Symi
Population: 2,590 (2011)
ISLAND OVERVIEW
Symi (or Simi) belongs to the Dodecanese group. This small island lies 24 miles northeast of Rhodes and has an area of 58 sq km. It’s topography is varied, full of bays and headlands, mountains and valleys. There is no natural water and little vegetation. The highest point is Ano Simi, capped by the usual castle of the Knights of St. John.
The economy of Symi was traditionally based on the shipbuilding and sponge industries, but today Symi’s main industry is tourism.
The island is known for its unique shrimps “Symi’s shrimps”.
Besides having one of the most beautiful harbour towns in Greece, Symi is known for its beautiful bays and pebbled beaches, best reached by small boat.
Symi has a thriving X-pat community.
It is easily reached by ferry from Rhodes or Kos and there are a couple of ferries a week to and from Athens.
The Island & Its History
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Little is known of the island until the 14th century, but archaeological evidence indicates it was continuously inhabited, and ruins of citadels suggest it was an important location. It was first, part of the Roman Empire and then the Byzantine Empire until its rule by the Knights of St. John from 1373 till 1522
The island was then conquered by the Ottoman Empire, along with nearby Rhodes, but it was allowed to retain many of its privileges, so its prosperity continued virtually uninterrupted. It attained the height of its prosperity in the mid 19th century and many of the peculiarly colourful neoclassical mansions covering the slopes, date from that period.
The island, changed hands several times in the 20th century, in 1912 it was occupied by Italy, and finally rejoined with 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.
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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