|
|
|
|
||
|
Kimi
- Avlonari - Oxylithos - Konistres - Monothri - Vrisi - Manika History
There are various versions about the derivation of the name «Kimi». One explanation is that the word comes from the word «Komi» which means «Komopoli» (small town). There are others who associate the name with the word «Kyma» (wave) owing to the naval power of the town ancient times. There were cosmogonic geological upheavals in the area of Kimi during the pre - historic period which we know from the fact that a volcano at Oxilithos exists and also from the lignite deposits at Kimi. At Chania in Avlonari, traces of Late stone age settlements have been found and at Androyianous, Kimi, the ruins of a Mikinaiki settlement. We know that Kimi was flourishing during the ancient and geometrical period from the fact that two important colonies were named after the town. During the first Greek colonization, the inhabitants of Kimi founded Kimi in Eolia, Asia Minor and during the second Grek colonization in co - operation with the Chalkidians and Eretrians, they founded Kimi in Kambania, Italy. Later the town became a borough which belonged to the city - state of Eretria and there fore followed the fortunes of the Evian cities during the Classical Greek and Greek - roman periods. During Byzantium, the centre of the area was Avlonari which was the headquarters of the army and the episcopal seat. Many medieval castles and towers date from the Frankish period. There are medieval castle ruins at Avlonari, Vrisi, Kilimerianous, Kimi and Ochtonia and medieval towers at Avlonari, Vitalo, Ano Kourouni and Pyrgi. After the liberation Kymi developed a flourishing merchant navy. The architectural style of the houses in Kymi is associated with bright local color. Kymi has associated its name with the Balkan wars owing to Colonal John Velisariou who triumphed at the battle of Bizani in Ioannina. Kymi is also internationally famous through the cancer. Specialist George Papanikolaou whose birthplace it was. Papanicolaou a university teacher at New York, was the first one to develop the «Pap test» - diagnosis of cancer of the womb.
Today there is a folklore museum which exhibits the rich traditional culture of the surrounding area. The museum has a branch at the house of Chrisanthopoulos at Pirgo, where various objects from family and social life of the last century are exhibited. Most of the inhabitants in the surrounding villages are engaged in the production and druing of figs which are internationally famous. They also specialise in the sweet «Baklava» which is sold in almost all the shops. A short distance from the town, one can find the mineral springs of «Choneftiko» in a beautifully forested area. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that the whole area of Kymi, with its natural beauty, its local color its customs and traditions, and its delicious delicacies is an open invitation to escape into the past, something which appeals to the best in all of us. |
||
|
|
|
|
Kimi |
During
the Turkish occupation the inhabitants of Kimi were engaged in naval
operations and competed with the islands of the Agean. On the end of
the Greek revolution many inhabitants of Kimi became members of the
«society of friends» and afterwards took an active part in the struggle
for independence contributing ships and crews. The revolution was begun
by the local leader of the irregular troops, George Pappas with reinforcements
from the Bishop of Karistos, Neophytos. However, after an unequal battle
the revolutionaries were conquered by Omer Pasas as lepouna, where George
Pappas was killed after fighting heroically until the last moment. Later,
Omer Passas attacked Kimi again and because Nickolas Kriezotis and Vasilis
Mavrovouniotis were unable to assist the inhabitants, the Turks entered
the city and sacked and looted it.
Geographical
position and features