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Post by nico479 on Jul 17, 2009 14:32:58 GMT 10
Does anyone know the history behind this? When was the monument built?
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Post by Administrator on Jul 21, 2009 14:09:19 GMT 10
This monument was dedicated to those who served in the island's defence and was erected after the Second World War. It features in the commemoration of the island's liberation on 13 September each year and in other important civic occasions.
The monument stands in what is left of the main square of the town. This was known as the Mesi tou Yialou, literally the 'middle of the harbour' given its position at the mid-point of the Kavos promontory. This was the bustling commercial centre of the town where most deals were done, lined as it was with cafes where merchants, shipowners, sailors and tradesmen passed their time in the quieter winter months. Some of the establishments here belonged to the Hatzikomninou, Mazemas, Sergis (Yiannifou), Hetrelezis, Samatatzis and Kondylios families.
The square was almost entirely obliterated by the bombing of 1943 and the fire of 1944. All that remains today are some of the large paving stones that adorned the square. These can still be seen around the monument.
Nicholas
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Post by nico479 on Oct 6, 2009 23:26:03 GMT 10
are there any photos of the "mesi tou yalou" before its destruction. Can it be clearly seen on the famous historical photos as per the forum background?
Also I have been told there were stairs that led from the yalo up to the horafia - is this correct?
I would love to see photos of the yalo before its destruction
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Post by Administrator on Aug 4, 2010 8:20:54 GMT 10
Here is a crop of a larger image that shows the square at the turn of the twentieth century: The two waterfront buildings on the left are, respectively, the cafes of Yiannifou (Sergis) and Hatzikomninou (Hatzikomianou). Opposite them sits the cafe of Mazemas which doubled as a billiards room during the Italian years. Around the square, and in the laneways leading from the square, were numerous other cafes and commercial establishments. Nicholas
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Post by nico479 on Aug 25, 2010 1:30:34 GMT 10
Thanks what year was this taken? Did the nifis steps pass through here originally? Any other photos of the yalo after the bombings? Thanks again Nick
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