Lesvos (lesbos)
Population: 114,880 (2020)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Lesvos (or Lesbos) is the third-largest Greek island covering an area of 1,633 km2 (631 sq mi)[1] with 321 kilometres (199 miles) of coastline. Lesbos also refers to the regional unit, which includes, Chios, Ikaria, Lemnos, and Samos.
Roughly a third of the population lives in the capital, Mytilene, with the rest spread among the picturesque small towns and villages.
The island’s volcanic origin is revealed in several hot springs and two large enclosed bays. In the north and central parts, there are two large peaks, Mount Lepetymnos at 968 m (3,176 ft) and Mount Olympus at 967 m (3,173 ft.
The Petrified Forest in Singri on the western side of the island, is an interesting place to visit, along with the islands many monasteries, castles and churches.
The word Lesbian is said to derive from the poems of Sappho, who was born in Lesbos and wrote with powerful emotional content directed toward other women. Due to this association, Lesbos is frequently visited by LGBT tourists.
The economy of Lesbos is essentially agricultural, with olive oil being a main source of income, thanks to the eleven million olive trees that cover 40% of the island.
Tourism is encouraged by its international airport, and the coastal towns of Petra, Plomari, Molyvos and Eresos. Fishing and the manufacture of soap and ouzo, are the remaining sources of income.
Of course, you can’t write about this region without mentioning the migrant crises. Due to Lesvos being so close to Turkey, it has become a magnet for migrants trying to enter Europe.
Lesvos was home to the Moria refugee camp which housed 16,000 migrants and was destroyed by a fire in 2020 and a new temporary camp is being built (2021).
The Island & Its History
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Lesvos’ history starts as early as 1507 BC, while archaeological excavations show that it could have been inhabited since Neolithic times. A very advanced civilization had already expanded. during the Bronze Age.
Important archaeological sites on the island are the Neolithic cave of Kagiani, probably a refuge for shepherds, the Neolithic settlement of Chalakies, and the extensive habitation of Thermi (3000–1000 BC)
In 88 BC, the Romans occupied Lesvos then it became a part of Byzantium in 1261. In 1354, Lesvos fell under the rule of the Genoese until 1460, when they were replaced by the Ottomans. In this period, two strong castles were constructed on the island, the Castle of Mytilene and the Castle of Molyvos. Later, a castle in Sigri was also built.
Marks of the Turkish rule remain till today in Lesvos, as there are many mosques there. In 1912, the island of Lesvos was liberated by admiral Koundouriotis and his fleet. In 1923 The Treaty of Lausanne stated the union of the island with the rest of Greece. In 1922 the refugees of Asia Minor came to the island giving a boost to the local population. To honour the refugees, the authorities created the statue of Asia Minor Mother in Mytilene.
Lesvos was conquered for the last time by the Germans during World War II and was set free on the 10th of September 1944.
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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