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Lipsoi
or LEIPSI
Leipsi or Leipso or
Leipsai followed the course of history of the other Dodecanese Islands.
It was inhabited by Kares in the 14th century B.C., followed by the Dorians
in 1200 B.C. and later, by Ions who probably came from Militos in Asia
Minor, a colony of Attica. Pots and potsherds were found from the Mycenean
(1600-1100 B.C.) and the Geometric periods (1100-800 B.C.). The marble
Ionian capital which was found in the area of Saint John and dates from
the 4th century B.C., the oil lamps of the first Hellenistic period (3rd
century B.C.) and the tombs and marble inscribed columns confirm the continuously
developing habitation, whose center was the fortified tower of the Castle,
which dominates the whole area. Archaeological finds are built into
the wall of churches and homes. Remains of houses exist even from pre-Christian
times. The foundations of a big temple have been found at the Church of
the Virgin Mary of Kousselio. It seems that an ancient temple lay on the
same spot. We do not have any historical data until 730 A.D., when the
islands of Lipsi, which were by then part of the Byzantine Empire, acquired
strategic importance. But the islands were devastated by the conflicts
between the Byzantines and the Arabs, especially the invasions of the latter.
In the 11th century (1088), this island, together with the island of Patmos,
was transferred to Ossios Christodoulos by the Golden Bull of Alexios Komninos
the First. The island remained in the possession of the Monastery of Patmos
for 556 years, during which time it exploited its land for farming and
grazing. During this period, many monasteries and hermitages were founded,
such as the Kimissi at Romani in the West (1500), Kato Panagia, in the
West (Church of the Annunciation, 1770), Panagia of Haros (1600).
In 1522, the island yielded to the Turks who limited themselves to
collecting taxes, making predatory raids, grabbing animals and killing
monks but avoided inhabitation. The populated area one can see today was
founded in 1669 by a person from Crete named Lios (Elias) when Crete passed
from the Venetian to Turkish Occupation. During this period, many
people abandoned the island and were spread throughout the Dodecanese
and other islands. Lios used a cave above the Lendou area for his first
home and later on, built his house, the first one on the hill, where the
post office is today. During the Greek Revolution of 1821, Lipsi played
an important part in the War of Independence offering shelter to the rebels
and helping them prepare for war. They also helped Theophilos Pankostas
from the island of Patmos, Patriarch of Alexandria and many captains from
the islands of Hydra, Spetses and Psara. Two letters of great historical
significance have been found: they were written by Andreas Miaoulis in
Leipsi on August 21st and 23rd, 1824, full of enthusiasm and rage against
the enemy, thus motivating and encouraging the Admiral of Psara who was
in Patmos with his fleet. Miaoulis left Leipsi and many Greeks left other
locations united against the Turks for the big naval battle of Gerontas,
on the coast of Asia Minor, where the Turkish and Egyptian Fleets were
forced to retreat on August 29, 1824.
For a few years, Leipsi managed to maintain its independence, but the
Settlement of Constantinople, in July 9, 1932, left the Dodecanese as well
as many other regions, outside the boundaries of Greece. The Turkish presence
became more noticeable when a six-man guard belonging to the Administration
of Leros island, came to the island. The islanders however, continued to
vote for their own elders because the Turks did not know the language.
Voting was held in the open. Voters used to gather in the main square,
the candidates stood in the corners and lifted their walking canes. This
was a signal for the voters to go to the candidate of their choice.
During the First Balkan War, in 1912, Italian troops liberated
the Dodecanese Islands. But the islanders soon discovered that the new
conquerors expected greater obedience than before. Starting with the schools,
the Italians imposed their own language and religion. In March, 1948, the
island was united with Greece after the defeat of Italy in the Second World
War. After the ravage of Asia Minor, in 1922, and the uprooting of the
Greek population, many refugees settled in Leipsi.
The only populated region of Leipsi is situated on the hill where Lios
from Crete built his first home. It extends towards the safe harbour.
At the top, next to the square where lies the Museum and the Town Hall,
one can see the magnificent white Church of Saint John Theologos, with
its blue dome and two bell-towers. The houses are painted white with a
blue outline around the doors and windows. This habit dates from the Italian
occupation, when the islanders used to paint their homes with the colours
of the Greek flag. The school is another nice building, built by the hard
work of the islanders and their immigrant children. The people live off
of fishing, cattle-breeding and agriculture. The region is well known for
its wine. In the past, the production reached 300 tons and during the Italian
occupation, it was sent to the Vatican for Holy Communion. Today, the Municipality,
in collaboration with the Athens School of Agronomy, is trying to replant
the area with plants more resistant to dry climates. In the summer, many
people visit Leipsi for its clean beaches, fresh fish, calm landscape and
hospitality
Reasearcher / Editor : Stefanos
Stefanidis. Last Update 28/March/1996.
HTML developer Thomas J. Pagonis.
Copyright: " Poseidon, Hellas and the
Sea"