Greece, Syros

Syros is a Greek island in the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea. It is located 78 nautical miles (144 km) south-east of Athens. The island is comprised of the municipalities of Ermoupoli, Ano Syros, and Poseidonia. Ermoupoli is the capital of the island and the Cyclades. It has always been a significant port town, and during the 19th century it was even more significant than Pireus.

History

During Roman times the capital of Syros was situated in the area of contemporary Ermoupoli. At the end of ancient times, the barbaric raids and piracy, which had scourged the Aegean for many centuries, led Syros to decline. In the Byzantine years Syros constituted part of the Aegean Dominion, together with the rest of the Cycladic islands.

In the mid-16th century, the Ottoman fleet occupied the island and the Duchy fell apart. However, negotiations of the local authorities with the Ottomans gave the Cycladic islands substantial privileges, such as the reduction of taxation and religious freedom.

Due to its crucial geographical position, Syros became known as a maritime way-point.

Syros took no part in the Greek revolt of 1821 however 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.

Economy

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 establishment of the new Greek Constitution.

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 dealt a serious blow to Syros, as in every economic centre in Greece. However, already since the eighties, 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.

The Syros Island National Airport, the Aegean casino, the frequent passenger boat transportation system and all other modern amenities are helping to attract many domestic and foreign tourists to the island year round.

Religion

Like all 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 is hosts a masterpiece by painter El Greco.