December 2010 Newsletter Bookmark and Share
 This Month
December's Article: The Greeks of Australia Special Feature: Zakynthos: Food, Wine & Products
What's New: Alphabet Block Personalized Apparel, Sterling Silver Jewelry, 14k Gold & 18k Gold Overlay Jewelry, Greek Music, Books & DVDs, Children's DVDs, Books & Toys, Greek Food, Vintage Greek Posters Greek Almanac & Calendar Refills, Greek Hooded Sweatshirts, Greek Costumes & Costume Jewelry
Featured Destination: Cyclades - Kea December's Recipe: Mama's Melomakarona
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December's Recipe:
Mama's Melomakarona
(Traditional Greek Cookies)


My mom made these for years and they remind me of the holidays. these spice cookies, lightly baked to perfection, are dipped in honey to add an extra flavorful touch. They are delicious with coffee.


Dough Ingredients:
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 stick butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1/8 cup honey, warmed
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/8 cup whiskey
  • 4 cups all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tbsp cinnamon
  • 60 baking cups

Syrup Ingredients:

  • 4 cups water
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 fresh lemon, juiced and strained
  • 1 strip lemon zest
  • 1 strip orange zest
  • 1 cup walnuts, finely grated
Preparation:

Using a mixer in a large bowl, cream oil, butter, and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolk, honey, lemon juice, vanilla, and whiskey until mixed well. In a separate bowl, mix flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and soda together. Slowly add one cup at a time to creamed mixture until a soft dough is formed. May not need all the flour. Take out of mixer and knead well. Shape tablespoon-sized dough into 3-inch long ovals and align on an ungreased baking sheet. Make diagonal indentations with a fork on top of each cookie before baking. Preheat oven to 350° F. Bake cookies for 15 minutes or until light golden brown.

To make honey syrup: In a saucepan, heat 4 cups water, 4 cups sugar, orange zest, lemon juice, and lemon zest and bring to a boil. Add honey and continue to boil for 20 minutes, constantly scraping the foam off the top while boiling. Reduce heat and remove zest.

Dip cooled cookie in warm (not hot) syrup for 1 minute. Cookie should be well drenched and saturated. Remove with a slotted spoon. Sprinkle with walnuts and place in a decorative baking cup.

Serves 50-60 people

Excerpts and Photography from: Greek Chic Cuisine
by Stephanie M. Patsalis

 

December's Article:
The Greeks of Australia
 

The Greeks of Australia

Despite the population increase, the new arrivals were not provided with employment opportunities in the urban centres. Most of them were scattered over immense distances through the vast continent, compelled to labour in the bush, unprotected and often exploited. Most of them were alienated by the different cultural environment, the vastness of the host country, the hardships in the mining camps and the difficulties of surviving in the bush. Lacking adequate communication with their relatives at home through the tyranny of isolation and distance, facing communication breakdowns in their social life because of linguistic deficiencies and unable to find consistent employment, they faced serious health and mental problems. Most of them, though, were forced to endure the hardships because of their inability to finance the long return journey by sea.

Gregorios Gersios, brothers Pavlos and Sotiris Siapkalis and Kostas loannou from Kastoria, Western Macedonia, paid eighteen pounds for passage from Piraeus to Fremantle on an Italian steamship in 1924.
Gersios and loannou, who shared the same tent for three years in the bush, when they settled in Perth, obtained their meals from the Salvation Army for sixpence and a bed for one shilling. Gersios worked for five years in the bush clearing farms than opened his own restaurant in Perth and finally his general store with liquor license. He brought his wife in 1931 from Greece and in the same year he was instrumental in the establishment in Perth of the first Greek Macedonian Club in Australia with his compatriot Zissis Nolides, entitled 'Alexander the Great Club'.

There was a great poverty then... However, some managed to prosper during those difficult years and realized that Australia provided more opportunities for continuing prosperity than were available back home, and thus they settled permanently. Several examples of those who prospered included the Komninos dynasty who established themselves in the oyster industry in NSW and the Mytilinian Mihalis Manousos who became a well-known and successful farmer. Others included Kastellorizians Athanasios Avgoustis and Andreotis Georgios Falagas who became the most skilful cultivators and traders of oysters in WA. The Ithacan Lekatsas family, who ran a chain of shops providing refreshments, was also successful and consequently acquired real estate properties such as commercial buildings, hotels and theatre chains in Melbourne. In Perth, the brothers Michalis and Petros Michelidis from Kastellorizo became the most successful tobacco growers and industrialists of the time. Georgios Lymberidis, the biggest wheat-grower in NSW, and Nikolaos Lourantos, one of the wealthiest landowners whose property ran thousands of sheep, were regarded as great benefactors of the Greek community and were knighted for their efforts by the Australian government.

After 1895 pioneer immigrants were able to settle and survive in the large urban centres of Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. The position of these early Greek immigrants was worrying. Most of them arrived with no clear objectives in mind, with no knowledge of English, into a rather ignorant, and in certain colonies (WA and Queensland) hostile environment. Those migrants who were fortunate enough to have suitable trades could settle permanently in the cities. Those with trades included confectionery-makers, greengrocers, fishermen, wharf-labourers and porters, shopkeepers and restaurateurs. By 1916 there were nationwide six hundred Greek shops including fourteen cafes. In the rural areas occupational patterns differed depending on the origin of the immigrant. The islanders usually dominated the fish-mg industry and the mining industry and, after 1924, many worked in the vast sugar cane plantations in far north Queensland. The Macedonians proved to be the pioneers in timber cutting, market gardening and the clearing of arable land. They were also instrumental in the cultivation of grapes, tobacco and fruit. Employment in the industrial sector remained the exclusive privilege of British subjects in the cities.

Until 1936 the union movement and the Australia Labor Party perpetuated an anti-foreign policy, confining most southern European settlers to manual work in the rural areas and exercising political pressure on the colonial and state governments to enforce restrictions at the expense of the first migrant settlers.
During those early years, only a few educated migrants, some high school graduates, a couple of public school teachers and a few medical doctors were caught by the emigration fever. These individuals were not excused from the recriminations nor the hardships suffered by their less qualified predecessors. Lacking an adequate command of English most of them were confined to practice within the Greek community, often pursuing manual labour normally expected from immigrants in the restaurants of their compatriots.

Article to be continued next month

 

Excerpts and Photography from
The Greeks in Australia
by Anastasios Tamis

   
  Greekshops Recommends:

 

The Greeks of Southern California, The Pioneers 1900-1942, DVD (NTSC, All Zones)

The Greeks of Southern California,
The Pioneers 1900-1942, DVD
(NTSC, All Zones)

The Greeks of Southern California, The Promise of Tomorrow 1940-1960 DVD (NTSC, All Zones)

The Greeks of Southern California,
The Promise of Tomorrow 1940-1960 DVD
(NTSC, All Zones)


 Special Feature:
 Zakynthos: Food, Wine & Products


Tomato, or comidoro as Zakynthians call it, taken from the Italian pomodoro, is another key element in the Zakynthian diet. tomatoes originated in the New World, and the Venetians brought them here from Italy. Recent studies have concluded that tomatoes contain a cancer fighting antioxidant called lycopene that has been linked to a lower risk of breast, prostate and cervical cancer. Zakynthians use them in almost all their dishes, from sauces to soups. Sartsa, their national dish, is a special combination of tomatoes with garlic, onions, basil and other herbs. Either for a poor meal or for a full dinner, tomatoes provide a nutritious dish for everyone.

Garlic is another key element of the Zakynthian diet. This is one food that the English never appreciated during their occupation in Zakynthos, so they kept to their own cuisine. since ancient times and even in today's studies it is known that garlic lowers high blood pressure, high cholesterol and kills germs and worms. Combined with olive oil, tomatoes and lemons, it neutralizes acids and helps digestion. Zakynthians use it in almost all their dishes. It is also the best seasoning for lamb, grilled fish, and barbeque. Garlic is the main ingredient for Aliada, a garlic and potato puree, and skorthostoubi, the national dish of Zakynthos made of eggplants and tomato sauce.

Cheese is not abundant in Zakynthos since there is not a great deal of livestock. The local cheeses are pretza, lathotyri and kefalograviera. Today there are other cheeses in the market which come from other parts of Greece.

Pretza or myzithra is a fresh cheese made of goat's milk, either salted in sea salt or unsalted. It is made from collecting the residue on the bottom of the feta barrel. If unsalted, it goes with sugar or honey on bread, and for breakfast it is very nutritious. When salted, it is used as an appetizer, and, mixed with crumbled feta, olive oil and thyme, it is outstanding.

Lathotyri-oil cheese is made of sheep's milk. It is a small fez shaped feta. Zakynthians steep it in salt brine from two weeks to a month and store it in olive oil in earthenware urns. In the oil, it ferments and becomes pungent, peppery and very piquant. It is also delicious fresh, before being placed in the olive oil. Today it is not available in the market, but only in rare households for personal use.

Lathograviera is a typical gruyiere, steeped in olive oil. It is matured for about two weeks until it develops a slight rind, and then it is placed in large barrels filled with olive oil. It has a sharp taste.

Game birds are a tradition in Zakynthos. Since ancient times, human beings survived through the hunting and gathering of wild plants and game. This is a healthy food which Zakynthians appreciate. Even as far back as Odysseus people enjoyed barbecue of game birds!

There are a lot of migrating birds on this island on their way from Africa to Europe in spring or to Africa from Europe in autumn. Mid-April to mid-May and late August to early October are the seasons for trigonia (doves) and ortika (quails), while November and December are best for bekatses (woodcocks), cooked with the Venetians' favorite starch, polenta, and stuffed with local currants.

Hares used to be abundant but recently it has disappeared. Instead, rabbits are raised locally. It is the traditional dish, cooked with garlic and tomato sauce and called Stifatho.

Galopoulo is very popular during Christmas Holidays and Zakynthians cook it with their own recipes. Local beef, pork by itself or as Hiromeri, and goat and lamb are all cooked in many ways that Zakynthians enjoy.

Hiromeri is a cured ham similar to prosciutto, but saltier. Zakynthians used to make it from fat pork dried in the sun. It is called Hiromeri when made from the shoulder, and pancetta when made from the breast. It is highly seasoned with garlic, whole black peppercorns and bay leaves. In the old days it was sprinkled with salt, let sit for almost 3 months in a barrel with brine, and then at about springtime it was taken out of the barrel rinsed well and dried in the sun to be ready for Easter. Today, because it is so much trouble to make, it is bought in stores. It is an excellent appetizer.

Fishing used to be a way of living. Big kaikia, boats, harbored in the port of Zakynthos, full of all kinds of fresh fish, and everyone rushed to get it and take it home, to grill or bake accompanied with wild greens. Today very few fishermen exercise this hobby but when they do there is a big demand.


The Special Feature "Zakynthos: Food, Wine & Products" will continue next month..

Excerpt from
Cooking and Traditions of Zakynthos
by Calliopi Toufidou

  What's New!
  Alphabet Block Personalized Apparel
  Sterling Silver Jewelry
  14k Gold & 18k Gold Overlay Jewelry
  Greek Music
  Books in Greek
I simfonia ton oneiron, by Nikos Themelis (In Greek)

I simfonia ton oneiron, by Nikos Themelis (In Greek)
I ginaika tou Farou, by Pashalia Travlou (In Greek)

I ginaika tou Farou, by Pashalia Travlou (In Greek)
O episkeptis tou Oneirou, by Eleni Tsamadou (In Greek)

O episkeptis tou Oneirou, by Eleni Tsamadou
(In Greek)
Epistrofi stin Smirni 1: I thalassa mas, by Evaggelos Mavroudis (In Greek)

Epistrofi stin Smirni 1: I thalassa mas, by Evaggelos Mavroudis (In Greek)
Epistrofi stin Smirni 2: ITTIHAT VE TERAKKI, by Evaggelos Mavroudis (In Greek)

Epistrofi stin Smirni 2: ITTIHAT VE TERAKKI, by Evaggelos Mavroudis
(In Greek)
Stous Pente Anemousm by Marina Petropoulou (In Greek)

Stous Pente Anemousm by Marina Petropoulou
(In Greek)
I Zoi mou me ton Sadam, by Parisoula Lamsos (In Greek)

I Zoi mou me ton Sadam, by Parisoula Lamsos
(In Greek)
 Erotas ypo Eresi, by Nikos Papandreou (In Greek)

Erotas ypo Eresi, by Nikos Papandreou (In Greek)
Gyrismos / Return by Victoria Hislop (In Greek)

Gyrismos / Return by Victoria Hislop (In Greek)
Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert (In Greek)

Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert (In Greek)
Skilisies Meres, by Kostas Bostantzoglou (In Greek)

Skilisies Meres, by Kostas Bostantzoglou (In Greek)
Min Pairnesi Kai Orko ston Erota, by Katerina Papanikolaou (In Greek)

Min Pairnesi Kai Orko ston Erota, by Katerina Papanikolaou (In Greek)
Agapw tha pei hanomai, by Rena Rossi-Zairi (In Greek)

Agapw tha pei hanomai, by Rena Rossi-Zairi (In Greek)
Lefki Orhidea, by Kaiti Economou (In Greek)

Lefki Orhidea, by Kaiti Economou (In Greek)
O Kipos me tis Mouries, by Kaiti Economou (In Greek)

O Kipos me tis Mouries, by Kaiti Economou (In Greek)
To Kima tou Erota, by Giannis & Maria Alexandrou (In Greek)

To Kima tou Erota, by Giannis & Maria Alexandrou (In Greek)
Agapi se meres vrohis, by Katerina Mbozoni (In Greek)

Agapi se meres vrohis, by Katerina Mbozoni
(In Greek)
Ena Gramma gia Sena Mitera, Mimika Makrigianni (In Greek)

Ena Gramma gia Sena Mitera, Mimika Makrigianni (In Greek)
Stavroforoi Horis Stavro, by Stavros Ligeros (In Greek)

Stavroforoi Horis Stavro, by Stavros Ligeros (In Greek)
I Istoria tis Sychronis Elladas 1941-1974 (Modern History of Greece 1941-1974), (In Greek)

I Istoria tis Sychronis Elladas 1941-1974 (Modern History of Greece 1941-1974), (In Greek)
  Books & DVDs in English
The Colossus of Maroussi, by Henry Miller (In English)

The Colossus of Maroussi, by Henry Miller (In English)
Café Tempest: Adventures On a Small Greek Island by Barbara Bonfigli (In English)

Café Tempest: Adventures On a Small Greek Island by Barbara Bonfigli (In English)
Greece: A Traveler's Literary Companion by Artemis Leontis (In English)

Greece: A Traveler's Literary Companion by Artemis Leontis
(In English)
Harlot's Sauce: A Memoir of Food, Family, Love, Loss, and Greece (In English)

Harlot's Sauce: A Memoir of Food, Family, Love, Loss, and Greece
(In English)
The Struggle for Greece 1941-1949 (In English)

The Struggle for Greece 1941-1949 (In English)
Crete: The Battle and the Resistance , Antony Beevor (In English)

Crete: The Battle and the Resistance , Antony Beevor
(In English)
A Concise History of Greece , Richard Clogg (In English)

A Concise History of Greece , Richard Clogg (In English)
Cambridge Illustrated History of Ancient Greece , Paul Cartledge (In English)

Cambridge Illustrated History of Ancient Greece , Paul Cartledge (In English)
Brief History of Ancient Greece : Politics, Society and Culture (In English)

Brief History of Ancient Greece : Politics, Society and Culture
(In English)
Modern Greece: A Short History, CM. Woodhouse (In English)

Modern Greece: A Short History, CM. Woodhouse
(In English)
Modern Greece : A History Since 1821 by John S, Koliopoulos, Thanos M. Veremis (In English)

Modern Greece : A History Since 1821 by John S, Koliopoulos, Thanos M. Veremis (In English)
Mediterranean Grilling: More Than 100 Recipes from Across the Mediterranean (In English)

Mediterranean Grilling: More Than 100 Recipes from Across the Mediterranean (In English)
    The Greeks of Southern California, Pioneers & Promise of Tomorrow 2 DVD set

The Greeks of Southern California, Pioneers & Promise of Tomorrow
2 DVD set
  Children's Books in Greek
  Children's DVDs in Greek
  Children's Greek Toys
My New First Greek Laptop 4+

My New First Greek Laptop 4+
Disney Baby's First Greek Laptop, Ages 2+

Disney Baby's First Greek Laptop, Ages 2+
Greek ABC Talking Cards (speaks Greek), Ages 3+

Greek ABC Talking Cards (speaks Greek), Ages 3+
Eksipnoulis (Genius) Electroning Greek Reading and Writing, Ages 5+

Eksipnoulis (Genius) Electroning Greek Reading and Writing, Ages 5+
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Electroning Game for learning the Animals in Greek, Ages 3+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Electroning Game for learning the Animals in Greek, Ages 3+
Eksipnoulis (Genius): First Greek Phrases Educational, Ages 5+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): First Greek Phrases Educational, Ages 5+
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Electroning Vocubulary builder, Ages 5+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Electroning Vocubulary builder, Ages 5+
Eksipnoulis (Genius):  Learning the Animals - Moms and Babies, Ages 3+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Animals - Moms and Babies, Ages 3+
Eksipnoulis (Genius):  Learning the Greek Alphabet, Ages 3+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Greek Alphabet, Ages 3+
Eksipnoulis (Genius):  Learning the Time in Greek, Ages 5+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Time in Greek, Ages 5+
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Numbers in Greek,  Ages 3+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Numbers in Greek, Ages 3+
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Professions in Greek,  Ages 3+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Professions in Greek, Ages 3+
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning Greek Spelling, Ages 4+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning Greek Spelling, Ages 4+
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning Greek Geography Puzzle, Ages 5+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning Greek Geography Puzzle, Ages 5+
Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Months and the Seasons in Greek, Ages 5+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Learning the Months and the Seasons in Greek, Ages 5+
Eksipnoulis (Genius):  Little Words in Greek, Ages 4+

Eksipnoulis (Genius): Little Words in Greek, Ages 4+
  Greek Food & Baking Goods
Greek Christmas Cookies Combo Pack - Courambiedes & Melomakarona bites

Greek Christmas Cookies Combo Pack - Courambiedes & Melomakarona bites
Greek Christmas Cookies & Baklava Combo Pack - Courambiedes, Melomakarona & Baklava variety

Greek Christmas Cookies & Baklava Combo Pack - Courambiedes, Melomakarona & Baklava variety
Baklava Taster's Choice: Giannotiko, Walnut, and Traditional Greek Baklava pack

Baklava Taster's Choice: Giannotiko, Walnut, and Traditional Greek Baklava pack
Homemade-style Traditional Greek Baklava

Homemade-style Traditional Greek Baklava
Greek Christmas Almond Cookies, Courambiedes bites

Greek Christmas Almond Cookies, Courambiedes bites
Greek Christmas Honey and Walnut Cookies, Melomakarona bites

Greek Christmas Honey and Walnut Cookies, Melomakarona bites
Papa Cristo's Greek Seasoning Spice Blend

Papa Cristo's Greek Seasoning Spice Blend
Papa Cristo's Greek Red Rub Spice Blend

Papa Cristo's Greek Red Rub Spice Blend
Loukoumia Rose Flavor with Almonds, 450 gr

Loukoumia Rose Flavor with Almonds, 450 gr
Loukoumia Mastic Flavor with Almonds, 450 gr

Loukoumia Mastic Flavor with Almonds, 450 gr
Manna Wheat Rusks from Crete, 600 gr.

Manna Wheat Rusks from Crete, 600 gr.
Manna Rye Rusks from Crete, 400 gr.

Manna Rye Rusks from Crete, 400 gr.
Gelo Greek Jelly Candy - 6 Flavors (300g)

Gelo Greek Jelly Candy - 6 Flavors (300g)
Top Greek Red Wine Vinegar (500ml)

Top Greek Red Wine Vinegar (500ml)
Fantis Pure Natural Greek Honey in Squeeze Bottle (1lb 3/4oz)

Fantis Pure Natural Greek Honey in Squeeze Bottle (1lb 3/4oz)
Morfat Dumpling Loukoumades Mix 2-Pack

Morfat Dumpling Loukoumades Mix 2-Pack
St. George Mills Farin AP, Greek Self Rising Flour – 500 gr.

St. George Mills Farin AP, Greek Self Rising Flour – 500 gr.
Spitiko Greek Olive Oil 3LT Can

Spitiko Greek Olive Oil 3LT Can
  Greek Christmas Snowflakes Silver Glitter Mug with Greek Candy Gift Package

Greek Christmas Snowflakes Silver Glitter Mug with Greek Candy
Gift Package
  Vintage Greek City Photo & Advertisement Posters
Vintage Greek Advertising Posters - Kithara Threads (1958)

Vintage Greek Advertising Posters - Kithara Threads (1958)
Vintage Greek Advertising Posters - Kolynos Toothpaste (1964)

Vintage Greek Advertising Posters - Kolynos Toothpaste (1964)
Vintage Greek Advertising Posters - 22 Cigarettes (1964)

Vintage Greek Advertising Posters - 22 Cigarettes (1964)
Vintage Greek Advertising Posters - MEZ Lozenges and Mints (1958)

Vintage Greek Advertising Posters - MEZ Lozenges and Mints (1958)
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Plaka (1917)

Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Plaka (1917)
Vintage Greek City Photos Ionian Islands - Cephalonia, Agia Efimia, Port view (1910)

Vintage Greek City Photos Ionian Islands - Cephalonia, Agia Efimia, Port view (1910)
Vintage Greek City Photos Ionian Islands - Cephalonia, Agia Efimia, City view (1970)

Vintage Greek City Photos Ionian Islands - Cephalonia, Agia Efimia, City view (1970)
Vintage Greek City Photos Ionian Islands - Cephalonia, Agia Efimia, Port view (1907)

Vintage Greek City Photos Ionian Islands - Cephalonia, Agia Efimia, Port view (1907)
Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Kastania, City view (1906)

Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Kastania, City view (1906)
Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Kastania, Town Square (1906)

Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Lakonia, Kastania, Town Square (1906)
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Parthenon (1964)

Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Parthenon (1964)
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Ermou Street (1912)

Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Ermou Street (1912)
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Constitution Square (Syntagma) (1907)

Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Constitution Square (Syntagma) (1907)
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Constitution Square (Syntagma) (1902)

Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Constitution Square (Syntagma) (1902)
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Omonia Square (1932)

Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - City of Athens, Omonia Square (1932)
Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Parthenon view (1930)

Vintage Greek City Photos Attica - Attica, City of Athens, Parthenon view (1930)
Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Agios Kirikos beach (1935)

Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Agios Kirikos beach (1935)
Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Agios Kirikos Port (1955)

Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Agios Kirikos Port (1955)
Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Evdilos / Pera Gialos (1934)

Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Evdilos / Pera Gialos (1934)
Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Evdilos (1900)

Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Evdilos (1900)
Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Agios Kirikos (1920)

Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Agios Kirikos (1920)
Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Ikarian immigrants in America (1985)

Vintage Greek City Photos Eastern Aegean Islands - Ikaria, Ikarian immigrants in America (1985)
Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Thessaloniki White Tower (1900)

Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Thessaloniki White Tower (1900)
Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Thessaloniki Kamara - Apsida Galeriou (1930)

Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Thessaloniki Kamara - Apsida Galeriou (1930)
Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Thessaloniki White Tower Port view (1902)

Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Thessaloniki White Tower Port view (1902)
Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Lefkos Pirgos White Tower (1955)

Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Lefkos Pirgos White Tower (1955)
Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Waterfront - Leoforos Nikis - White Tower (1925)

Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Waterfront - Leoforos Nikis - White Tower (1925)
Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Leoforos Nikis view from White Tower (1904)

Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, Leoforos Nikis view from White Tower (1904)
Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, White Tower Lefkos Pirgos (1934)

Vintage Greek City Photos Macedonia - Salonica, White Tower Lefkos Pirgos (1934)
Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Arcadia, Tripolis, St. Basil Church (1920)

Vintage Greek City Photos Peloponnese - Arcadia, Tripolis, St. Basil Church (1920)

Keep a close eye on the Greek Poster Section as it continues to expand. We are in the process of adding hundreds of Vintage City Photos and Vintage Advertisement Posters.  Above you can find a selection from the city of Athens in the Attica region, Eastern Aegean Islands, Macedonia, Cephalonian & Peloponnese Regions.

Click Here to send a request for your favorite location.
 
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 Featured Destination: Cyclades - Kea (part 2 of 22)


GEOGRAPHY Kea or Tzia is the northernmost island of the Western Cyclades. It is located between Euboia and Kythnos, almost directly opposite Attica, with Makronisos interposed between them. 131 sq. km. in area, 81 km. of coastline, it is 12 nautical miles from Sounion and has 1,618 inhabitants. The capital is loulis (Chora) and its harbor is Korissia (Livadi), from where there is a daily car and passenger ferry service to Lavrion and once a week to Piraeus during the summer season. The only Cycladic island with which there is a link is Kythnos.
A mountainous island, it consists of small valleys leading down to little bays and sandy beaches. Geologically it is the continuation of Sounion. The highest peak is Profitis Ilias (567 m. a.s.l.), almost at the centre of the island. In the northwest part, between the mountainous masses, is the gulf of Aghios Nikolaos, one of the safest natural harbors in the Mediterranean. Very close to Attica and with limited tourist development and road network, it is just the place for a relaxing vacation.


HISTORY Known in antiquity as "Keios" or "Keio", after the mythical hero Keos, the island's present name, Tzia, is a legacy of the Frankish occupation. Finds from excavations at Kephala testify that the island was inhabited in Neolithic times. Karians, Pelasgians and Lelegians also settled here. In historical times it was colonized by Ionians and consisted of four independent cities -loulis, Karthaia, Poieessa, Koresia- all of which flourished. The island sired poets (Simonides, Bacchylides), philosophers (Aristion) and athletes, and the four cities minted their own coinage. Kea fought against the Medes during the Persian Wars and afterwards joined the Athenian League. Kea was an ally of Thebes for a brief spell, then passed to the Macedonians, Ptolemies and, eventually, to the Romans, which heralded its decline. In Byzantine times it belonged to the Thema of the Aegean and immediately after the Fall of Constantinople in 1204 it was ceded to the Venetians. In 1537 Kh. Barbarossa plundered Kea and it was easily conquered by the Turks. Between 1770 and 1774 it was taken by the Russian fleet and in 1781 was the base for the sorties of L. Katsonis.

SIGHTS-MONUMENTS The island's capital, loulis (Chora) is built amphitheatrically in the hinterland, 6 km. from the harbor, on the site of the ancient city of that name. Its vernacular Cycladic architecture is totally unspoiled, snow white two-story houses, narrow cobbled streets and innumerable churches dating from the 17th - 19th century, most with wood carved iconostases and important icons (St. Spyridon, Virgin Rematiani, St. John). From the neighborhood of Kastro, where remnants of the Venetian castle are preserved, there is a magnificent view over the sea to the mountains of Attica. Engraved on a schistose rock northeast of Chora (approx. 1 km.) is the "Lion of Kea", a colossal lion dated to 600 BC, work of an Ionian sculptor and associated with the island's mythology. In the Archaeological Museum one can see finds from excavations conducted on the island, especially from Aghia Irini. 6 km. southwest of Chora, is the monastery dedicated to Aghia Marina, built in the 16th century around a three-storey Hellenistic tower, the ruins of which are still preserved. 2 km. beyond Aghia Marina is Poises with its sparse remnants of the once important city of
Poieessa. This richly vegetated region is delightful for swimming, with its tiny bay and sandy beach. The road from here leads to the bay of Koundouros, one of the most beautiful on the island, with deep blue waters, many beaches and coves. There are several hotels and in the last few years the area has developed touristically. Proceeding eastwards from Chora, one may visit Aghia Anna, formerly a monastery, though nowadays only the church is still in good condition. Southeast of Chora (approximately 12 km.) in an area of particular scenic beauty, difficult of access, is the site of the ancient city of Karthaia.

The site of ancient Koressia is also the site of the modern town known as Livadi by the locals. Excavations conducted here have brought to light sections of the ancient wall and a cemetery in which the statue of an Archaic kouros of the 6th century BC was discovered, nowadays exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens. About 2 km. from Koressia is the picturesque bay of Vourkari, with the tiny village of that name, a safe anchorage for yachts throughout the year. On the Aghia Irini peninsula opposite, excavations carried out by the American School of Classical Studies (under the Direction` of the late professor John Caskey) have revealed an important Bronze Age settlement, at its zenith between 2000 and 1400 BC. In addition to the various buildings, many of which are in the sea, significant movable finds have been recovered: vases, domestic objects and Cycladic figurines. After Vourkari is the gulf of Otzias from where a road leads to the monastery of the Virgin Kastriani (16 km. east of Chora). Within the monastery is the two-storey church of the Virgin, the lower section of which (an 18th century building) is dedicated to the finding of the miraculous icon kept there. On August 15th, the feast of the Virgin, pilgrims flock to the monastery. In addition to the bay of Koundouros and Poises in the south, there are fine beaches at Koressia, Yaliskari and Otzia which can all be reached by bus or car. For those with a boat there are numerous secluded beaches with sparkling sea. Refuelling stations at Koressia and Bourkari. There are a few hotels and rooms for rent.

Next month: The Islands of the Cyclades - Kythnos, Part 3 of 22
 


 December 2010 Greek Orthodox Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
      1
Wednesday of the 11th Week

Nahum the Prophet

Philaret the Merciful of Amnia
2
Thursday of the 11th Week

Habakkuk the Prophet

Our Righteous Father Cyril of Phileus
3
Friday of the 11th Week

Zephaniah the Prophet

Our Righteous Father John, Bishop and Hesychast
4
Barbara the Great Martyr

John the Righteous of Damascus

New Hieromartyr Seraphim, bishop of the Phanar in Greece
5
10th Sunday of Luke

Savas the Sanctified

Holy Martyr Diogenes
6
Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra

Nicholas the New Martyr of Asia Minor
7
Tuesday of the 12th Week

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

Athenodoros the Martyr of Mesopotamia
8
Wednesday of the 12th Week

Forefeast of the Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos

Patapios the Righteous of Thebes
9
The Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos

Hanna the Prophetess

Narses the Martyr of Persia
10
Friday of the 12th Week

Menas, Hermogenes, & Eugraphos, Martyrs of Alexandria

Thomas the Righteous of Bithynia
11
Saturday of the 12th Week

Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople

Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon
12
11th Sunday of Luke

Spyridon the Wonderworker of Trymithous

Holy New Martyr Peter the Aleut
13
Monday of the 13th Week

Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska & First Saint of America

Auxentios, Eugene, Mardarios, Orestes, & Eustratios, Martyrs of Sebaste
14
Tuesday of the 13th Week

Thyrsos, Leucius, & Callinicos, Martyrs of Apollonia
15
Eleutherios the Holy Martyr, Bishop Illyria and his mother Anthia

The Martyr Susannah the Deaconess
16
Thursday of the 13th Week

Haggai the Prophet

Modestos, Archbishop of Jerusalem
17
Friday of the 13th Week

Daniel the Prophet & Ananias, Azarias, & Misail, the Three Holy Youths

Dionysios of Zakynthos
18
Saturday before Nativity

Sebastian the Martyr & his Companions

Our Righteous Father Michael Syngellon the Confessor
19
Sunday before Nativity

Boniface the Merciful of Tarsus, Eutychios the Martyr of Thessaloniki

Our Righteous Father Gregentius, Bishop of Ethiopi
20
Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch

Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Our Righteous Father Philogonius, Bishop of Antioch
21
Tuesday of the 14th Week

Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Juliana of Nicomedia & her 630 Companion Martyrs
22
Wednesday of the 14th Week

Anastasia the Great Martyr

Chrysogonos, Theodota, Evodias, & Eutychianus, the Martyrs
23
Thursday of the 14th Week

Ten Martyrs of Crete

Rememberance of the Founding of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Hagia Sophia in Constantinople
24
Eve of the Nativity of Christ

Eugenia the Righteous Nun-martyr of Rome
25
The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Gaspar, & Balthasar

The Commemoration of the Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks and came to see the Lord
26
Fast Free

Sunday after Nativity

Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos

Euthemios the Confessor, Bishop of Sardis
27
Fast Free

Stephen, Archdeacon & First Martyr

Theodore the Confessor

Brothers Theophan and Poietus
28
Fast Free

Tuesday of the 15th Week

20,000 Martyrs burned in Nicomedia

Holy Martyr Glycerus
29
Fast Free

14,000 infants (Holy Innocents) slain by Herod in Bethlehem

Our Righteous Father Marcellus, Abbot of the Monastery of the Unsleeping Ones

Our Righteous Father Thaddeus the Confessor
30
Fast Free

Thursday of the 15th Week

Anysia the Virgin-martyr of Thessaloniki

Gideon the New Martyr of Mount Athos
31
Fast Free

Friday of the 15th Week

Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Melania the Younger, Nun of Rome
 


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