Georgios Kakaris is a resident of Chios, a lover of hiking and the countryside. He is interested in recording paths and highlighting the culture of the countryside, while on the website https://chioshiking.gr/en/ he records local stories from the villages and especially the mountains of Chios.
Chios is famous for its mastic production, as well as its medieval villages and Byzantine architecture. Can you share how hikers can experience and learn about these cultural aspects while exploring the island's trails?
Hiking, in conjunction with walking in natural surroundings, offers opportunities to familiarize oneself with both the tangible and intangible aspects of the culture in a given area. However, cultural elements extend beyond the monuments situated on or near trails and the outdoor activities often encountered by hikers. The first cultural element that hikers come into contact with is the landscape of an area, as a result of the timeless interaction between humans and the environment. To illustrate, the landscape in southern Chios, characterized by numerous terraced fields and traditional settlements, serves as a cultural landscape, bearing distinct evidence of extensive mastic cultivation and the spatial arrangement instituted by the Genoese.
Therefore, a hiker exploring Chios may traverse landscapes abundant with mastic, savoring its fragrance, and, if fortunate, observe agricultural activities such as white powder spreading, mastic trees cutting, or mastic harvesting. During a hike, one may enjoy panoramic views of stone-built medieval villages and coastal watchtowers, climb to strategic heights hosting forts, and explore Byzantine churches. Notably, the UNESCO monument of Nea Moni unveils an extensive network of old pathways facilitating historical monastery communication with surrounding chapels and villages. Additionally, within the central and northern regions of the island, embracing its highest peaks, enthralling hiking trails emerge, defined by mountainous culture and reflective of Chios' pastoral heritage.
Are there any particular hiking routes that are associated with local legends, folklore, or historical events?
In Chios, a multitude of paths intertwines with myths, legends, local traditions, and historical events spanning various time periods. For example, trails crisscrossing Mount Pelineo, Chios' highest peak, are connected to the geo-myth of the ambivalent battle between Orion and the goddess Artemis, resulting in the mountain splitting and forming two peaks. Paths in the central and northern mountains of Chios are associated with the legendary presence of the poet Homer and Drimakos, the leader of the ancient Chian slave revolt—the first social rebel in human history. Additionally, in Aepos, the myth of the brave old woman who reshaped the land to create cropland in the impressive Astiphidolakos is told, allowing hikers to wander among numerous cone-shaped stone heaps known as the 'old woman's heaps. These paths are also linked to the era of barbaric pirate raids, including infamous stories such as that of Ligeri, the most beautiful girl in Anavatos kidnapped and beheaded by pirates, and the shepherd Kostis, who cunningly deceived and ultimately killed the exhausted invaders that climbed to his fold high on Amades’ mountain. Hikers can also walk alongside the majestic, age-old oak trees (Quercus coccifera L.) in Flori, traditionally believed to be under the protection of Saint George. Moreover, they can traverse the 'Krikeli Path,' better known as the 'Aepos Sacrifice Path,' which relates to the battles for the liberation of Chios from Turkish occupation in 1912.
Hiking can be an excellent way to connect with the local community. Are there events or festivals related to hiking or cultural heritage that you would recommend for visitors looking to immerse themselves in Chios's traditions and customs?
Chios is an island steeped in vibrant history, a rich culture, and scattered villages that maintain their authentic charm while honoring age-old traditions. Every year, especially during the summers when the island welcomes a majority of its visitors, numerous cultural events unfold both in the city of Chios and across its villages. Notably, events like the 'Mastic Festival,' celebrated annually in a different village in southern Chios, and the 'Mountain and Livestock Festival,' hosted in Pitios, situated in the island's northern region, stand out as particularly interesting, offering a deep connection to the character and culture of the countryside.
However, the fact that most festive events take place during the summer period, when high temperatures are observed, does not favor the organization of hikes alongside these events. Nevertheless, with the extension of the tourist season and the growing influx of hikers, nature enthusiasts, and geotourists, sooner or later, more opportunities for participation in organized hikes and events related to local culture and tradition will be created in Chios.
Hikers consistently express interest in traditional agricultural activities, prompting the possibility of organizing activities that seamlessly blend hiking with tasks such as mastic cultivation, grape harvesting, shepherding, or sheep shearing. Not necessarily participation in the tasks, but at least observation. There could also be hikes following the trail of a mobile shepherd, culminating at the fig distillations for producing souma, Chios' traditional drink, or at the chapels hosting the lively gatherings of shepherds in Aepos. Moreover, envisioning a grand, annual hike in the footsteps of Homer, as per the tradition that traces his steps from Daskalopetra to Pitios. Moreover, a large, annual hike could be organized in the footsteps of Homer, according to the tradition that has him walking from Daskalopetra to Pitios.
Last but not least, hikers are food enthusiasts and frequently express that "a rewarding hike concludes at a taverna". Exceptional cuisine, particularly traditional dishes, stands out as perhaps the most delightful means through which hikers engage with the local culinary heritage.
Chios is also known for its diverse landscapes, from mountains to coastal areas. Aepos Plateau is a unique landscape with a rich cultural heritage, such as dry stone walls. Can you give us some information regarding the current state of Epos and the threats for its preservation?
The area known as the "Aepos Plateau" is not actually a plateau, but a karstic mountain massif characterized by hollows and elevations covered predominantly with phrygana vegetation. This region holds a wealth of history, myths, and legends, featuring an extensive collection of ancient dry-stone structures crafted for the purpose of land organization and utilization. The continuous human presence in Aepos, spanning from ancient times to the present, has left enduring marks on this rocky and marginally productive terrain. The landscape is adorned with numerous stone wells, huts, enclosures, terraced fields, threshing floors, walls, and, notably, enigmatic large stone heaps. Personally, I believe that the Astifidolakos area, where the most impressive constructions are located, deserves recognition by UNESCO as a world heritage site of humanity.
Thankfully, nearly the entire mountainous massif of Aepos is safeguarded, either under archaeological legislation as an archaeological site or through environmental regulations as part of the Natura 2000 areas in northern Chios. Regrettably, despite its wealth in natural and cultural treasures, Aepos stands as an unfamiliar and somewhat undervalued locale in the eyes of the local community. Consequently, proposals for zoning in the region, including plans for detention centers, quarry zones, and extensive energy production units, are frequently submitted.
In recent years, there have been some encouraging efforts to highlight the area, and I feel that Aepos is now at a turning point. It can either be disregarded as a space for everything undesirable, or its unique landscape and rich natural and cultural heritage could be emphasized. Chios has recently started exploring the possibility of being recognized as a UNESCO geopark. The effort is in its initial stages, but if successful, Aepos could become a visitable space for both locals and Chios visitors. It could serve as an open park hosting geotourism, agrotourism, nature enthusiasts, and educational activities, including archaeological and historically themed tours.
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