The Later Years
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 The Turkish occupation of the island lasted nearly 350 years (1566-1912), during when Chians were allowed many privileges, both religious and political. In antithesis to the rest of Greece, Chios prospered. The economy flourished, as well as arts and letters, and travelers spoke of the high quality of life there. In 1792, Chios founded the famous School of Chios with its library and printing press. However , prosperity ended in 1822 when the Chians rebelled against the Turks, resulting in the slaughter of thousands, and the ravaging of the island. Most of those who survived left Chios and established many settlements throughout Greece and other foreign countries. In spite of the impressive and courageous act of Constantine Kanaris who blew up the Turkish flagship after the massacre, and the campaign of the Frenchman Fabvier in 1827, Chios continued to remain under the Ottoman yoke, as it set about to salvage and rebuild its economy. But once again the economic and cultural tradition of the island was interrupted by the catastrophic earthquake in March, 1881, which destroyed all that had been built up after the massacre. |
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.jpg) Chios was finally liberated and reunited with Greece on November 11, 1912, during the Balkan Wars. Its economic development now depended on its navy. Houses were built, mostly in the neo-classic style, but in later years, following the fashion of the times, mute concrete buildings changed the architectural features of the island. Chios faced occupation again on May 4, 1941 when it was taken over by the Germans in World War EE. The German occupation ended Sept. 10, 1944. Today, Chios is one of the most interesting and cultured islands of Greece with its wealth of physical beauties, its numerous monuments, its warm-hearted villagers, and the traditional nature and nobility of its residents. | |
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