1. The monastery of Komninos Stefanopoulos family (Tsigou monastery)

We have already narrated the arrival of Nikiforos Komninos, the son of the last leader in Trapezounta David B’ in Oitylo after the fall of Constantinople by the Ottomans, his acceptance by the locals and his appointment as the Head of the community. Also the battles he and his descendants fought against the Ottomans when the last ones attempted to threaten the freedom of the people of Oitylo. One of these assaults that was repelled in 1537 lasted for two days on the 7 and 8 September at the location “louria and Kaisari”. The Head of the community Stefanos Komninos who coordinated the resistance of Oitylo, promised to Holy Mother the erection of a temple in his land, the one which is now called monastery Tsigou.

The monastery was in prosperity even after the immigration of the most of Stefanopoulos families in 1675 to Corsica and was under the supervision of those who remained in the area of Oitylo. Relevant is the text by the scholar Ath. Petridis published by the fortnight “Pandora” in Athens almost 150 years before (we have republished it in one of the above mentioned issues of our newspaper). According to this text in 18th century the monastery of Tsigou had wealth and operated as a loan bank for the locals. It seems that the monastery exploited the land owned by Komninos-Stefanopoulos family who had immigrated, which led to the accumulation of increased financial income with the collection and trade of their products.

There is also recorded the dispute between the parish of Oitylo and the descendants of Komninos-Stefanopoulos  who didn’t immigrate about the ownership of the land after the foundation of the new Hellenic state and the application of the law that was established at that time for the confiscation of the land of the ruined monasteries.

The fact that some of the  members or branches of the Family of Komninos-Stefanopoulos remained in Oitylo results also from the documents below dated in periods over one hundred years after the immigration of their relatives to Corsica. They are included in the following appendix.

APPENDIX OF SCRIPTURES AND TEXTS

1. The scripture on a column at the north side of the holy church in Oiltyo honored by the name “The Assumption of Virgin Mary” is as:

“It is erected and renovated this holy Temple of Holy Mother with the expenses, effort and contribution of the men and honorable lords and protectors of all those who live in this country. So that Holy Mother protects and helps men and women and children and so that the names Stefanopoulos of the three brothers are obeyed  and we the slaves amen” by the 1775 Nicolaos Didaskalos from Lagada and Esaias monk from Nomitsi and Panagiotis from Lagada.”

2. “1697 February 23, Oitylo”

“We made accounts with my best man mister Dimitris Skloufas and from all our calculations I still owe him 400 rialia which I must give back until Saint Elias coming name day. After this we work together to pick pines for senior Tomenego in order to sell it to him and the difference we share it. We made this agreement and with faith to truth we sign”

“Captain Mihalakis Stefanopoulos certifies the above, Dimitrios Skloufos certifies the above”

3. “1695 month December 19, Vytilo”

“Drakos Arxoulisis declares I have borrowed from captain Mixalakis Stefanopoulos 10 rialia because of friendship which I will turn back whenever I please and in faith to the truth and confidence I asked my uncle Menoudos since I cannot write and he changed my confession among good men.

“And I Elias Liantikatis declare the above”

“Menoudos Stefanopoulos wrote the present document and declare the above”

Diaries of captain Michael Stefanopoulos

4. “1695 January 4. Reminder of all the whites I give to captain Panagiotis Gerakaris Stefanopoulos”

“I gave him fifteen ducats and eight more and I still have a pair of silver knives, I also gave him when we were in Anapli fifteen ducats, in order to pay a merchant from Kalamata, then I gave him at Anapli eight ducats for Gasparis and then five and a half ducats to pay the workers who built the bell tower and one and a half ducat when his lad came to the sea to buy fish then to Anapli one scarf, the above white ducats are 53 and 1/2 and there is still for the above calpack velvet riali 1”

Other of the same

* We shall express our views about the institution of the Head of the community in Mani

1. The dwelling of Medikos-Giatrakos family in Oitylo and their empowerment

The historian of the fall of Constantinople, Jeorgios Frantzis in ΧΡΟΝΙΚΟ, a book he had written in the last years of his life, presents important information about the area of the Messinian Bay and the dominion of the Byzantine lords (quotation in Appendix I). In particular, he mentions that the area of the Messinian bay belonged to the general Nikiforos Melissinos, one of the most important Byzantine lords, who before his death appointed as guardian of his underage son the Bishop of Mystras Theodoros. The last one, due to his intention to take monastic vows, passed on the guardianship to his brother who was also a Bishop at that time and later became the last Emperor, Constantinos.

In those areas, there were members of the family of Melissinos who were also taking part in their administration. The primary dominion of Melissinos family in the areas of Mani (Oitylo, Leuktro-Proastio, Zarnata) is connected to the occupation of the castles at the Messinian bay that were occupied by the remaining Franks in the first years of 15th century. The Byzantine dominion in the areas of the Messinian bay changed commissar and Constantinos Palaiologos, who exercised the administration for some years through Jeorgios Frantzis, who had engaged his underage daughter to the master of the place Nikolaos Melissinos, passed it on to his brother Thomas, after his ascend to the throne of Constantinople. The grown up now Nicolaos Melissinos after the occupation of Constantinople and the invasion of the Ottomans to Peloponnese abandoned the area to his relatives and escaped to Eptanisa and then to Crete.

Maria, the sister of the above mentioned Nikiforos Melissinos was the wife of the duke of Athens Antonios Atzagiolis; the duchy had been bought from the Catalan rulers by this family. In the jurisdiction of the duchy was amongst other areas, Nauplio and the east coastal area of Peloponnese which was the dowry of Maria Melissini. Anyway, a branch of Medikos family in Florence that lived in Athens, took part in the financial administration of the duchy on behalf of the Catalans. Members of the family kept on occupying high posts in Athens as well as in Nauplio and the east Pelooponnese. One of them, in fact, Pierros Medicos of Athens had taken the place of the governor and general captain of Nauplio. Members of Medicos family got married to Greek women and became Greek acquiring also translated names such as Iatros, Giatros, Iatropoulos, Giatrakos.

From the above mentioned fragmentary historical information results the dwelling of Medikos family to the areas of the east side of the Messinian bay and of course Oitylo which was of great importance since it had important administrative and military posts, from the beginning of the 15th century and before the fall of Constantinople and Mystras by the Ottomans.

Probative evidence of the power of Medikos family from Oitylo is the letter-call for help which was sent to the Pope of Rome Grigorios XIII by representatives of Mani in 1582 amongst whom Nicolaos Iatros is also mentioned (Appendix II).

Appendix I:

Jeorgios Sfrantzis: ΧΡΟΝΙΚΟΝ. VOLUME B.2

…the Bishop Theodoros gave to his brother Bishop Constantinos the other part of Taygetus that is the castle and area of Peloponnese Lefktron Maini and all the occupied areas up to Pylos, Oitylo and the free Zarnata castle and Gastitza and Dioasiston and Mele, Dyrrahion and Polianoun and the surrounding areas. And he gave to him the towns and castles at the Messinian bay. All these were ruled by Nikiforos Mellisinos. The reason of this offer to the bishop Theodoros was: Nikiforos Melissinos had a son named Nicolaos which was christened by bishop Theodoros. When he went to the monastery the son was three years old; he made a will and named Theodoros as the guardian of the child and all his land and money and declared that if his son dies without descendants then all his belongings towns and counties and castles pass on to the bishop Theodoros both those in and out of Peloponnese.

Appendix II:

“August 5”

“honourable and worthy Pope of Rome and high priest and Christian; we kneel before you, we the Maniots, every one, young and old priests and elders and we kneel before your kingdom ; and write for your kingdom and send the wishes of the first priest with the child whose father is the governor all over Mani. Or of three hundred villages and sixty counties. In order to tell you things about God and all Christianity; and we plead to your kingdom to write to the king: because now we can take Morea back; and condemn the big ruler. If you knew how to find six thousand lads that serve you outside Morea; where there is help from your kingdom, there is help from us the Maniots”. “I Kalapothos Foukas agree with the above”. Nicolas Diatros agree with the above written letter” “I, the priest Xrisospathis declare the above written” “I Kostatis o Niklo agree with the above written letter” “I, Tzilidinis Abelourgos agree with the above written” “I Thodoris Kontostavlos agree with the above written” “I Protopapas Mouriskos of Mani sign with my own hand”

The signatures were handwritten and out of the letter there is the note:

“honourable pope of Rome global king and bishop of Christianity”

“to Rome”

The ship with the guns from Smyrna

The driving force for the launch of the Revolution was the distribution of arms to those who would take part in the revolt. For this reason, the Friends’ Society arranged both the supply and transfer of arms by ship to Kardamyli (Skardamoula). Coordinator of this action in communication with the Friends of Smyrna was the Friend Archimadrite Grigoris Dikaios (Papaflessas). Actually, the ship arrived in Kardamyli on 17th March and immediately, they informed at the Mardaki monastery (in Nedousa, Alagonia) Anagnostaras and Nikitaras to receive part of the arms and to distribute them according to the orders of the Friends’ Society. The load would be transferred by 200 armed men with 250 animals  which would carry the military material. The ship was guarded by Maniots headed by Ioannis Katsis Mavromihalis, the brother of Petrobey, who was contacted by the chieftains for the transfer of the arms on the animals. He asked, though, for a written order by his brother who was in the neighbouring Kitries, so the chieftains asked him to write on a simple piece of paper to the guards of the arms to give him a small quantity of powder and lead in order to fill their gun cases. However, due to the illiteracy of the guards they were given the right to take as much weaponry as they and their animals could carry through Jiannitsa (Elaioxorio) to Mardaki Monastery, inside Taygetus where it was considered to be a safe place. Nevertheless, there was still left on the ship the fourfold quantity from the one loaded for Mardaki for the equipment of the Maniots.

Restlessness at the Ottoman officials of Kalamata

This is what happened in the night of 18th March and at dawn and the transporters hadn’t crossed yet the area close to Kalamata so as to become visible. The Ottoman chief of Kalamata, who saw the large number of animals and realized the escort of armed men, wanted to know what was happening. The information given to him by the people under his service was that the animals carried oil whereas the armed men who accompanied them had taken measures for any possible attack from robbers. He wasn’t reassured by the explanations, so he prepared his departure from Kalamata with only a few guards and those who had the public authority in the area. Forerunner of this departure an Ottoman called Murat, tried to leave independently with his family. After he disobeyed Nikitaras’ order, who with 200 armed men guarded the road to Tripoli via Thouria, to stop, he died on the field. When the chief found out about it locked himself on 21st March in his fortress along with his guard.

Accepting the proposition of the Friends’ Society expressed by Papaflessas for the launch of the revolution on 25th March, Panagiotis Mourtzinos and Theodoros Kolokotronis who was hosted by him in Kardamyli, Anagnostaras, Papaflessas, Panagiotis Kefalas, Petrobey Mavromihalis’ sons with his brother Ioannis (Katsis) and 2000 armed men all arrived in Kalamata on 22nd March. The night of the 22nd and 23rd March, 5000 Maniots headed by Panagouleas, Galanis and Athanasoulis from Koumoundourakis family, Dimitrios Kalamas, Adreas Koumoundourakis, Antonios Michael Troupakis, Dimitrios Konstantineas, Stavrianos and Jeorgios Kapetanakis, Christeas, Kyvelos, Kitriniarides, Dimitrios Poulikakos, Lazaros Tsolakis, Theodors Mesiklis, Sasarianoi, Dimitrios Karakitsos, Theodoros Krenidis and Panagiotis Xanthos Giatrakos, all came to Kalamata. Also many others from Messini, Androusiani and Garantzei with Mitropetrova, Oikonomopoulos and Emmanouil Dariotis, Pisinochorites and Sampaziotes from Leontari.

The first contact of the Ottomans with the chieftains

When the chief found out about the entrance of the chieftains with their troops in the city, he ordered Bouloukbasi (political commander) whose name was Kokkinis to go to the camps of the chieftains and to ask for explanation for the collection of troops. They offered him just a simple chair and gave him the speech. He said: “Agha sends his greetings and wants to know what is this you are doing. With these actions you will miss the generosity of the Sultan and there won’t be a good outcome”. Nikitaras who was sitting close to him prepared his gun, but Theodoros Kolokotronis rushed and said to the Ottoman officer, “Bouloukbasi come close to me so as to listen what you’re saying”. After he sat close to him, Petrobeys Mavromihalis took the speech and said: “ We listened to what you said on behalf of your agha. What you see is not klepht work, but the real things; and they are not just ours but also of God and the kings. Because the Greeks have suffered till now from your tyrannies and tortures. We are not like you, though, tyrants and persecutors of humanity and we will not touch you. But you can stay at your houses and your business undisturbed and give two coins for each family per year and no cold wind will hit you.” Anagnostaras went on: “Go to your agha and tell him what we told you and within three hours we want you to surrender your arms, because if you disobey we will take your heads off with the swords and then it will be your fault.”

The surrender of the guns and the town

After realizing that any resistance would be hopeless, the Ottomans notified the Greeks that they surrender in their honour, faith and bravery. The acquisition and recording of the guns and the rest of the mobile things was done by an eight-member group of chieftains, whereas the Ottomans of Kalamata were divided in 4 buildings wherefrom, after a few days they were transferred to Mani and towns of Messinia. The guns were distributed to those who were unarmed, whereas the supplies were sealed up in the warehouses to be used for the troops.

After the surrender of the Ottomans as well as the chief of the city and the area Suleiman Agha Arnaoutoglou, the next day the chieftains called the clergy of the area, which consisted of 24 priests and monks to say the doxology. The doxology and pray for the launch of the struggle for the faith and the country were chanted with tears of joy and satisfaction by 6000 soldiers, civilians and also women and children who were gathered at the river bed of the city.

The declaration of the Independence of United States of America, which was until then the colony of the English Crown, preceded the Greek Revolution of 1821, for about four decades. The new state of America, during its organizational process, borrowed a lot of features from Ancient Greek Republic and was fond of Greek civilization and also of the enslaved to the Ottoman Empire Greeks. They were so sympathetic that at the American Congress, they put the issue of establishing the Greek language as the official language of the state. The proposition was not adopted for just a few votes. Anyway, there was in United States of America a small but dynamic Community of colonists of Greek origin that used to state the Greek rights to the present government of USA.

It is obvious, then, that, under these circumstances, the Greek revolutionaries even from their first steps to freedom, they would think to ask for the help of the young American democracy. So, there is the text of the Messinian Senate signed by the Commander in Chief Petros Mavromihalis, Petrobeys. It was written almost at the same time of the “Plea to the European Courts” which is more known. Therefore, we bring it back to publicity in order to inform our readers about this important document. The plea was followed by an important wave of friends of Greece, both in financially and fighting which has been analytically recorded by the historians of the Revolution in 1821.

THE PROCLAMATION BY P. MAVROMIHALIS TO THE AMERICANS

By Petroby Mavromihalis, under the status of the commander in chief and President of  “Messinian Senate in Kalamata” it was sent to Adamantios Korais in Paris the below proclamation to the Americans. Korais rushed into translating it and sending a translated copy  and the original to the famous American and friend of Greece Ed. Everett, professor of the ancient Greek literature at Harvard University, journalist and senator and governor of Massachusetts State. Everett published the letter translated in the American newspapers; the publication moved the enthusiasm of the American public opinion, which took part in the development of a wave of sympathies for the Greek struggle  in America. The Greek original text was published by the North American Review, October 1823 and from this publication we know the following.

Korais had delivered copies to the American Embassy in Paris to be forwarded to Washington but these were not found. The letter of Korais to Everett is dated  back to 27 June 1821, whereas the published text in the American newspapers of the proclamation in 25 May 1821. Already from this period, as soon as it was published by the American newspapers, doubts were expressed, concerning the originality, by some European newspapers, which implied that this was made up in Paris by Korais and his surrounding. Then, Korais rushed in publishing a certificate that the proclamation was really sent to him to him by Petrobeys in order to be forwarded to USA. Anyway, this text was not found in Greece and it is only known by the publication by Everett to whom it was sent by Korais. (see extensive reference on this subject at Ap. Daskalakis book Korais and the freedom of Greece, page. 470).

Proclamation to the Americans by the Messinian Senate of Kalamata and the commander in chief Petros Mavromihalis

Since we decided to live or die for freedom we turn to you because of sincere likeness; because freedom chose to live at your place, which is worshiped by you as it was worshipped by our fathers. For this reason, in her name, we turn to you having the belief that if we imitate you we will imitate our ancestors and be worthy to them if we become like you.

Your virtues, Americans, take us close to you, although we are separated by vast sea. We think of you of being closer than the neighbouring to us states and consider you to be our friends and brothers because you are righteous, benevolent and brave because you follow the gospel. Your freedom is not based on the slavery of other nations, nor your prosperity on foreign disasters and troubles; but on the contrary and, since you live happily, you wish all people to take part in these virtues and enjoy all the rights nature gave to everybody. You were the first to announce these rights and then again you were the first to respect them by giving rights to the poor Africans. According to your example, Europe stopped the inhuman and cruel procuring and is taught to be righteous and learns how to stop wrong and mortal habits. This glory, Americans, belongs only to you and puts you on top of all the known free nations to follow the law.

It’s your duty, men, to help us purify Greece from the barbarians who infected the nation for four hundred years. It would be worthy of you to pay the debt of the civilized people, to cast away tyranny from their country of arts and freedom. You don’t want to imitate the condemned indifference or long-lasting ungratefulness of some Europeans. No, the people of Gulielm Penn, Washington and Franklin doesn’t want to deny help to the ancestors of Fokionos, Thrasivoulos, Aratos, Filopoimenos. You have shown already to them honour and trust by sending your children to their schools. You know how they welcomed them with grace and good care. But if they did this being enslaved, imagine with how much friendship and ardour they want to treat you if with your help you break their chains? Hellas then, will give you profits which you would wait in vain from wild  and blind rulers. The bonds of brotherhood and gratefulness which will unit Greeks and Americans for ever. Our interests are such, so as to make stronger the alliance to each other based on freedom and virtue.

By the name of the Senate of Messinia in Kalamata

Petros Mavromihalis, commander in chief.

Location – History – Monuments: The Municipal Region of Doli includes the villages Ano Doli and Kato Doli, Kitries and Kalianeika. Taking the road of Kalamata – Mikri Mantinia – Avia – Kitries – Kalianeika brings you to Doli. The reddish, dry land impresses the traveller. There is lush vegetation in some places and little in others.

Also the small Byzantine churches, built between the 11th and 14th century are very impressive. Aghios Nikolaos is the oldest church in the area. Aghia Paraskevi church, which has a double dome, Prophetes Elias church, Aghia Triada church, the Monastery of Aghios Nikitas and Aghios Vasileios church  at the center of Kato Doli are magnificent examples of the Byzantine architecture.

The area of Doli has many Neolithic and Prehistoric findings. Particularly, at the cave which is situated at the North East of the mountain Aghios Georgios at the position KotoulasΣ Neolithic as well as Protohelladika (Pre-hellenic) fragments of pottery.

Kitries, the small fishing port used to be the basis of Mani Beides (local rulers).

Five out of the eight Beides had Kitries as their basis from time to time; it was here that the pre-Revolution meetings took place. On the 8th March 1821 there was an Assembly of the Mani leaders of warriors and local rulers (Prokriti) where the War Committee of the Revolution was elected. The Tower of  Sarava is predominant at Ano Doli.

Population – Occupation:  The Municipal Region of Doli numbers 375 residents (census of 1991).

The main occupation of the residents is agriculture (olive-picking), home cattle breeding and fishing.

Transport – Roads – Rural roads: Doli has one bus a day from and to Kalamata while Kalianeika has a bus once a week.

Kitries has five buses a day during winter but has more buses in summer due to tourism.

The main road goes through populated areas, has many turns and is narrow at many parts. The area has 80% rural roads and 50% of them are in satisfactory condition.

The port: The port of Kitries is small and certain works need to be done for the protection of the boats from storms during wintertime.

The Municipality hopes that the projects and studies for the protection and restoration of the port will be applied to solve one of the main problems of the area.

Sewage Biocleaning: Kitries have a beautiful beach that has to be kept clean. One of the prompt priorities of the Municipality of Avia is the processing of the sewage waste of seaside resorts.

Water supply: The lack of water during summer months is a serious problem. It can be solved with the joining of the water pipes with the water supply system of Kalamata.

Public places – Cemetaries: There is not enough parking space, particularly during summer months.

The Doli cemetery covers the needs of the village. Kitries cemetary, though, needs to be transferred to another place because it is situated at a densely populated, touristic area.

Olive-oil Cooperative: Doli Cooperative is one of the first Cooperatives in Greece. It numbers 180 farmers and its financial status is very good.

Education – Culture: There is a one-position Elementary school at Doli with 15 students.

There is a very active Cultural Association that tries to bring together its members. It organizes festivals and cares for the development of local enterprises.

A few days ago there was the official presentation of the Lykourgos CaveΣ at a Kalamata Hotel. The original decorations of its interior, with very beautiful white, pink and red stalagmites and stalactites make it one of the best in Greece.

We hope that its exploration will be over soon, so that its utilization will begin soon.

Antonis Roumaneas

Tzeria and Kalives, Xechori, Skardamoula / Prastion and Liasinova and the whole Saidona / Are situated at the apron of Far away Elias.                                                                                                                                                                                                               Nikitas Nifakis

Location – History – Monuments: The Municipal region of Exochori includes five villages; Chora, Kolymbetseika, Xechori, Pripitsa and Nikovo. It was called Androuvitsa until 1932. Since then it has been called Exochori, taking the name of the central village.

It is situated at a distance of eight kilometres from the main road Kardamyli – Areopolis at a height of 500 metres.

It was the shire town of the Diocese until 1833 when it became part of the Diocese and Kapetaneia of Kardamyli. Some of the Beides were Tzanis Koutifaris, Michael Troupakis, Panagiotis Bahlebas Troupakis, his son Michael Panagiotis who got the nickname Mourtzinos, Dionisios Troupakis Mourtzinos and Alexandros Kitriniaris.

It was also a shelter of Kleftes and Armatoli (fighters for the Revolution). It is here that Kapetan Zacharias gathers his troops and Theodoros Kolokotronis confers with the Kapetanei of Androuvitsa and Kardamyli as regards the organization of the Revolution of 1821.

The Religious feelings of the residents are expressed is evident through the many churches, more than a hundred. Some of them are in good condition, the rest have either been in ruins or have been completely destroyed by the decay or humans. Aghii Theodori Church was the Metropolitan Church. Aghios Nikolaos church is a stone church with interior marble built-in inscriptions and an ancient signed inscription on the Altar, which has been transferred to Benakeio Museum of Kalamata. It is of a great historical and archeological value.

Taxiarchis church, Aghia Sophia, Prophetes Elias church, Aghios Demetrios church, the church of Sotiros, the Assumption church are fine samples of Byzantine architecture and Art. The church of Sotiros belongs to the Mega Spileo Monastery. It is celebrated on 6th August. There is a manuscript of the Holy Testament, which is believed to be a manuscript of  Evangelist Lukas.

There are also many other notable preserved monuments of the 17th and 18th century. These are the Towers of Fasseas, Kitriniaris, Patriarcheas, Prokopeas, Zerveas and Kourtsounioti. These monuments consist a world treasure, cultural as well as natural inheritance. They need to be protected or else they will be lost forever within the next decades.

Population – Occupation: The Municipal region of Exochori numbers 394 residents (census 1991). Their basic occupation is agriculture (olive-picking) and home cattle breeding.

A few months ago a hotel was founded with the donation of Alexandra Tambourea. Its purpose is to be used as a tourist resort. The building works, though, proceed very slowly since the skeleton of the building has not finished. Such delay cannot be justified since the funds needed are available. We will be watching the proceedings of  the works and will deal with it again in a next issue, if necessary.

The Viros canyon, which starts from Taygetos and ends in Kardamyli, consists a rich in geomorphical elements  formation that create a magnificent scenery.

Transport – Roads – Rural roads: The transport to and from Kalamata takes place once a day by a long distance bus of KTEL Kalamata.

The road network is troublesome since no further improvement has taken place in recent years. The road has been destroyed in many places, while abrupt turns make driving dangerous. There are many holes on the ground that cause great trouble to drivers. There are not luminous little posts.

A few years ago a road joined Exochori with Kardamyli, by – passing Proastion. This road has almost been destroyed  because of the rainstorms.

The road Saidona – Exochori remains one of the promises of the Prefecture of Messinia. It is a sum due of 285.000.000 drs which cannot lapse. The rural roads need repairing, while new ones need to be cut.

Water supply: The area is irrigated by the  springs of Voidonitsa. The quantity of water produced, particularly during the summer months is considered insufficient. This is inexcusable, since there is the capacity of increasing the water supply from surface and underground sources.

Olive-oil cooperative: There is an olive-oil cooperative and an olive-oil mill. Its financial status is very good.

Culture – Sports: On the first fortnight of August many cultural events take place. Races, photo exhibitions, folklore and Byzantine icon exhibitions. The games of tavli (backgammon), Mora  and chess are part of the  fair events  of 15th August.

The historical – Folklore Museum has a permanent cultural presence in the area. The Cultural Association TaygetosΣ shows  remarkable work along with the Cultural Association of Exochori people living in Athens.

We are finishing our article reminding you of the 60.000.000 drs owed to Exochori people for the utilization of  Viros Canyon.

Antonis Roumaneas

LOCATION, HISTORY AND MONUMENTS

The settlement of Kitries belongs to the Municipal district of Doli, Municipality of Avia, and it is at a distance of about 15 km from Kalamata.

It is a coastal settlement with a fantastic beach  and lush vegetation. It was the seaport of Zarnata and base of the Beys of Mani. Five of the eight Beydes of Mani used Kitries at fixed intervals, as their base. Tzanetbeys Koutipharis, 1st Bey of Mani, 1776 – 1779 ( with his fortified palace placed at Skala of Kitries), Mihalbeys Troupakis, Panagiot-beys Koumountourakis, Antonbeys Grigorakis and Petrobeys Mav-romihalis. The church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni, recently restored, is connected to all the events and situations of the old times. The consecration took place there of the four irregular bishops of Mani from the Metropolite  of Zarnata, Gavriil Fragouli for the episcopacy : Anthimo for the episcopacy of Platsa, Ioannikia for the episcopacy of Milea and Kastania, Losif for the episcopacy of Mainis and Prokopio for the episcopacy of Andouvista. Kitries was the place of the pre-revolution discussions and decisions. The National Contract was signed there on March 8th, 1821, with Petrobei, who undertook the leadership of the combat as a result of the decisions of the assembled chieftains and elder Maniates.

POPULATION & OCCUPATIONS

There are about 110 residents in the settlement according to the last census of March 18th , 2001. Their main occupation is fishing because the sea in this area is rich in fish. Olive tree culture is the main seasonal occupation.

ROAD CONSTRUCTION: RU-RAL ROADS

The central road connecting the area to Kalamata passes through built-up areas and in several places it is dangerous because there are many bends and it is very narrow. In the next few weeks a part of the road will be improved with an appropriation of  73.000.000dr. from the European Community subvention programme. The anticipated works are road-widening , technical works and tarmac. There are few rural roads giving access to the farms ; the condition of these will be improved and new ones are anticipated.

THE PORT

The port is not big enough for all the boats. They are planning to enlarge and strengthen it  for the protection of the fishing boats so that they will have a safe refuge during the winter storms.

WATER SUPPLY

The region receives drinking water from the springs of Pidima. The Water Supply Association of Kalamata  and the other Municipalities is planning the construction of a bigger cistern and the renovation of the system in the near future. After this work is finished there will not be a deficiency of water, especially in the summer time.

PUBLIC PLACES – CEMETERY There are only a few puplic places. All the residents want the cemetery moved to a place well away from the houses.

Kitries is an under-developed region needing  good, integrated planning to confront its problems. The special characteristics of the region must be carefully retained, though.

We want to thank Mr Avrami Evangelo and Mr Giannea Ilia – Presidents of the Local Council of the Municipal Department of Avia and Doli – for the information  provided.

ANTONIS ROUMANEAS

We continue our itinerary to the ProsiliakiΣ Sunny Inner Mani and the Municipal District of Kotronas, Municipality of Eastern Mani. Today, Loukadika is well known for its  narrow central road, through the village, and its dangerous bends (this is the reason why big buses, lorries, tourists, etc. avoid Eastern Mani!), so  only a few people  can come to see its history .

Loukadika, built on the hill, dominates the villages of the region. It is a real traditional jewel of a village, well situated and with a marvellous view. This place, in olden days, was the citadel of the ancient Tathronis, the famous town of the Freelacons (Eleftherolakonon) and the continuity of  its history can be seen with the subsequent Byzantine castle-fortresses. One can make a tour of the abandoned ruins of the castle, steeped in lingering memories of its heroic past, now lying neglected by indifference; the ancient walls left from the Byzantine fortifications, the ruined fighting tower of Gola, the foundations and remains of the old buildings… surely these deserve not only our admiration, but also the will to preserve them for the future. They are important treasures of our country.

In Loukadika, as in the most of the villages  of Mani, you can easily find the large foundations of the commodious houses and buildings of previous generations. Nowadays, new houses are constructed on these bases and the traditional tower houses still adorn the village showing that the village has been continuously inhabited.

There are many churches in Loukadika. First of all, the church of Saint Georgios the Knight, built close by the castle, a bulwark against storms and always protecting the village. On the east side, Panagia Spilaiotisa, in ruins, is inside a natural cave. At the end of this cave there is a tunnel which ends at Tathroni. We must also mention the Panagia of the RougaΣ

(Virgin of the Alley), Agio Theodoro – where, in pre-Christian times, some villagers were first stoned and then walled-up! On the north side of the village there is a ruined dry-stone wall where the church ofAgios Nikon lies, disused and forgotten for years and years.  They say that in this place, Loukadiotes  met the missionary who was responsible for the conversion of Mani to Christianity, 1000 years ago, and this country church is dedicated to his memory.

Ending with the final monument of the village, we must mention the ΤtreeΣ of Ai – Lia, the evergreen oak tree, where they say, under its shadow the fighters of the Eastern Mani, Tathronis and Lagias, met before going against the dynasty.

Loudika is the origin of Kanavos, a famous fighter against the Turks, renowned for war exploits and bravery at sea. The first targets were the ships under the Turkish banner.

Loukadika are also known from the poem of Nikita Nifaki (1800)….

Loukadika and Kabalos, Himara and Skoutari,  all these, among the other villages, bright like the moon…

We  are not sure of  the etymology of the village name.  We meet the name in the chronicle of St. Magno in 1463, in a document of 1618 it is mentioned as a castle-settlement, and  in  about 1700, it is called as  Loukades villageΣ.

There are only a few residents in Loukadika today (about 30). Their main occupation is cattle breeding and olive tree culture. During the summer they have much more  work because many people who originate from here come back to their village. There is an active Association in Athens. This is the motherland of the well known philologist, historian and writer, Sarantos Kargakos.

The water supply of the village is from  a  bore-hole  at Kotronas, and there is a water shortage during the summer.

Loukadika has always waited for state and local authority interest to develop in its cultural heritage, especially in the preservation of its archaeological remains. It will be useful to have the by-pass road which will help a lot the residents in Eastern Mani and its visitors.  There must also be construction planning for the area, to keep the characteristics of the region, the stone construction of the traditional houses which make this village special.

(This special text  is based on information taken from the Calendar of the Association of Loukadioton, 1989 – text Dim. K. Manolakos)

G.P. Dimakogiannis

Haravgi, 17km from Kalamata, is a mountainous settlement, which belongs to the Municipal District of Sotirianika. It is one of the oldest villages of the Municipality of Avia. During its peak there were 350 inhabitants, but by the time of the 1991 census the number of residents who registered was just 63.

As there are no fertile plains in this area, the main occupations of the few inhabitants are  olive tree growing, cattle breeding and the construction business.

At a prominent place in the settlement there is the impressive fortress of the Kapetanakides family inside which is the Chapel of Prophet Ilias. Unfortunately,  the buildings are badly damaged, but  all the necessary proceedings have been made by the Archeological Service for its restoration. However, due to the prevailing bureaucracy, no start has been made on the restoration work. Through this newspaper,  the Cultural Association of Haravgi would like to appeal to everyone who has the means, to press for  action on this  project –  if only even to allow   the restoration of the roof, which is in danger of falling down (it is the Association which will cover the restoration costs!).

Opposite the fortress, there is another castle named Vardia (watch tower), which is fenced and which is not accessible to visitors.  Both of the fortresses were built at some  distance from the seaside  far below  and became  obse-rvation posts for invasions by pirates.  From them the residents would be alerted of any attack giving them time and to take  refuge amongst the precipitious mountain cliffs. Outside the castle, there is the grave of Kapetanakis.

The region is supplied with water from the springs of Kentro and Altomira. However, the  drain is still uncovered and it is dangerous. There is a serious problem with the transferring of the local  cemetery to another place far from the village. There is land, which belongs to the church which could be used for this purpose.

There is a road plan which reduces  the distance to Kalamata by about 2.5 km. The road begins at Haravgi and ends at Aloi-moneika. There is no transport, however, because the road is too narrow. There is another road scheme  for  Haravgi – Sotirianika – Kentro. The residents consider that this road is of  great importance as it will prevent the settlement from being so isolated and it will help the development of the mountainous area.  The work started in 1990  but since then   only 1500 m of road has been opened.

The rural roads are satisfactory. There is an important cobbled road that gives acess to Agios Nikolaos Church. Half  of it is in  good condition, but the  rest needs to be repaired. There is no signpost, so the village can only be discovered  by luck.

An important event is the village fete, organized by the Cultural Association of Haravgi, Agios Nikolaos, which takes place on the second Sunday of the Carnival. Many of participants come to the village from every part of Greece. In the olden days, the villagers wore disguises and used to make big fires. Now there is still a popular festival with folk dances and songs.  Whilst there are other village festivals, this is the main fete of the region.  It was held at the central place of the village until 1992. In 1993 the Association acquired a building with an area of 230 square metres so since then this has been the location  of the fete. The land for the building was donated by Mr. Ioannis Panagiotou Mitseas and the membersΥ subscriptions and other donations covered the construction and furnishing costs of the building.

The Association was established in 1992, and its activities increase year by year. The aim of the Association is to enhance the cultural level of the locality  and to strengthen ties between the members.

We would like to thank Mr. Stelios Mitseas, President of the Cultural Association Agios Niko-laos HaravgisΣ for the information he has given us.

Antonios Roumaneas

Location-History – Monu-ments:  Flomohory belongs to the Inner Mani,  municipal district of Kotronas, East  Mani. ItΥs one of the most beautiful and traditional villages of Mani.  Its long history and  legends are given by the high towers and the tower – houses which dominate the village. A characteristic, which concerns all the villages of the Inner Mani, is the presence of are more towers than churches. In the central place of  Flomoxori there is the grandiose church of Agias Triados (Trinity), (inau-gurated in 1933).

Apart the traditional towers of the families which dominated the region,  there are many ancient churches  in Flomohori, (as Agii Asomati, 13th century) -unique monuments of the Byzantine period. It have also been discovered ruins of a basilica dated from the old-Christian period.  Many of those churches and some other towers are completely abandoned to the decay of time, surrendered in desertion. The churches which take a special place in the village life until our days are: Panagia, close to the village s cemetery (fete on August 15th), Taxiarhis (November 8th), Agios Spyridon (December 12th), Agios Ioannis settlement of Vata ( January 7th), AnalipsiΣ (Ascension) settlement of Zouda, Agia Paraskevi, settlement of Halikia (July 26) etc. There are also two churches in Flomoxori both dedicated to Agios Georgios one up to the mountain Makrynaros (Dimakogiannis – Lekkakou Families)   and  the other is in the village (Georgakakou family).

POPULATION-OCCUPATION: There are about 250 residents in the village (including the small settlements of Zouda, Halikia and Vata ). During the summer   this number may be 1000!. Their main occupation is cattle-breeding and olive cultivation –   a few ones are fishermen. Near Flomohori there is a very beautiful beach with pebbles, to the settlement Xalkia. The access becomes by an asphalted road and the summer is full of people.

TRANSPORT – ROAD CONS-TRUCTION – RURLA ROADS: Flomoxori is connected with the village around with roads in a good condition, but there isnt  the double indicating line   and the  traffic lights is insufficient – to many abrupt turns there arent protective  bars. For the transport, there are buses twice a day to Areopoli   (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). There  are many rural roads which  contribute to the development of olive tree cultivation, but it has to be always subsistence.

WATER SUPPLY:  Flomoxori receive drinkable water from an older drilling  (which have been done near the village) – for the other needs there is a water supply   net work,  from a drilling in the nearest area called Kotrona.   Mainly in August there are many serious problems of watering (because of the increase of the consumption, etc.)- for this reason, they all have well conserved their water-tank.

CULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT:  Though Flomohori had all the preconditions, finally it did not become the seat of the new municipal district. However, there is a very active association (resided in Aigaleo – Athens) – and after a continuous effort, they succeeded to associate all the people who come from this village and they have offered an important work to the village.  Many small and big work we mentioned above has been done thanks to this association! The Cultural Centre of thw village will be finished in a short time. It is  a big two storied, stony building – which will be an ornament for the village. There also a cultural centre which belongs to the church. The association orga-nizes annually a   ball in Athens and a traditional feast on 15 August assembling many people from the area.

The association organizing every year a dance in Athens and a traditional feast in the village on August 15  and thousands of people who are friends from all the area are coming together.

There is also an infant school and a 3 teachers school in Flomohori.

The area is developing quickly, but it is very important that the new houses and the restorations of the old buildings, to be by the traditional way, with stone, and   not spoilt the most beautiful traditional village of Mani.

G.P.DIMAKOGIANNIS

The Municipal Depar-tment of Kryoneri, Municipality of Oitylo, consists from the settlements Kato Karea (Balavista) and Kryo-neri since 1996 untill 1998 when it was jointed to the com-munities of Oitylo, Germa, Karea and Neo Oitylo. So we have the (small) Municipality of Oitylo which jointed the (big) Municipality of Oitylo.

Kryoneri is built at the foot of a hill, surrounded by plane trees and springs with fresh water. There are 200 inhabitants in the department and the main occupation is the culture of olive tree as well as the domestic cattle breeding.

It is only 4 kilometers far from Oitylo and it belongs to the Aposkieri Mani (shady Mani), in the central strategic area with the old and important centres of Oitylo and of Kelefas, facing the Mylolagados  seaside. This bright green dale traverse the inland area with the picturesque villages Karea, Kryo-neri, Germa and the Convent of Tsigos, ends at the safe bay of Oitylo, the main and important port of the peninsula through the centuries.

The small fields and the houses made of stone are raised around the church of Prophet Ilias and the church of Virgin Mary composing the village centre. The authenticity of the landscape, combined with the historical tradition of the area reveal one more precious view of the dominion of Mani.

The most important problem is the watering of the village especially during the summer. Recently, a drilling has been done near the bridge. As it was unfit to drink they did not continue to develop it. Another drilling realized by Mr. Tsapatsari Kon., ex Secretary of the Community, proved that there are sufficient quantities of water, and after the chemical analysis they can make use of it.

The rural road con-struction is good enou-gh, and after certain improvements of main-taining, it will be safer. The road that leads to Georgokaraka needs to be covered with a new asphalt covering, because the damages at the edge of the road make it very dange-rous. There is a transport service to Gythion twice a day (in the morning and in the midday) by the buses of the Prefecture of Lakonia, during the school year. The rest of the year it is related to Gythion only once a day. As it belongs to the mountain region there must be done a strong, joint and continuous effort to achieve the resolution of the problems and so to keep a part of the young people of the region in place.

Antonis Roumaneas