Kastellorizo
Population: 492 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Kastellorizo is a small (9 sq km) rocky island 350 miles South East of Athens and only a mile or so, off the Turkish coast.
The island’s official name, Megisti means “biggest” or “greatest”, but that name refers to the fact that it is the largest of the small archipelago.
The island is mountainous, with high and steep coastlines and just one town. The soil is limestone so doesn’t produce much of anything and there is no source of drinking water on the island.
The main industry is fishing as the island is barren and tourism industry is small.
The 14th century Knight’s fortress is worth visiting and provides a great panoramic view.
In the 1961 film The Guns of Navarone, a saboteur team is briefed on its mission on the island, and in 1991 the film Mediterraneo was filmed here.
Ferries run to Athens and 4 times a week in the winter, more frequently in the summer and take 20 hours to the port of Piraeus.
There is a small domestic airport with 4 flights week in the winter.
The Island & Its History
click image to view in Google Maps
Remains in the area witness that the first inhabitants in Kastellorizo were from the Neolithic Age.
In 1306, Kastellorizo was ruled of the Knights of St. John, then in 1440 it was occupied by the Sultan of Egypt. The Turkish occupation began in 1521 until 1920, followed by the Italians.
At the end of the 19th century around 10,000 people inhabited the island, but today it is only 492 (2011).
During the 1st and the 2nd World War it was heavily bombed then in July 1944, a fuel dump caught fire, which spread to an adjacent ammunition dump, destroying half of the homes on the island.
Prayer Points
- The people on the island will realize their need for God and their eyes will be opened to the truth and love of God through reading the Bible for themselves.
- The Lord will work in the lives of all the God-fearing religious people already living on this island, and bring healing & refreshment to their lives.
ADOPT THIS ISLAND
If you are committed to praying for this island and its region, please drop us a note, we would love to know about it and keep you posted with prayer updates!
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