Kos
Population: 33,388 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Kos is located in the southeast Aegean, very close to the Turkish coast. It is the third-largest island of the Dodecanese at 290 sq. km with a coastline of 112 km. The island is relatively flat with only one mountain range and endless sandy beaches the island’s beaches are its primary tourist attraction.
The majority of the inhabitants live mainly in Kos the capital town, and are occupied with tourism. Farming is the second principal occupation, with the main crops being grapes, almonds, figs, olives, and tomatoes, along with wheat and corn.
Ruins of the ancient city and Agora (Forum) were revealed by a severe earthquake in 1933.
There are also religious celebrations and feasts in each of the villages, mainly throughout the summer. Usually the feast involves a community meal with plenty of traditional food, folk music and dancing.
In some, an ancient custom is revived. Young unmarried women participate in a ritual trying to divine who their future husbands will be. This custom is called “Cledonas” and is practised in various areas of Greece.
Kos is about 13.5 hours from Piraeus by ferry.
The airport receives international flights during the summer and domestic flights to Athens throughout the year.
The Island & Its History
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Kos was influenced by the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations. It participated in the Trojan War, while in 1100 BC the Dorians from the Peloponnese settled here.
In 460 BC Hippocrates, ‘the father of medicine,’ was born on the island and in 366 BC the city of Kos was established, in its present location, which prospered greatly until a devastating earthquake in the 6th century AD.
In 336 BC, the island was conquered by Alexander the Great. After his death, it belonged to the Antigonid and then the Ptolemy kingdom. The Romans took over the island in 130 BC.
During the Byzantine period, the island flourished but suffered frequent raids and attacks as well.
From 1315 till 1552 the island was taken over by St. John’s Knights of Rhodes then the Turks defeated the Knights, and Kos remained under Turkish occupation until 1912 when the Italians took it over.
The island officially became part of Greece in 1948.
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.
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