece]] |
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| subdivision_type1 = [[Modern regions of Greece|Region]] |
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| subdivision_name1 = [[South Aegean]] |
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| established_title = |
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| established_date = 2011 |
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| founder = |
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| seat_type = Capital |
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| seat = [[Ermoupoli]] |
| seat = [[Ermoupoli]] |
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| area = 101.9 |
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| elevation = |
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| population = 21124 |
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| population_as_of = 2021 |
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| demonym = |
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| area_footnotes = |
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| area_total_km2 = 102.4 |
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| area_land_km2 = |
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| area_water_percent = |
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| area_note = |
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| elevation_footnotes = |
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| elevation_m = |
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| population_footnotes = |
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| population_total = 19782 |
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| population_as_of = 2001 |
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| population_density_km2 = auto |
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| population_demonym = |
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| population_note = |
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| time_zone = [[Eastern European Time|EET]] |
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| utc_offset = +2 |
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| timezone1_DST = [[EEST]] |
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| utc_offset1_DST = +3 |
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| postal_code_type = [[Postal codes in Greece|Postal codes]] |
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| postal_code = 841 xx |
| postal_code = 841 xx |
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| area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in Greece|Area codes]] |
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| area_code = 228x0 |
| area_code = 228x0 |
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| licence = EM |
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| website = |
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| iso_code = |
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| website = <!-- {{url|www..gr}} --> |
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| footnotes = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Syros''' ({{langx|el|Σύρος}} {{IPA-el|ˈsiros|}}), also known as '''Siros''' or '''Syra''', is a [[Greece|Greek]] island in the [[Cyclades]], in the [[Aegean Sea]]. It is {{convert|78|nmi|km|0}} south-east of [[Athens]]. The area of the island is {{convert|83.6|km²|0|abbr=on}} and at the 2021 census it had 21,124 inhabitants.<ref name=census21/> |
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The largest towns are [[Ermoupoli]], [[Ano Syros]], and {{Interlanguage link multi|Vari, Syros{{!}}Vari|el|3=Βάρη Σύρου}}. Ermoupoli is the capital of the island, the [[Cyclades]], and the [[South Aegean]]. It has always been a significant port town, and during the 19th century it was even more significant than [[Piraeus]]. Other villages are Galissas, Foinikas, Pagos, Manna, Kini, [[Azolimnos Syros|Azolimnos]] and [[Poseidonia]]. |
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==Ermoupoli== |
==Ermoupoli== |
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{{main| Ermoupoli}} |
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[[File:Syros emoupolis rathaus 240707.jpg|thumb|left|Ermoupolis City Hall, dersigned by [[Ernst Ziller]], with the statue of [[Andreas Miaoulis]] (work of [[Georgios Bonanos]]).]] |
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[[File:Syros ermoupolis 140707.jpg|thumb|The port of [[Ermoupoli]]]] |
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[[Ermoupoli]] ({{langx|el|Ερμούπολη}}) stands on a naturally [[amphitheater|amphitheatrical]] site, with neo-classical buildings, old mansions, and white houses cascading down to the harbour. It was built during the [[Greek War of Independence]] in the 1820s. |
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[[Ermoupoli]], stands on a naturally [[amphitheater|amphitheatrical]] site, with neo-classical buildings, old [[mansions]] and white houses cascading down to the [[harbour]]. The City Hall, where Miaoulis Square lies ringed with [[cafes]] and with seating areas under [[palm tree]]s, has a grandeur{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}} all of its own. The "City of [[Hermes]]" has numerous [[church (building)|churches]], the most interesting{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}} of which are Metamorphosis, Koimisis, [[St. Demetrius]], Three Hierarchs, Anastasis, Evangelistria and St. Nicolas. The Archaeological Museum has a collection of notable{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}} finds and the Municipal Library contains numerous interesting{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}} and rare{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}} editions. The quarter of the town known as Vaporia, where the sea captains lived, is of special interest{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}}. Along its narrow [[street]]s, stand numerous [[Neoclassical architecture|neo-classical]] mansions. |
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The city hall is in the center of the town, in Miaoulis Square, ringed with cafés, seating areas, and palm trees. Dubbed the "City of [[Hermes]]", Syros has numerous churches, such as Metamorphosis, Koimisis, [[St. Demetrius]], Three Hierarchs, Anastasis, Evangelistria, and St. Nicolas. There is an archaeological museum and a municipal library. |
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The quarter of [[Vaporia]] is where sea captains traditionally lived. There are numerous [[Neoclassical architecture|neo-classical]] mansions along the quarter's narrow streets. |
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==Ano Syros== |
==Ano Syros== |
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{{main| Ano Syros}} |
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[[File:Syros Ano Syros u Ermoupolis140707.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ano Syros]] and [[Hermoupolis]].]] |
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[[File:Ermoupolis Syros.jpg|thumb|[[Ano Syros]]]] |
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[[File:View of Ermoupoli from Ano Syros.jpg|thumb|View from Ano Syros]] |
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[[Ano Syros]] is the second town of Syros and was built by the [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]] at the beginning of the 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, north-west of [[ |
[[Ano Syros]] is the second town of Syros and was built by the [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]] at the beginning of the 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, north-west of [[Ermoupoli]]. Ano Syros maintains a [[Middle Ages|medieval]] atmosphere. Innumerable steps between narrow streets and houses with coloured doors lead to the top of the town. The medieval settlement of Ano Syros is accessible by car; the town is served mostly by [[marble]] steps. The distance from the harbour up to the main entry point of the town is about 1000 metres. The [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] [[Saint George's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)|cathedral of Saint George]] dominates Ano Syros. The cathedral church was constructed during the 13th century. From the cathedral visitors have a [[panorama|panoramic]] view of the neighbouring [[List of islands of Greece|islands]] of [[Tinos]], [[Delos]], [[Mykonos]], [[Paros]], [[Andros]] and [[Naxos]]. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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{{more citations needed|date=August 2018}} |
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===Kastri culture=== |
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The history of settlement on Syros goes back at least 5,000 years, to the [[Early Bronze Age]] of the [[Cycladic civilization]]. This is when the hill-top settlement of {{ill|Kastri (Syros)|lt=Kastri|el|Καστρί Σύρου|la|Castrium (Syros)}} began. Archaeologists describe Early Cycladic III (ECIII) culture as [[Kastri culture]]. It had links with the Anatolian Trade Network, connected with [[Limantepe]] in Asia Minor. |
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Kastri, dated by archaeologists to 2800-2300 BC, was one of the earliest settlements in Greece that were protected by stone walls with rounded bastions. Also the cemetery of [[Chalandriani]] is associated with Kastri. Inside the fortification, the houses shared party walls and were packed close together. It is estimated that the fortified town was home to up to 300 people. |
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The site was first discovered and excavated in 1898 by [[Christos Tsountas]], the "father of Cycladic research". Kastri had some of the earliest metalwork in the region, and also some of the earliest use of [[potter's wheel]]. |
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===Antiquity=== |
===Antiquity=== |
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[[File:Pherecydes of Syros recent bust Syro208.jpg|thumb|left|140px|A bust of [[Pherecydes of Syros|Pherecydes]]]] |
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During [[Roman Empire|Roman]] times the capital of Syros was situated in the area of contemporary [[Ermoupoli]]. At the end of ancient times, the [[barbarian]] raids and [[piracy]], which had surged the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]] for many centuries, led Syros to decline. In the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] years Syros constituted part of the [[Aegean Dominion]], along with the rest of the Cycladic islands. After the overthrow of the Byzantium by the [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]] and [[Franks]] in 1204, Syros came under Venetian rule and was included in the [[Ducat of the Aegean]]. Meanwhile, Ano Syros was founded. During the Latin period, the majority of the local community were [[Roman Catholic]]s, but maintained the [[Greek language]]. During the reign of almost three and a half centuries of the Ducat of the Aegean, Syros had a singular [[feudalism|feudal]] regime. |
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Throughout history, the island was known as Syra ({{langx|grc|Σύρα}}),<ref>''[[Suda]]'', ''s.v.''</ref> then Syros or Siros (Σῦρος). In later times, it appears to have been inhabited by the [[Phoenicians]]. In the [[Odyssey]], Syros was the country of the [[swineherd]] [[Eumaeus]] who described it at length (Odyssey, XV, 403 sq.), although it has also been suggested that Eumaeus referred to [[Syracuse, Sicily]].<ref name="Butler2015">{{cite book|author=Samuel Butler|title=Delphi Complete Works of Samuel Butler (Illustrated)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9HkZCAAAQBAJ&pg=PT3206|date=14 April 2015|publisher=Delphi Classics|isbn=978-1-910630-86-0|pages=3206–}}</ref> |
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The island was also the home of the [[philosopher]] [[Pherecydes of Syros|Pherecydes]], the teacher of [[Pythagoras]]. It possessed two leading cities, [[Syros (city)|Syros]] (now the modern [[Ermoupoli]]) and another city ([[Galessus]]) on the western coast where [[Galissas]] now stands. |
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The island did not play an important role during [[Classical Antiquity|antiquity]] or the early [[Christianity|Christian]] years.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}} It was not even a diocese at a time when even the smallest island possessed its bishop. During [[Roman Empire|Roman]] times, the capital of Syros was situated in the area of contemporary [[Ermoupoli]]. |
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===Middle Ages=== |
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[[File:Syros emoupolis agios nikolaos innen 240707.jpg|thumb|Inside the Cathedral of [[Saint Nicholas]] in [[Ermoupolis]], patron saint of Syros.]] |
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[[File:Church of the Resurrection in Ermoupolis, Syros (front view).jpg|thumb|''Anastaseos'' church in Vrodado.]] |
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At the end of ancient times, [[barbarian]] raids and [[piracy]], which affected the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]] for many centuries, led Syros to decline. The island, along with the other Cyclades, was devastated several times during the Middle Ages by raiders from different directions including [[Sicily|Sicilians]], [[Arabs]], [[Turkish people|Turks]] and [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]]. |
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In the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] years Syros constituted part of the [[Theme of the Aegean Sea]], along with the rest of the Cycladic islands. After the overthrow of Byzantium in the [[Fourth Crusade]] by the Venetians and Franks in 1204, the island was definitively conquered by the Venetians under the leadership of [[Marco I Sanudo|Marco Sanudo]]. As part of the [[Duchy of the Archipelago]], Syros would remain under Venetian rule until 1566 although after 1540 this was only maintained by payment of tribute to the Ottoman Sultan.<ref>William Miller, Latins in the Levant p636</ref> |
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It was at this time that [[Ano Syros]] was founded. During the [[Latinokratia|Latin period]], the majority of the local community were [[Roman Catholic]]s, but maintained the [[Greek language]]. During the reign of almost three and a half centuries of the Duchy of the Archipelago, Syros had a singular [[feudalism|feudal]] regime. |
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===Ottoman Era=== |
===Ottoman Era=== |
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{{Further|Ottoman Greece}} |
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[[File:Saint George's Cathedral, Syros (8).JPG|thumb|[[Saint George's Cathedral (Roman Catholic)]]]] |
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In the mid-16th century, the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] fleet occupied the island and the Ducat fell apart. However, negotiations of the local authorities with the Ottomans gave the [[Cyclades]] substantial privileges, such as the reduction of [[tax]]es and [[freedom of religion|religious freedom]]. It was known as "Sire" during Ottoman rule.<ref>http://www.turkcebilgi.com/ege_adalar%C4%B1/ansiklopedi Ege Adaları</ref> |
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[[File:Ano Syros Catholic Church of Saint John, 1640.jpg|thumb|Catholic Church of Saint John (1640), Ano Syros]] |
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At the same time, following an agreement between France and the [[Holy See|Vatican]] with the Ottoman authorities, the Catholics of the island came under the protection of France and Rome, a privilege maintained for centuries. After the second half of the 17th century, a period of economic recovery of the [[Aegean Islands|Aegean]] began, climaxing during the transition from the 18th to the 19th century. The special regime of the islands allowed the development of local self-government. The decline of [[piracy]] since the beginning of the 19th century led to the gradual liberation of the sea routes of the Eastern Mediterranean |
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By the 16th century, the [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] fleet became dominant in the Aegean and the Duchy fell apart. In 1522 the [[Privateer|corsair]] [[Hayreddin Barbarossa|Barbarossa]] took possession of the island, which would be known as "Sire" during Ottoman rule.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.turkcebilgi.com/|title="ege adalarÃ"±" arama sonuçları ile ilgili bilgiler|website=Türkçe Bilgi}}</ref> However, negotiations of the local authorities with the Ottomans gave the [[Cyclades]] substantial privileges, such as the reduction of [[tax]]es and [[freedom of religion|religious freedom]]. |
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Due to its crucial geographical position, Syros became known as a maritime way-point. Moreover, the special social, religious and institutional conditions prevailing on the island led Syriots to neutrality at the beginning of the [[Greek War of Independence|Greek Revolution in 1821]]. As a result, Syros became a secure shelter during the Revolution, attracting many Greek refugees from [[Asia Minor]], [[Chios]], [[Spetses]], [[Psara]], [[Aivali]], [[Izmir|Smyrna]], [[Kydonia]], [[Kassos]] and other places. Newcomers, mainly [[mariner]]s and tradesmen, gave the island a new dynamic, which along with its [[demographic]] and economic development, turned it into an administrative and cultural centre. |
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At the same time, following an agreement of France and the [[Holy See]] with the Ottoman authorities, the Catholics of the island came under the protection of France and Rome{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}} and so Syros sometimes was called "the Pope's island". |
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Between 1822 and 1865, Ermoupoli was rebuilt in a Neoclassical style, merging [[Greek Classicism]] with elements of the [[Renaissance]]. Many landmarks such as the City Hall (designed by the famous German [[architect]] [[Ernst Ziller]]), the theatre Apollon by the Italian architect [[Campo (architect)|Campo]] (a miniature version of [[La Scala di Milano]]), the main Library, the General Hospital of Syros (Vardakeio-Proio), Miaoulis square and other buildings were built during that period of time. |
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The [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Syros and Milos|Roman Catholic diocese of Syros]] was a Latin diocese, [[suffragan bishop|suffragan]] of [[Naxos (island)|Naxos]]. The Venetians had established there a Latin bishopric which was subject to the [[Latin Archbishopric of Athens]] until 1525. From the time of the island's occupation by the Turks in the 16th century, the Greeks established an Orthodox [[Metropolitan bishop|metropolitan]] on Syros: Joseph<ref>Le Quien, op. cit., II, 233</ref> is the earliest known, along with Symeon who died in 1594<ref>Ampelas, ''Histoire de Syros'', 411</ref> and Ignatius in 1596.<ref>Miklosich and Mueller, "Acta patriarchatus constantinopolitani", V, 461</ref> The island became for the most part Catholic.<ref>Ricaut, "Histoire de l'estat présent de l"Eglise grecque", 361; [[Hilaire de Barenton]], "La France Catholique en Orient", 171-173</ref> |
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Most public buildings, churches, schools, stadiums and many mansions were built in the same elegant and neoclassical style, making Ermoupoli at the time a very modern city with a unique character. As a result, Syros changed almost overnight from a rather quiet island into a vigorous centre of crafts, industry and production. Also, due to its large port of [[Ermoupoli]], it turned into a major centre for ship building and refitting. [[Neorion]] was the first [[shipyard]] of Greece. To this very day, it remains a place where many ships are serviced and refitted. |
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The list of [[titular (Catholicism)|titular bishops]] may be found in [[Le Quien]]<ref>''Oriens christianus'', III, 865-868</ref> and in [[Eubel]].<ref>''Hierarchia catholica medii aevi'', I, 492; II, 267; III, 324</ref> The most celebrated among them is [[Ioannis Andreas Kargas]], whom the Turks strangled in 1617 because he refused to convert to [[Islam]] and because he was helping Greek revolutionaries hiding on the island.<ref>Pétridès in "Revue de l'Orient chrétien", V, 407-422</ref> |
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Syros also has a British [[cemetery]] where various people are buried, including many seamen and servicemen who died in the Cyclades region, particularly during the Second World War. Many [[embassy|embassies]] and [[consulate]]s of countries such as France, Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and [[Scandinavia]]n countries connect Syros with other European capitals. |
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After the second half of the 17th century, a period of economic recovery of the Aegean began, climaxing during the transition from the 18th to the 19th century. The special regime of the islands allowed the development of local self-government. The decline of [[piracy]] since the beginning of the 19th century led to the gradual liberation of the sea routes of the Eastern Mediterranean. |
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Because of the Venetian domination from the [[Middle Ages]] and onwards, the islanders were exclusively [[Roman Catholic]]. However, due to immigration from other islands, Catholics now constitute some 47% of the population. The majority of the population are [[Greek Orthodox]]. They live peacefully side by side. Intermarriage between Churches is very common in Syros. |
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===In Independent Greece=== |
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[[File:Syros emoupolis agios nikolaos innen 240707.jpg|thumb|Inside the Cathedral of [[Saint Nicholas]] in [[Ermoupolis]].]] |
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[[File:Syros emoupolis kathedrale 240707.jpg|thumb|View of Anastasis church in Vrodado.]] |
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====Greek War of Independence and 19th century==== |
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The [[diocese]] of Syra (Syrensis, "The Pope's Island") was a Latin diocese, [[suffragan bishop|suffragan]] of [[Naxos (island)|Naxos]], comprising the Island of Syros in the [[Aegean Sea]]. The island has an area of about {{convert|31|mi2|km2|abbr=off}} and 32,000 inhabitants today. It was first called Syra, then Syros or Siros, and appears in ancient times to have been inhabited by the [[Phoenicians]]. In the Odyssey, Syros was the country of the [[swineherd]] [[Eumaeus]] who described it at length (Odyssey, XV, 403 sq.). The island was also the home of the [[philosopher]] [[Pherecydes of Syros|Pherecydes]], the teacher of [[Pythagoras]]. It possessed two leading cities, Syros (now the modern [[Ermoupoli]]) and another city on the western coast where stands to-day [[Galissas]]. |
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{{Further|Greek War of Independence}} |
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[[File:Syra A Greek Island - Carne John - 1836.jpg|thumb|Syros in 1836]] |
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Due to its crucial geographical position, Syros became known as a maritime way-point. Moreover, the special social, religious and institutional conditions prevailing on the island, led Syriots to neutrality at the beginning of the [[Greek War of Independence|Greek Revolution in 1821]]. As a result, Syros became a secure shelter during the Revolution, attracting many Greek refugees from [[Asia Minor]], [[Chios]], [[Spetses]], [[Psara]], [[Aivali]], [[İzmir|Smyrna]], [[Kydonia]], [[Kassos]] and other places. |
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The largest villages are [[Galissas]], Finikas, Vari, Mana, Kini and Posidonia. The island did not play an important role during [[Classical Antiquity|antiquity]] nor the early [[Christian]] years {{Citation needed|date=June 2009}}, it was not even a diocese at a time when even the smallest island possessed its bishop. Devastated several times during the Middle Ages along with the other Cyclades by the [[Sicily|Sicilians]], [[Arabs]], [[Turkish people|Turks]], and [[Republic of Venice|Venetians]], it was definitively conquered by the Venetians in 1204 under the leadership of [[Marco Sanudo]]. It remained under Venetian rule until 1522 when the [[corsair]] [[Barbarossa]] took possession of the island. |
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These refugees built Ermoupoli. |
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[[File:Syros emoupolis rathaus 240707.jpg|thumb|left|Ermoupolis City Hall, designed by [[Ernst Ziller]], with the statue of [[Andreas Miaoulis]] at [[Miaoulis Square]] (work of [[Georgios Bonanos]]).]] |
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In 1827 Syros became part of the newly founded [[First Hellenic Republic]] and later (1834) the Greek Kingdom. The island returned to peace and tranquility, Syros became known as a cross-road in the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]] and as an international commercial center linking [[Western Europe]] and the Mediterranean sea to the East. The construction of the first buildings began in 1822, and in 1824 the first Orthodox Church Metamorphosis and the largest Greek [[sanatorium]] was constructed. |
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During the [[Ottoman Empire]] Syros came under the protection of France and the [[Holy See|Vatican]]{{Citation needed|date=January 2010}}. After 1829 it was [[annexation|annexed]] to the [[Hellenic kingdom]]. |
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[[File:Ceiling inside the Apollon Theater.JPG|thumb|[[Theater Apollon, Syros|Apollo Theatre]] ceiling]] |
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The Venetians established there a Latin [[Diocese|bishopric]] which was subject to the [[Archbishopric of Athens]] until 1525. The list of [[titular (Catholicism)|titular]]s may be found in [[Le Quien]] (''Oriens christianus'', III, 865-868) and in [[Eubel]] (''Hierarchia catholica medii aevi'', I, 492; II, 267; III, 324). The most celebrated among them is the [[Venerable]] [[John Andrew Carga]], who was strangled by the Turks in 1617 because he refused to convert to [[Islam]] and because he was helping the Greek revolutionaries hiding on the island (Pétridès in "Revue de l'Orient chrétien", V, 407-422). From the time of the island's occupation by the Turks in the 16th century, the Greeks established a [[Metropolitan bishop|metropolitan]] on Syros: Joseph (Le Quien, op. cit., II, 233) is the earliest known, along with Symeon who died in 1594 (Ampelas, ''Histoire de Syros'', 411) and Ignatius in 1596 (Miklosich and Mueller, "Acta patriarchatus constantinopolitani", V, 461). The island became for the most part Catholic ([[Ricaut]], "Histoire de l'estat présent de l"Eglise grecque", 361; [[Hilaire de Barenton]], "La France Catholique en Orient", 171-173). |
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[[File:Syros1904.jpg|thumb|Postcard of Syros, 1904.]] |
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[[File:Syros El. Venizelou Ermoupoli.jpg|thumb|Venizelou street in Ermoupolis]] |
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Because of the Venetian domination from the [[Middle Ages]] onwards, the islanders had a [[Roman Catholic]] majority. However, due to immigration from other islands, Catholics now constitute some 47% of the population. The majority of the population are [[Greek Orthodox]]. Intermarriage between Churches is very common in Syros. There is also a single parish of the Byzantine Greek Catholic Church. |
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===Greek Fight for Independence=== |
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{{See|Greek War of Independence}} |
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During 1831 Syros played a prominent role in the elaboration of the new [[Constitution of Greece|Greek Constitution]]. Under [[Ioannis Kapodistrias]] (Giovanni Capo D'Istria), the first Governor of the new state, the population of Ermoupolis had reached 13,805 residents and the city had evolved into a seat of government. |
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Syros did not take part in the Greek revolt of 1821. However, it was inundated with refugees from [[Chios]], [[Spetses]], [[Psara]], [[Aivali]], [[Smyrna]], [[Kydonia]], [[Kassos]], [[Asia Minor]] and other parts of Greece. They flocked to the island and founded the town of Ermoupoli, which rapidly became the leading port of Greece. Ermoupoli was designed by well-known European [[architect]]s such as [[Ernst Ziller]] and [[Campo (architect)|Campo]]. Since 1870, the ports of [[Piraeus]] and [[Patras]] have reduced its [[commerce|commercial]] importance. The diocese numbers 9000 Catholics, 21 [[secular priest]]s and 8 regulars, 7 [[parish]]es, 7 churches with a resident priest, 3 without a priest, and 56 [[chapel]]s. The [[Order of Friars Minor Capuchin|Capuchins]] and [[Jesuits]] each have an establishment; the [[Sisters of Charity]], 2 houses, one of which is a hospital; the [[Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition]] have a boarding school and St George, a De La Salle Public School. |
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It had a Commercial Court of Law, a post office (one of the first in Greece), insurance brokerages, the first public school, a branch of the [[National Bank of Greece]], art gallery, museum, library, a social club for the [[High society (group)|elite society]] etc. However, in 1854 [[cholera]] and a series of other epidemics plunged Syros into mourning. A number of [[Charitable organization|charitable]] institutions for public health and social services were established during this period: orphanages, poorhouses and a mental hospital. |
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With the foundation of the [[Greece|Greek]] state, the Catholic population of the island was [[hellenization|hellenized]] and changed their Latin family names to [[Greek language|Greek]] ones, (e.g. the family name Vuccino to Voutsinos, Russo to Roussos, Vacondio to Vakondios, Daleggio to Dalezios, Salsa to Salsapoulos, Freri to Freris just to mention a few). However, there was no problem of integration between the old residents of Syros, mostly Roman Catholics and the newly arrived refugees, mostly [[Greek Orthodox]]. The island returned to peace and tranquility, Syros became known as a cross-road in the [[Aegean Sea|Aegean]] and as an international commercial center linking [[Western Europe]] and the Mediterranean sea to the East. The construction of the first buildings began in 1822, and in 1824 the first Orthodox Church Metamorphosis and the largest Greek [[sanatorium]] was constructed.ε> |
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Newcomers, mainly [[sailor|mariner]]s and tradesmen, gave the island a new dynamic, which along with its demographic and economic development, turned it into an administrative and cultural centre. Newcomers flocked to the island and founded the town of Ermoupoli, which rapidly became the leading port of Greece. |
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Between 1822 and 1865, Ermoupoli was rebuilt in a [[Neoclassicism|Neoclassical]] style, merging [[Greek Classicism]] with elements of the [[Renaissance]]. Many landmarks such as the City Hall (designed by the German architect [[Ernst Ziller]]), the [[Theater Apollon, Syros|Apollo Theatre]] by the Italian architect [[Pietro Campo]] (a miniature version of the [[La Scala]] in [[Milan]]), the main Library, the General Hospital of Syros (Vardakeio-Proio), Miaoulis square and other buildings were built during that period of time. Passing through on 6 April 1864, the effect of all the sugary marble is such that the English artist [[Edward Lear]], refers to the town fondly in his diary as "the old sparkly pile".<ref>Edward Lear diaries, 1858-1888. MS Eng 797.3 (7), page seq. 57. Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.</ref> |
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The European architects (mainly [[Germans]] and [[Italians]]) and also Greeks who participated in the design and planning of Ermoupolis respected the classical and ancient Greek architecture and harmonized it with the [[romanticism]] of the West. [[Ermoupoli]] has a high density of neoclassical architecture. The prosperity of Syros was connected with the development of social and cultural life. The evolutionary cycle was completed with the creation of the first industrial units during the decade of 1860–70. |
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Most public buildings, churches, schools, stadiums and many mansions were built in the same elegant and neoclassical style, making Ermoupoli at the time a very modern city with a unique character. As a result, Syros changed almost overnight from a rather quiet island into a vigorous centre of crafts, industry and production.<ref>See, e.g., [[James Theodore Bent|Theodore Bent]], ‘The Capital of the Cyclades’. ''Macmillan’s Magazine'', Vol. 50, 1884 (May/Oct), pp. 426-435.</ref> Also, due to its large port of [[Ermoupoli]], it turned into a major centre for ship building and refitting. [[Neorion]] was the first [[shipyard]] of Greece. To this very day, it remains a place where many ships are serviced and refitted. |
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Since 1830 the commerce of fabrics, silk, ship building, leather and iron developed on Syros and at the same time a powerful banking system was created. The tremendous growth and development of Ermoupolis continued and until 1860 Syros was the most important commercial harbour in Greece. Together with commerce and ship building, construction and public works were also developed. The [[Greek Steamship Company]] was founded in 1856. |
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A period of decline then followed, as sailing gave way to steam, the importance of the geographical situation of the island was reduced and [[Piraeus]] harbour finally took the predominant position in Greece - with the competition of [[Patras]] also reducing Syros' commercial importance. |
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====20th century==== |
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Beginning at the end of the 19th century and for several decades, a temporary economic recovery took place, due to the development of the [[textile]] industry ("Foustanos-Karellas-Velissaropoulos & Co"). |
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As a result of the imperial ambitions and fascist ideology of Benito Mussolini's Italy, which invaded and occupied Syros during World War II, the island's inhabitants experienced a devastating famine causing thousands of deaths. (See Sheila Lecoeur: Mussolini's Greek Island: Fascism and the Occupation of Syros in World War II (2009/ 2015)) |
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The [[Second World War]] reduced Syros' economic development, as was the case for every economic centre in Greece. However, already since the 1980s, along with the generalized economic recovery and the rise of the [[standard of living|living standards]] in Greece, elements of improvement appeared with [[tourism]] as its central axis. At the same time, the re-opening of the [[Neorion]] [[shipyards]], as well as a number of other activities, indicate that Syros is on an upward trend. |
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Ermoupoli today has 7 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, 2 high schools, 2 technical schools and the [[Aegean University]] with a department of [[Fine Arts]] and system design, with a proposed future addition in [[Applied Arts]] and [[Visual Arts]]. The [[Syros Island National Airport]], the Aegean [[casino]], the frequent passenger boat [[transportation]] system and all other modern [[amenities]] help to attract many domestic and foreign tourists to the island all year round. |
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Syros also has a British [[cemetery]] where various people are buried, including many seamen and servicemen who died in the Cyclades region, particularly during the Second World War. The numerous [[consulate]]s of countries such as France, Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries bear witness to the connection of Syros with the wider European scene. |
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{{wide image|Neorion shipyard at Syros.jpg|500px|View of the [[Neorion]] shipyards.}} |
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==Administration== |
==Administration== |
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[[File: |
[[File:Gallissas beach.jpg|thumb|Galissas beach]] |
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[[File:One of the central streets of Ermoupoli.jpg|thumb|left|One of the central streets of [[Ermoupoli]]]] |
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Syros is a separate [[regional units of Greece|regional unit]] of the [[South Aegean]] region. The only [[Communities and Municipalities of Greece|municipality]] of the regional unit is Syros-Ermoupoli. As a part of the 2011 Kallikratis government reform, the regional unit Syros was created out of part of the former [[Cyclades Prefecture]]. At the same reform, the municipality Syros-Ermoupoli was created out of the 3 former municipalities: |
Syros is a separate [[regional units of Greece|regional unit]] of the [[South Aegean]] region. The only [[Communities and Municipalities of Greece|municipality]] of the regional unit is Syros-Ermoupoli. As a part of the [[Kallikratis Programme|2011 Kallikratis government reform]], the regional unit Syros was created out of part of the former [[Cyclades Prefecture]]. At the same reform, the municipality Syros-Ermoupoli was created out of the 3 former municipalities:<ref name=Kallikratis>{{Cite web|url=http://www.et.gr/idocs-nph/search/pdfViewerForm.html?args=5C7QrtC22wGYK2xFpSwMnXdtvSoClrL8-SrPzKAEPjjtIl9LGdkF53UIxsx942CdyqxSQYNuqAGCF0IfB9HI6hq6ZkZV96FIukI0UzcPsWCK0LpLhpa7rhiWB4R5ntTnoWw7U8E1Amg.|title=ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text|language=el|publisher=[[Government Gazette (Greece)|Government Gazette]]}}</ref> |
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<ref name=Kallikratis>{{PDFlink|1=[http://www.kedke.gr/uploads2010/FEKB129211082010_kallikratis.pdf Kallikratis reform law text]}}</ref> |
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*[[Ermoupoli]] |
*[[Ermoupoli]] |
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*[[Poseidonia]] |
*[[Poseidonia]] |
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The municipality also includes the uninhabited island [[Gyaros]] and several other islets. The total area of the municipality is {{convert| |
The municipality also includes the uninhabited island [[Gyaros]] and several other islets. The total area of the municipality is {{convert|101.90|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=stat01>{{cite web|url=http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00098%20.pdf|publisher=National Statistical Service of Greece|title=Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)|language=el}}</ref> |
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== |
===Province=== |
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The province of Syros ({{langx|el|Επαρχία Σύρου}}) was one of the [[provinces of Greece|provinces]] of the Cyclades Prefecture. Its territory corresponded with that of the current regional units Syros and [[Mykonos]].<ref name=census91>{{cite web|url= http://dlib.statistics.gr/Book/GRESYE_02_0101_00086.pdf |title=Detailed census results 1991 }} {{small|(39 MB)}} {{in lang|el|fr}}</ref> It was abolished in 2006. |
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[[File:Hermoupolis - Syros.jpg|thumb|View from boat.]] |
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[[File:Gallissas beach.jpg|thumb|Galissas beach.]] |
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==Religion== |
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Since 1830 the commerce of [[fabrics]], [[silk]], ship building, [[leather]] and [[iron]] developed on Syros and at the same time a powerful [[banking]] system was created. During 1831 Syros played a prominent role in the elaboration of the new [[Constitution of Greece|Greek Constitution]]. Under [[Ioannis Kapodistrias]] (Giovanni Capo D'Istria), the first [[Governor]] of the new state, the population of Ermoupolis had reached 13,805 residents and the city had evolved into a seat of government. It had a Commercial Court of Law, a post office (one of the first in Greece), [[insurance]] [[brokerage]]s, the first public school, a branch of the [[National Bank of Greece]], art gallery, museum, library, a social club for the [[High society (group)|elite society]] etc. However, in 1854 [[cholera]] and a series of other epidemics unfortunately plunged Syros into mourning. A number of [[Charitable organization|charitable]] institutions for public health and [[social service]]s were established during this period: [[orphanage]]s, poorhouses and a mental hospital. The tremendous growth and development of Ermoupolis continued and until 1860 Syros was the most important commercial harbour in Greece. Together with commerce and ship building, construction and [[public works]] were also developed. The renowned{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}} [[Greek Steamship Company]] was founded in 1856. The European architects (mainly [[Germans]] and [[Italians]]) and also Greeks who participated in the design and planning of Ermoupolis respected the classical and ancient Greek architecture and harmonized it with the [[romanticism]] of the West. [[Ermoupoli]] enjoys the greatest{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}} density in the neoclassical history of architecture. The prosperity of Syros was connected with an important{{Peacock term|date=April 2010}} development of social and cultural life. The evolutionary cycle was completed with the creation of the first industrial units during the decade of 1860–70. A period of decline then followed, as sailing gave way to steam, the importance of the geographical situation of the island was reduced and [[Piraeus]] harbour finally took the predominant position in Greece. |
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As in the rest of Greece, Syros has [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches. ''Metamorphosis'' is the most important Orthodox church on the island, ''Kimisis tis Theotokou'' is also significant and noted for the fact that it hosts a masterpiece by painter [[El Greco]].<ref name="churches">{{cite news|url=http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/syros/syros-churches.htm|publisher=Greeka.com|title= Syros Churches: Information about the churches of Syros Greece, Cyclades|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> There is also an equal number of [[Catholic Church]] buildings on the island and some entirely Catholic villages; thus, it is one of the most significant places for Catholic Church in Greece.<ref name="churches"/> Syros is one of a few places where Catholics and Orthodox share a common date for [[Easter]], which in Syros' case, is the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] date.<ref>{{cite web| title= Easter: A date with God | url= http://www.economist.com/node/18584376 | date=April 20, 2011 | publisher=[[The Economist]] | access-date=2011-04-23| quote= Only in a handful of places do Easter celebrants alter their own arrangements to take account of their neighbours. Finland’s Orthodox Christians mark Easter on the Western date. And on the Greek island of Syros, a Papist stronghold, Catholics and Orthodox alike march to Orthodox time. The spectacular public commemorations, involving flower-strewn funeral biers on Good Friday and fireworks on Saturday night, bring the islanders together, rather than highlighting division. }}</ref> |
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The [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Syros and Milos|Catholic diocese]] numbers 9000 worshippers, 21 [[secular priest]]s and 8 regulars, 7 [[parish]]es, 7 churches with a resident priest, 3 without a priest, and 57 [[chapel]]s. The [[Order of Friars Minor Capuchin|Capuchins]] and [[Jesuits]] each have an establishment; the [[Sisters of Charity]], 2 houses, one of which is a hospital; the [[Sisters of St Joseph|Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition]] have a boarding school and St George, a De La Salle Public School. |
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Beginning at the end of the 19th century and for several decades, a temporary economic recovery took place, due to the development of the [[textile]] industry ("Foustanos-Karellas-Velissaropoulos & Co"). The Second World War reduced Syros' economic development, as was the case for every economic centre in Greece. However, already since the 1980s, along with the generalized economic recovery and the rise of the [[standard of living|living standards]] in Greece, elements of improvement appeared with [[tourism]] as its central axis. At the same time, the re-opening of the [[Neorion]] [[shipyards]], as well as a number of other activities, indicate that Syros is on an upward trend. Ermoupoli today has 7 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, 2 high schools, 2 technical schools and the [[Aegean University]] with a department of [[Fine Arts]] and system design, with a proposed future addition in [[Applied Arts]] and [[Visual Arts]]. The [[Syros Island National Airport]], the Aegean [[casino]], the frequent passenger boat [[transportation]] system and all other modern [[amenities]] help to attract many domestic and foreign tourists to the island all year round. |
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There is also a single church of the [[Greek Byzantine Catholic Church]] which is not part of the diocese but subject to the Byzantine Exarchate of Greece. |
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==Religion== |
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As in the rest of Greece, Syros has [[Eastern Orthodox]] churches. ''Metamorphosis'' is the most important Orthodox church on the island, ''Kimisis tis Theotokou'' is also significant and noted for the fact that it hosts a masterpiece by painter [[El Greco]].<ref name="churches">{{cite news|url=http://www.greeka.com/cyclades/syros/syros-churches.htm|publisher=Greeka.com|title= Syros Churches: Information about the churches of Syros Greece, Cyclades|date=20 November 2007}}</ref> There is also an equal number of [[Roman Catholic]] churches on the island and some entirely Catholic villages; thus, it is one of the most significant places for [[Roman Catholicism in Greece]].<ref name="churches"/> Syros is one of a few places where Catholics and Orthodox share a common date for [[Easter]], which in Syros' case, is the [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] date.<ref>{{cite web| title= Easter: A date with God | url= http://www.economist.com/node/18584376 | date=April 20, 2011 | publisher=[[The Economist]] | accessdate=2011-04-23| quote= Only in a handful of places do Easter celebrants alter their own arrangements to take account of their neighbours. Finland’s Orthodox Christians mark Easter on the Western date. And on the Greek island of Syros, a Papist stronghold, Catholics and Orthodox alike march to Orthodox time. The spectacular public commemorations, involving flower-strewn funeral biers on Good Friday and fireworks on Saturday night, bring the islanders together, rather than highlighting division. }}</ref> |
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==Cuisine== |
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[[File:Restaurant Tables in Ermoupolis 3.jpg|thumb|200px|Restaurant, Ermoupoli]] |
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Local specialities of the island include: |
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*''Kaparosalata'' (salad with [[caper]]s) |
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*''Maidanosalata'' (salad with [[parsley]]) |
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*''Frisoura'' (appetizer) |
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*''Delagraciano'' |
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*''Ladopita'' |
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*''Marathopita'' |
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*''[[Tomatokeftedes]]'' (fried tomato balls) |
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*''Kalamari gemistó'' (stuffed grilled squid) |
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*''Sfougato'' |
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*[[San Michali]] cheese |
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*[[Turkish delight|Loukoumi]] (dessert) |
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*''Halvadopita'' (dessert) |
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*''Pastelaria'' (dried figs dessert) |
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==Sports== |
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*[[Foinikas Syros V.C.]] |
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*Aris Syros, basketball/volleyball |
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*Hellas Syros, football |
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*Athletic Club Syros, basketball/football |
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*Syros Windsurfing School |
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*Komito Watersports |
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==Airport== |
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{{Main |Syros Island National Airport}} |
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==Notable residents== |
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[[File:Royidis.jpg|thumb|120px|[[Emmanuel Rhoides]]]] |
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*[[Eumaeus]], character in the [[Odyssey]] |
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==Notable residents== |
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*[[Pherecydes of Syros|Pherecydes]] (c. 600–550 BC), [[philosopher]] |
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<!-- notability established by an existing article --> |
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*[[Ioannis Andreas Kargas]], Catholic bishop of Syros and martyr |
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{{triple image|right|Royidis.jpg|150|Markosvamvakaris1.jpg|150|Georgios Souris 122.JPG|150|[[Emmanuel Rhoides]]|[[Markos Vamvakaris]]|[[Giorgos Souris]]}} |
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*[[Michail Melas]] (1833–1897), Greek politician and merchant, father to [[Pavlos Melas]] |
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*[[Pherecydes of Syros|Pherecydes]] (c. 600-550 BC), [[philosopher]] |
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*[[Demetrius Vikelas]] (1835–1908), writer and the first president of the [[International Olympic Committee]] |
*[[Demetrius Vikelas]] (1835–1908), writer and the first president of the [[International Olympic Committee]] |
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*[[Emmanuel Roidis]] (1836–1904), writer and [[journalist]] |
*[[Emmanuel Roidis]] (1836–1904), writer and [[journalist]] |
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*[[Stamata Revithi]] (1866–?), the first woman to compete in the [[Olympic Games]] and run the [[Marathon]] |
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*[[Antonio Gregorio Vuccino]] (Voutsinos) A.A. (1891–1968), [[Archbishop]] of [[Corfu]], [[Zante]] and [[Cefalonia]], Greece |
*[[Antonio Gregorio Vuccino]] (Voutsinos) A.A. (1891–1968), [[Archbishop]] of [[Corfu]], [[Zante]] and [[Cefalonia]], Greece |
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*[[Anna Kalouta]] ([[:el:Άννα Καλουτά#Πηγές|el]]) (1918–2010), actress |
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*[[Markos Vamvakaris]] (1905–1972) musician |
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*[[Markos Vamvakaris]] (1905–1972), musician |
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*[[Musgrave_Baronets#Musgrave_Baronets.2C_of_Tourin_.281782.29|Sir Richard Musgrave, Bt]] 1922-2000 |
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*[[ |
*[[Rita Boumi-Pappa]] (1906–1984), poet and translator |
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*[[Anargyros Printezis]], [[titular bishop]] of [[Gratianopolis (episcopal see)|Gratianopolis]] and [[Apostolic Exarch]] of the [[Greek Byzantine Catholic Church|Byzantine Rite Catholics in Greece]] |
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*[[Stelios Mainas]] (1957-), actor |
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*[[ |
*[[Olga Broumas]] (1949–), poet and [[translator]] |
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*[[Stelios Mainas]] (1957–), actor |
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*[[Georgios Printezis]] (1985–), professional basketball player |
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[[File:Ship departure.jpg|thumb|Port]] |
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==Gallery== |
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<gallery class="center"> |
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File:Syros-Ermoupoli.vo.jpg|Ermoupolis, Syros from above |
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File:Ano Syros, Syro209.jpg|Ano Syros, Catholic quarter |
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File:Miaoulissyros.jpg|Statue of [[Andreas Miaoulis]] |
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File:Ano Syros - View.JPG|View from Ano Syros |
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File:Syros, Ermoupoli market shop.jpg|Ermoupoli market shop |
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File:Kini Syros 1.jpg|Kini beach |
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File:View from chapel of Ag. Pakou, Ialyssos, Galissas, Syros, 180281.jpg|Galissas from Agia Pakou chapel |
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File:Megas Gyalos Syros 2.jpg|Megas Gyalos |
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File:Finikas (Foinikas), Syros, Greece 13.jpg|Foinikas |
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File:Ermoupoli 2.jpg|Al fresco dining in Ermoupoli |
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</gallery> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
{{Reflist}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Syros}} |
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*[http://www.anosyros.gr/ Official website of Municipality of Áno Sýros] {{el icon}} |
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*[http://www. |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060715002542/http://www.anosyros.gr/ Official website of Municipality of Áno Sýros] {{in lang|el}} |
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*[http://www. |
*[http://www.hermoupolis.gr/ Official website of Municipality of Ermoúpoli] {{in lang|en|el}} |
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*[http://www.syros.aegean.gr/ |
*[http://www.syros.aegean.gr/ University of the Aegean] in Ermoúpoli {{in lang|en|el}} |
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*[http://www.syros |
*[http://www.syros.aegean.gr/en/ermoupoli_syros.htm Department of Product and Systems design] from University of the Aegean |
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*[http://www.syros-online.com/ Information about Syros] from syros-online.com {{in lang|de}} |
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*[http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/cyclades/syros Syros] The Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation |
*[http://www.visitgreece.gr/en/greek_islands/cyclades/syros Syros] The Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation |
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*[http://www.festivaloftheaegean.com/home.html Festival of the Aegean] (Official website of the music festival that has been held on the island since 2005.) |
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*[http://www.syros.com.gr/ Complete travel guide for Syros island] {{in lang|en|el}} |
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{{The Cyclades}} |
{{The Cyclades}} |
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{{Kallikratis-South Aegean}} |
{{Kallikratis-South Aegean}} |
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{{Syros-Ermoupoli div}} |
{{Syros-Ermoupoli div}} |
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{{Prefectures and provinces of Greece}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Syros| ]] |
[[Category:Syros| ]] |
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[[Category:Regional units of Greece]] |
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[[Category:Municipalities of the South Aegean]] |
[[Category:Municipalities of the South Aegean]] |
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[[Category:Provinces of Greece]] |
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[[Category:Islands of the South Aegean]] |
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[[ar:سيروس]] |
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[[Category:Landforms of Syros]] |
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[[bg:Сирос]] |
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[[Category:Islands of Greece]] |
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[[bo:སི་རོ་སི།]] |
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[[ |
[[Category:Cyclades]] |
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[[Category:Populated places in the ancient Aegean islands]] |
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[[da:Syros]] |
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[[Category:Members of the Delian League]] |
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[[de:Syros]] |
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[[Category:Populated places in Syros]] |
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[[et:Sýros]] |
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[[el:Σύρος]] |
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[[es:Siros]] |
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[[fr:Syros (île)]] |
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[[gl:Siros]] |
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[[hr:Siros]] |
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[[it:Syra]] |
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[[la:Syros]] |
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[[nl:Syros]] |
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[[no:Syros]] |
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[[nn:Sýros]] |
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[[pl:Síros]] |
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[[pt:Siro]] |
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[[ru:Сирос]] |
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[[sk:Syros]] |
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[[sr:Сирос]] |
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[[sh:Siros]] |
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[[sv:Syros]] |
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[[uk:Сірос]] |
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[[zh:锡罗斯岛]] |
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Latest revision as of 16:31, 11 December 2024
Syros
Περιφερειακή ενότητα Σύρου Δήμος Σύρου-Ερμούπολης | |
|---|---|
 Ermoupoli and Ano Syros | |
  Syros Syros within the South Aegean  | |
| Coordinates: 37°26′N 24°55′E / 37.433°N 24.917°E | |
| Country | Greece |
| Administrative region | South Aegean |
| Seat | Ermoupoli |
| Area | |
• Municipality | 101.9 km2 (39.3 sq mi) |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
• Municipality | 21,124 |
| • Density | 210/km2 (540/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (EET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+3 (EEST) |
| Postal code | 841 xx |
| Area code(s) | 228x0 |
| Vehicle registration | EM |
Syros (Greek: Σύρος [ˈsiros]), also known as Siros or Syra, is a Greek island in the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea. It is 78 nautical miles (144 km) south-east of Athens. The area of the island is 83.6 km2 (32 sq mi) and at the 2021 census it had 21,124 inhabitants.[1]
The largest towns are Ermoupoli, Ano Syros, and Vari. Ermoupoli is the capital of the island, the Cyclades, and the South Aegean. It has always been a significant port town, and during the 19th century it was even more significant than Piraeus. Other villages are Galissas, Foinikas, Pagos, Manna, Kini, Azolimnos and Poseidonia.
Ermoupoli
[edit]
Ermoupoli (Greek: Ερμούπολη) stands on a naturally amphitheatrical site, with neo-classical buildings, old mansions, and white houses cascading down to the harbour. It was built during the Greek War of Independence in the 1820s.
The city hall is in the center of the town, in Miaoulis Square, ringed with cafés, seating areas, and palm trees. Dubbed the "City of Hermes", Syros has numerous churches, such as Metamorphosis, Koimisis, St. Demetrius, Three Hierarchs, Anastasis, Evangelistria, and St. Nicolas. There is an archaeological museum and a municipal library.
The quarter of Vaporia is where sea captains traditionally lived. There are numerous neo-classical mansions along the quarter's narrow streets.
Ano Syros
[edit]
Ano Syros is the second town of Syros and was built by the Venetians at the beginning of the 13th century on the hill of San Giorgio, north-west of Ermoupoli. Ano Syros maintains a medieval atmosphere. Innumerable steps between narrow streets and houses with coloured doors lead to the top of the town. The medieval settlement of Ano Syros is accessible by car; the town is served mostly by marble steps. The distance from the harbour up to the main entry point of the town is about 1000 metres. The Catholic cathedral of Saint George dominates Ano Syros. The cathedral church was constructed during the 13th century. From the cathedral visitors have a panoramic view of the neighbouring islands of Tinos, Delos, Mykonos, Paros, Andros and Naxos.
History
[edit] | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2018) |
Kastri culture
[edit]The history of settlement on Syros goes back at least 5,000 years, to the Early Bronze Age of the Cycladic civilization. This is when the hill-top settlement of Kastri began. Archaeologists describe Early Cycladic III (ECIII) culture as Kastri culture. It had links with the Anatolian Trade Network, connected with Limantepe in Asia Minor.
Kastri, dated by archaeologists to 2800-2300 BC, was one of the earliest settlements in Greece that were protected by stone walls with rounded bastions. Also the cemetery of Chalandriani is associated with Kastri. Inside the fortification, the houses shared party walls and were packed close together. It is estimated that the fortified town was home to up to 300 people.
The site was first discovered and excavated in 1898 by Christos Tsountas, the "father of Cycladic research". Kastri had some of the earliest metalwork in the region, and also some of the earliest use of potter's wheel.
Antiquity
[edit]
Throughout history, the island was known as Syra (Ancient Greek: Σύρα),[2] then Syros or Siros (Σῦρος). In later times, it appears to have been inhabited by the Phoenicians. In the Odyssey, Syros was the country of the swineherd Eumaeus who described it at length (Odyssey, XV, 403 sq.), although it has also been suggested that Eumaeus referred to Syracuse, Sicily.[3]
The island was also the home of the philosopher Pherecydes, the teacher of Pythagoras. It possessed two leading cities, Syros (now the modern Ermoupoli) and another city (Galessus) on the western coast where Galissas now stands.
The island did not play an important role during antiquity or the early Christian years.[citation needed] It was not even a diocese at a time when even the smallest island possessed its bishop. During Roman times, the capital of Syros was situated in the area of contemporary Ermoupoli.
Middle Ages
[edit]
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At the end of ancient times, barbarian raids and piracy, which affected the Aegean for many centuries, led Syros to decline. The island, along with the other Cyclades, was devastated several times during the Middle Ages by raiders from different directions including Sicilians, Arabs, Turks and Venetians.
In the Byzantine years Syros constituted part of the Theme of the Aegean Sea, along with the rest of the Cycladic islands. After the overthrow of Byzantium in the Fourth Crusade by the Venetians and Franks in 1204, the island was definitively conquered by the Venetians under the leadership of Marco Sanudo. As part of the Duchy of the Archipelago, Syros would remain under Venetian rule until 1566 although after 1540 this was only maintained by payment of tribute to the Ottoman Sultan.[4]
It was at this time that Ano Syros was founded. During the Latin period, the majority of the local community were Roman Catholics, but maintained the Greek language. During the reign of almost three and a half centuries of the Duchy of the Archipelago, Syros had a singular feudal regime.
Ottoman Era
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By the 16th century, the Ottoman fleet became dominant in the Aegean and the Duchy fell apart. In 1522 the corsair Barbarossa took possession of the island, which would be known as "Sire" during Ottoman rule.[5] However, negotiations of the local authorities with the Ottomans gave the Cyclades substantial privileges, such as the reduction of taxes and religious freedom.
At the same time, following an agreement of France and the Holy See with the Ottoman authorities, the Catholics of the island came under the protection of France and Rome[citation needed] and so Syros sometimes was called "the Pope's island".
The Roman Catholic diocese of Syros was a Latin diocese, suffragan of Naxos. The Venetians had established there a Latin bishopric which was subject to the Latin Archbishopric of Athens until 1525. From the time of the island's occupation by the Turks in the 16th century, the Greeks established an Orthodox metropolitan on Syros: Joseph[6] is the earliest known, along with Symeon who died in 1594[7] and Ignatius in 1596.[8] The island became for the most part Catholic.[9]
The list of titular bishops may be found in Le Quien[10] and in Eubel.[11] The most celebrated among them is Ioannis Andreas Kargas, whom the Turks strangled in 1617 because he refused to convert to Islam and because he was helping Greek revolutionaries hiding on the island.[12]
After the second half of the 17th century, a period of economic recovery of the Aegean began, climaxing during the transition from the 18th to the 19th century. The special regime of the islands allowed the development of local self-government. The decline of piracy since the beginning of the 19th century led to the gradual liberation of the sea routes of the Eastern Mediterranean.
In Independent Greece
[edit]Greek War of Independence and 19th century
[edit]
Due to its crucial geographical position, Syros became known as a maritime way-point. Moreover, the special social, religious and institutional conditions prevailing on the island, led Syriots to neutrality at the beginning of the Greek Revolution in 1821. As a result, Syros became a secure shelter during the Revolution, attracting many Greek refugees from Asia Minor, Chios, Spetses, Psara, Aivali, Smyrna, Kydonia, Kassos and other places. These refugees built Ermoupoli.
In 1827 Syros became part of the newly founded First Hellenic Republic and later (1834) the Greek Kingdom. The island returned to peace and tranquility, Syros became known as a cross-road in the Aegean and as an international commercial center linking Western Europe and the Mediterranean sea to the East. The construction of the first buildings began in 1822, and in 1824 the first Orthodox Church Metamorphosis and the largest Greek sanatorium was constructed.
Because of the Venetian domination from the Middle Ages onwards, the islanders had a Roman Catholic majority. However, due to immigration from other islands, Catholics now constitute some 47% of the population. The majority of the population are Greek Orthodox. Intermarriage between Churches is very common in Syros. There is also a single parish of the Byzantine Greek Catholic Church.
During 1831 Syros played a prominent role in the elaboration of the new Greek Constitution. Under Ioannis Kapodistrias (Giovanni Capo D'Istria), the first Governor of the new state, the population of Ermoupolis had reached 13,805 residents and the city had evolved into a seat of government.
It had a Commercial Court of Law, a post office (one of the first in Greece), insurance brokerages, the first public school, a branch of the National Bank of Greece, art gallery, museum, library, a social club for the elite society etc. However, in 1854 cholera and a series of other epidemics plunged Syros into mourning. A number of charitable institutions for public health and social services were established during this period: orphanages, poorhouses and a mental hospital.
Newcomers, mainly mariners and tradesmen, gave the island a new dynamic, which along with its demographic and economic development, turned it into an administrative and cultural centre. Newcomers flocked to the island and founded the town of Ermoupoli, which rapidly became the leading port of Greece.
Between 1822 and 1865, Ermoupoli was rebuilt in a Neoclassical style, merging Greek Classicism with elements of the Renaissance. Many landmarks such as the City Hall (designed by the German architect Ernst Ziller), the Apollo Theatre by the Italian architect Pietro Campo (a miniature version of the La Scala in Milan), the main Library, the General Hospital of Syros (Vardakeio-Proio), Miaoulis square and other buildings were built during that period of time. Passing through on 6 April 1864, the effect of all the sugary marble is such that the English artist Edward Lear, refers to the town fondly in his diary as "the old sparkly pile".[13]
The European architects (mainly Germans and Italians) and also Greeks who participated in the design and planning of Ermoupolis respected the classical and ancient Greek architecture and harmonized it with the romanticism of the West. Ermoupoli has a high density of neoclassical architecture. The prosperity of Syros was connected with the development of social and cultural life. The evolutionary cycle was completed with the creation of the first industrial units during the decade of 1860–70.
Most public buildings, churches, schools, stadiums and many mansions were built in the same elegant and neoclassical style, making Ermoupoli at the time a very modern city with a unique character. As a result, Syros changed almost overnight from a rather quiet island into a vigorous centre of crafts, industry and production.[14] Also, due to its large port of Ermoupoli, it turned into a major centre for ship building and refitting. Neorion was the first shipyard of Greece. To this very day, it remains a place where many ships are serviced and refitted.
Since 1830 the commerce of fabrics, silk, ship building, leather and iron developed on Syros and at the same time a powerful banking system was created. The tremendous growth and development of Ermoupolis continued and until 1860 Syros was the most important commercial harbour in Greece. Together with commerce and ship building, construction and public works were also developed. The Greek Steamship Company was founded in 1856.
A period of decline then followed, as sailing gave way to steam, the importance of the geographical situation of the island was reduced and Piraeus harbour finally took the predominant position in Greece - with the competition of Patras also reducing Syros' commercial importance.
20th century
[edit]Beginning at the end of the 19th century and for several decades, a temporary economic recovery took place, due to the development of the textile industry ("Foustanos-Karellas-Velissaropoulos & Co").
As a result of the imperial ambitions and fascist ideology of Benito Mussolini's Italy, which invaded and occupied Syros during World War II, the island's inhabitants experienced a devastating famine causing thousands of deaths. (See Sheila Lecoeur: Mussolini's Greek Island: Fascism and the Occupation of Syros in World War II (2009/ 2015))
The Second World War reduced Syros' economic development, as was the case for every economic centre in Greece. However, already since the 1980s, along with the generalized economic recovery and the rise of the living standards in Greece, elements of improvement appeared with tourism as its central axis. At the same time, the re-opening of the Neorion shipyards, as well as a number of other activities, indicate that Syros is on an upward trend.
Ermoupoli today has 7 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, 2 high schools, 2 technical schools and the Aegean University with a department of Fine Arts and system design, with a proposed future addition in Applied Arts and Visual Arts. The Syros Island National Airport, the Aegean casino, the frequent passenger boat transportation system and all other modern amenities help to attract many domestic and foreign tourists to the island all year round.
Syros also has a British cemetery where various people are buried, including many seamen and servicemen who died in the Cyclades region, particularly during the Second World War. The numerous consulates of countries such as France, Britain, Italy, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries bear witness to the connection of Syros with the wider European scene.
Administration
[edit]
Syros is a separate regional unit of the South Aegean region. The only municipality of the regional unit is Syros-Ermoupoli. As a part of the 2011 Kallikratis government reform, the regional unit Syros was created out of part of the former Cyclades Prefecture. At the same reform, the municipality Syros-Ermoupoli was created out of the 3 former municipalities:[15]
The municipality also includes the uninhabited island Gyaros and several other islets. The total area of the municipality is 101.90 km2 (39 sq mi).[16]
Province
[edit]The province of Syros (Greek: Επαρχία Σύρου) was one of the provinces of the Cyclades Prefecture. Its territory corresponded with that of the current regional units Syros and Mykonos.[17] It was abolished in 2006.
Religion
[edit]As in the rest of Greece, Syros has Eastern Orthodox churches. Metamorphosis is the most important Orthodox church on the island, Kimisis tis Theotokou is also significant and noted for the fact that it hosts a masterpiece by painter El Greco.[18] There is also an equal number of Catholic Church buildings on the island and some entirely Catholic villages; thus, it is one of the most significant places for Catholic Church in Greece.[18] Syros is one of a few places where Catholics and Orthodox share a common date for Easter, which in Syros' case, is the Orthodox date.[19]
The Catholic diocese numbers 9000 worshippers, 21 secular priests and 8 regulars, 7 parishes, 7 churches with a resident priest, 3 without a priest, and 57 chapels. The Capuchins and Jesuits each have an establishment; the Sisters of Charity, 2 houses, one of which is a hospital; the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition have a boarding school and St George, a De La Salle Public School.
There is also a single church of the Greek Byzantine Catholic Church which is not part of the diocese but subject to the Byzantine Exarchate of Greece.
Cuisine
[edit]
Local specialities of the island include:
- Kaparosalata (salad with capers)
- Maidanosalata (salad with parsley)
- Frisoura (appetizer)
- Delagraciano
- Ladopita
- Marathopita
- Tomatokeftedes (fried tomato balls)
- Kalamari gemistó (stuffed grilled squid)
- Sfougato
- San Michali cheese
- Loukoumi (dessert)
- Halvadopita (dessert)
- Pastelaria (dried figs dessert)
Sports
[edit]- Foinikas Syros V.C.
- Aris Syros, basketball/volleyball
- Hellas Syros, football
- Athletic Club Syros, basketball/football
- Syros Windsurfing School
- Komito Watersports
Airport
[edit]Notable residents
[edit]
- Eumaeus, character in the Odyssey
- Pherecydes (c. 600–550 BC), philosopher
- Ioannis Andreas Kargas, Catholic bishop of Syros and martyr
- Michail Melas (1833–1897), Greek politician and merchant, father to Pavlos Melas
- Demetrius Vikelas (1835–1908), writer and the first president of the International Olympic Committee
- Emmanuel Roidis (1836–1904), writer and journalist
- Stamata Revithi (1866–?), the first woman to compete in the Olympic Games and run the Marathon
- Antonio Gregorio Vuccino (Voutsinos) A.A. (1891–1968), Archbishop of Corfu, Zante and Cefalonia, Greece
- Anna Kalouta (el) (1918–2010), actress
- Markos Vamvakaris (1905–1972), musician
- Rita Boumi-Pappa (1906–1984), poet and translator
- Anargyros Printezis, titular bishop of Gratianopolis and Apostolic Exarch of the Byzantine Rite Catholics in Greece
- Olga Broumas (1949–), poet and translator
- Stelios Mainas (1957–), actor
- Georgios Printezis (1985–), professional basketball player
Gallery
[edit]-
Ermoupolis, Syros from above -
Ano Syros, Catholic quarter -
Statue of Andreas Miaoulis -
View from Ano Syros -
Ermoupoli market shop -
Kini beach -
Galissas from Agia Pakou chapel -
Megas Gyalos -
Foinikas -
Al fresco dining in Ermoupoli
,_Syros,_Greece_13.jpg)
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Αποτελέσματα Απογραφής Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2021, Μόνιμος Πληθυσμός κατά οικισμό" [Results of the 2021 Population - Housing Census, Permanent population by settlement] (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority. 29 March 2024.
- ^ Suda, s.v.
- ^ Samuel Butler (14 April 2015). Delphi Complete Works of Samuel Butler (Illustrated). Delphi Classics. pp. 3206–. ISBN 978-1-910630-86-0.
- ^ William Miller, Latins in the Levant p636
- ^ ""ege adalarÃ"±" arama sonuçları ile ilgili bilgiler". Türkçe Bilgi.
- ^ Le Quien, op. cit., II, 233
- ^ Ampelas, Histoire de Syros, 411
- ^ Miklosich and Mueller, "Acta patriarchatus constantinopolitani", V, 461
- ^ Ricaut, "Histoire de l'estat présent de l"Eglise grecque", 361; Hilaire de Barenton, "La France Catholique en Orient", 171-173
- ^ Oriens christianus, III, 865-868
- ^ Hierarchia catholica medii aevi, I, 492; II, 267; III, 324
- ^ Pétridès in "Revue de l'Orient chrétien", V, 407-422
- ^ Edward Lear diaries, 1858-1888. MS Eng 797.3 (7), page seq. 57. Houghton Library, Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.
- ^ See, e.g., Theodore Bent, ‘The Capital of the Cyclades’. Macmillan’s Magazine, Vol. 50, 1884 (May/Oct), pp. 426-435.
- ^ "ΦΕΚ A 87/2010, Kallikratis reform law text" (in Greek). Government Gazette.
- ^ "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece.
- ^ "Detailed census results 1991" (PDF). (39 MB) (in Greek and French)
- ^ a b "Syros Churches: Information about the churches of Syros Greece, Cyclades". Greeka.com. 20 November 2007.
- ^ "Easter: A date with God". The Economist. April 20, 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
Only in a handful of places do Easter celebrants alter their own arrangements to take account of their neighbours. Finland's Orthodox Christians mark Easter on the Western date. And on the Greek island of Syros, a Papist stronghold, Catholics and Orthodox alike march to Orthodox time. The spectacular public commemorations, involving flower-strewn funeral biers on Good Friday and fireworks on Saturday night, bring the islanders together, rather than highlighting division.
External links
[edit]
- Official website of Municipality of Áno Sýros (in Greek)
- Official website of Municipality of Ermoúpoli (in English and Greek)
- University of the Aegean in Ermoúpoli (in English and Greek)
- Department of Product and Systems design from University of the Aegean
- Information about Syros from syros-online.com (in German)
- Syros The Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation
- Festival of the Aegean (Official website of the music festival that has been held on the island since 2005.)
- Complete travel guide for Syros island (in English and Greek)
| Regional unit of Andros |  | |
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| Regional unit of Kalymnos | ||
| Regional unit of Karpathos-Kasos | ||
| Regional unit of Kea-Kythnos | ||
| Regional unit of Kos | ||
| Regional unit of Milos | ||
| Regional unit of Mykonos | ||
| Regional unit of Naxos | ||
| Regional unit of Paros | ||
| Regional unit of Rhodes | ||
| Regional unit of Syros | ||
| Regional unit of Thira | ||
| Regional unit of Tinos | ||
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