Symi

Symi or Simi (Greek: Σύμη) is an island that belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands.  Its population is now 2,500 inhabitants down from 25,000 at the end of the 19th century.     

The history of the island begins in the ancient times. According to Greek mythology Syme was a water nymph that fell in love with Poseidon. Eros gave them pathos and the two had a son.  Syme’s son name was Chthonios and it was he who named the island after his mother when he became its king. In historic times the island is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad as its king Nireus send three boats and he and his men fought on the Greek side in the Trojan War.  

Archaeological evidence indicates Symi was continuously inhabited, and was part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires until its conquest by the Knights of Rhodes in 1373. The conquest of Symi fueled the Knights' interest in Byzantine war technology such as the Greek fire, and ship construction.  It was such knowledge that launched a period of several centuries of prosperity for the island.  In 1522, Symi was conquered by the Ottomans who allowed it to retain many of its privileges. Symi along with the rest of the Dodecanese changed hands several times until 1948 when it became part of Greece.    

Symi attained the height of its prosperity in the mid 19th century, primarily from shipbuilding and maritime commerce.  The similarities between the boats in antiquity such as that used by Greek Queen Kleopatra, the last of the Pharaohs, and those of yesteryear are amazing.  The name of modern wooden skiffs is sandala from the Greek word for sandals. 

The colorful neoclassical mansions covering the slopes near the main city date from late 1800s and early 1900s resulting from the prosperity the sea trade created.  Symi’s narrow streets, steps and houses are painted in vivid colors inspired from the sea and the sky and are reminiscent of the art deco style seen in Florida. 

Simi was also known for sponge fishing a trade that has moved to Florida when many of its inhabitants immigrated to Tarpon Springs after WWII.  Those hardy individuals who brought their knowledge, their stamina and desire to make an honest living also brought information on how to built traditional wooden boats called trachantiras or trochantiras in Byzantine Greek meaning curved bow or trechantiria in modern Greek that means a fast moving boat.

The island has become a haven for tourists, many of whom are now permanent residents.  Expatriates enjoy the good weather; lay back life style as well as mingling with the locals in many of the island’s festivities.