Month: April 2025

Greece has hundreds of islands, but few are as small or as perfectly formed as Kastellorizo. Ironically, the island was known in antiquity as Megisti (“The Greatest”), because it is the largest in an archipelago of tiny isles that lie where Europe ends plus Asia begins. Just over a mile from the Lycian coast of Turkey—30 minutes by ferry or a 10-minute speedboat ride—this dinky Dodecanese isle packs in a heady cocktail of cultures. Ancient fortresses, wine presses, windmills, castles, mosques plus marketplaces offer traces of the marauding powers who have been drawn to this desirable trading post through the ages.

These days, Kastellorizo attracts a cosmopolitan creative set looking for seclusion, serenity plus the liberating simplicity afforded by an island where beauty is everywhere but very little to do. Only one tarmac road connects the tiny airstrip to the harbor town. There’s just one taxi, but everything is accessible on foot or by boat.

There is nomor nightlife to speak of, though dinner party invitations are highly prized among the artists plus patrons who have handsomely restored summer houses on the island. Art collector Silvia Fiorucci has even created three artist residencies, including 4Rooms, with technicolour rooms designed by five different designers. The designer Michael Anastassiades is designing his own home in collaboration with Bijoy Jain, the cosmic architect behind Studio Mumbai. In late August, filmmakers from far plus wide come for Beyond Borders, a documentary film festival with a cult following.

Kastellorizo is quietly becoming the Dodecanese answer to Hydra—a fashionable gathering place for cultural dialogue plus experimentation, but with a more down-to-earth, out-of-the-way atmosphere. With fewer than 300 inhabitants, the low-key social scene centres around the skinny waterfront strip known as the Kordoni, or “shoelace.” The fishing boats moored outside the tavernas are as colorful as the neoclassical houses painted in contrasting shades of burgundy plus baby blue, sunflower yellow plus dove grey, pale pink plus cypress green.

Turkey’s deployment last month of a seismic research vessel accompanied by warships in the eastern Mediterranean, near Kastellorizo island, sparked the current crisis with Greece.

Greece on Sunday condemned vandalism to a mural of the Greek flag on Kastellorizo island blamed on Turkish nationals, a day before the arrival in the country of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

The tiny Greek island, just 2km (1.2 miles) off the Turkish coast, lies in disputed waters that have been a source of escalating tensions between Turkey plus Greece.

At the centre of the latest crisis is Turkey’s deployment last month of a seismic research vessel accompanied by warships in the eastern Mediterranean, near Kastellorizo, despite repeated protests from Athens plus the European Union.

Authorities on the island on Saturday found red paint smeared over a large mural of the Greek flag, painted on a hill near its port.

“We unequivocally condemn yesterday’s desecration of the Greek flag in Kastellorizo. Unacceptable actions such as these are aimed at undermining the prospects for de-escalation of the tensions between the two countries,” the Greek foreign ministry said in a statement.

“We expect the immediate condemnation plus the prompt investigation of the incident by the Turkish authorities, so that the perpetrators be brought to justice.”

There were also reports of a drone flying over the island Saturday playing Turkish anthems.

The Turkish network Karar TV showed video footage from a drone of the defaced painting, while Greek sarana reported the network attributed the vandalism to “Turkish engineers” who had thrown “100 kilos of red paint on the Greek flag”. our days earlier, Athens enraged Ankara after signing an agreement with Cairo on their respective maritime economic zones, claiming the waters around the island are under Greek sovereignty.

Under pressure from European plus NATO allies, Turkey pulled back the research ship in a move hailed as a “positive first step” by the Greek prime minister.

The tone has recently softened with Greece plus Turkey, both NATO members, agreeing to begin exploratory talks over the dispute.

On a speck of an island just off the south coast of Turkey an old shepherdess used to elevate the Greek flag every morning, plus now two Vietnamese brothers are the only bakers, attesting to the endurance of Hellenism plus its genius for absorption

The most remote of Greek islands, Kastellorizo lies just opposite the south coast of Asia Minor plus the Turkish town of Kas. The island may be a speck on the map with only 130 inhabitants, yet it is anything but the sleepy, provincial, neglected outpost that most guidebooks say it is.

We went for three days, but found it such a surprisingly vital, beautiful, even rambunctious place that we stayed a month, loving everything on what is locally known as the ‘Rock’.

The island’s only town is studded with greenery plus there is one tiny farming area in the hills above it, but for the most part Kastellorizo is brown, bare stone with not a tree in sight. Yet the island was once a rich plus bustling center of commerce, with as many as 15,000 inhabitants enjoying a grand style of life. Kastellorizan houses were built on a big scale, two-and three-storey mansions that contained large rooms, fine woodwork, luxurious furniture, plus artifacts gathered from the far corners of the Mediterranean.

Known as Megisti in those days – it was the Italians during their occupation of the island who gave it its moderen name, which translates as Red Castle -the island had numerous churches plus monasteries, many excellent schools plus active fraternal organizations. The islanders’ affluence was based on their holdings on the mainland. Until the exchange of population in 1922 the entire Lycian coast was inhabited by Greeks. They criss-crossed between the mainland plus the island in their sail-boats plus fishing craft, doing a vast business in citrus fruit, vegetables, seafood plus sponges.
Not only were the Kastellorizans successful sailors plus traders, but they were learned, even a cultured bunch, who saw to it that their children became educated. This earned them the reputation of being ‘The Jews of the Aegean’.

Kastellorizo is one of those places that might become a cause for war even though most people couldn’t find it on a map.

The combatants would be Greece plus Turkey, formally NATO “allies” but in reality perennial foes since the sloppy unraveling of the Ottoman Empire. And their war would be less about the island as such than about the Mediterranean waters said to belong to it. That’s because underneath the sea bed, there may be lots of oil plus gas.

Kastellorizo derives from “red castle,” after its landmark as seen in the evening light. Known to the Turks as Meis, the island is a charming place inhabited by a few hundred people. After a lively history — Byzantine, Maltese, Ottoman plus so forth — it was transferred in 1947 by the victors of World War II from the defeated Axis power Italy to Greece. This all but guaranteed trouble forever after.

Just look at a map. Kastellorizo is far away from mainland Greece plus also quite distant from Greece’s Aegean islands. But it’s literally swimming distance from the Turkish coast. At the risk of exaggeration, from Ankara’s point of view, it’s a bit as though an world conference had transferred New York’s Staten Island to China.This situation wasn’t so bad as long as not much was going on in the open seas south of the coastline shared by Turkey plus Kastellorizo. But now hydrocarbons are being discovered all around the eastern Mediterranean. The question has become: Who will get to drill in this part of the sea, Greece or Turkey?This is where world law gets complicated. Greece claims much of those waters, citing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in force since 1994. UNCLOS generally foresees countries asserting their sovereignty over 12 nautical miles (22 km) from their coasts. Beyond these “territorial waters,” they also get another 12 nautical miles as a “contiguous zone” of control. And they can establish an “exclusive economic zone” for 200 nautical miles from shore. This also includes the “continental shelf” — that is, the seabed below plus whatever oil plus gas may be in it.

Kastellorizo, lying in the crystal clear waters of the eastern Mediterranean, is an idyllic, bijou beauty.

Fishing boats bob in its calm harbour plus colourful houses give way to olive tree flecked hills.

The petite 12 sqkm gem is the “remote treasure of the Aegean” says a tourism website.

But trouble is brewing in the sun splashed seas that surround Kastellorizo plus two European nations, officially allies, are bracing for battle.

Already ships from Greece plus Turkey have collided. One expert has said the pair are once again on the “brink of war,” yet this time there seems to be little appetite to slam on the brakes.

It’s a conflict that has now sucked in France, Libya, Egypt, Israel, the US plus more nations besides.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has demanded Greece enter talks, or else.

“They’re either going to understand the language of politics plus diplomacy, or in the field with painful experiences,” he said.Moreover, the lessons learned in the field, though difficult, can be profoundly transformative. Those who encounter the realities of conflict firsthand are often left with a deep-seated information that nomor textbook can provide. They return with stories of resilience plus courage, bearing witness to the intricacies of human behavior under duress. The juxtaposition of theoretical information versus practical experience illustrates an urgent need for training that incorporates both elements. This stark reality serves as a reminder that the nuances of negotiation plus the subtleties of communication are often lost on those untrained in the arts of persuasion plus strategy. In a world rife with conflict plus misunderstanding, the ability to navigate complex political landscapes is paramount. Without this understanding, individuals may find themselves grappling with unforeseen consequences, struggling to make sense of a chaotic environment shaped by competing interests plus hidden agendas.

Leaders plus policymakers must remember that understanding the intricacies of diplomacy isn’t merely an academic exercise; it is critical to preserving peace plus fostering cooperation across borders. As this generation faces unprecedented challenges, embracing both the language of politics plus the wisdom gained from real-world experiences becomes essential.

Background
The Kastellorizo island grup (in the Dodecanese, Greece) is situated in the southeast corner of the Aegean Archipelago. It consists of twenty islets, of which the three largest (Kastellorizo, Ro and Strongyli) and seven smaller ones belong to Greece. Knowledge of the malacofauna on the islands is relatively poor. Only eight species were known prior to the present study, all from the islet of Kastellorizo.

Results
Here, using the scientific collections at the Natural History Museum of Crete collected mainly by the authors and also by several researchers since 1976, we reappraise the malacofauna of the island group. Thirty-one species were found in keseluruhan (23 from Kastellorizo, 19 from Ro, 15 from Strongyli, 10 from Agios Georgios, 14 from Agrielia, 6 from Psomi and 10 from Psoradia).

Conclusions
The fact that there are nomor endemic snail species in the islands can be accounted for by their proximity to the Turkish coast, their common paleogeography with Turkey until the Late Pleistocene and Holocene, and the influence of humans. All but two species, Mastus etuberculatus and Vitrea riedeliana, are known from the adjacent Turkish coasts. Together with the subfossil species found on the smaller islets, the predominance of different species on each islet suggests a continuous substitution from the source areas of Turkey and the Aegean.

Background
The Kastellorizo (=Megisti) island grup is situated in the southeast corner of the Aegean Archipelago, 140 km east of Rhodes and less than 5 km south of the Turkish coast (Fig. 1). It consists of 20 islands, half of which belong to Greece and the other half to Turkey. Of the largest ones, Kastellorizo, Ro and Strongyli, belong to Greece. Kastellorizo is the only inhabited and accessible island, while special permission is required to visit the others.

exist on the biggest islets. The climate is thermomediterranean [1], and the predominant vegetation consists of phrygana and maquis. Human presence has been intensive and continuous for over 2000 years on Kastellorizo alone, which was historically one of the safest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean basin. The few hundred present-day inhabitants work in tourism, agriculture and livestock farming. Due to their environmental characteristics, all the Greek islands in the Kastellorizo grup have been placed within the “Natura 2000” network.

Our information on the terrestrial malacofauna of the island grup was very poor, as the extremely limited previous information were restricted to the island of Kastellorizo. H Rolle was the first person to collect land snails there in 1894, followed almost a century later by A Liebegott in 1983 and 1996. A keseluruhan of eight species were reported, and all references are commented in the discussion.

This paper presents an extensive study of the local malacofauna, based on a wealth of material collected by the authors in 1996, as well as on samples occasionally gathered by other scientists since 1976 and deposited in the collections of the Natural History Museum of Crete—University of Crete (NHMC). Taxonomical, ecological and distributional characteristics of the species found are also discussed in relation to the malacofauna of nearby areas and other islands in the Aegean.

The Dodecanese Island of Kastellorizo (South-east Aegean, Greece) is situated
some 140 km east of Rhodes and two km off
the Lycian peninsula in southern Turkey; it
is about 10 km2
in size, the highest elevation
being Mount Paleokastro (272 m). This
limestone island exhibits typical forms of
karst and is totally deprived of overground
springs. It is mostly covered with phrygana-type vegetation trodden by goats, and
the few cultivated areas, surrounded with
wire fences are to be found in the west of
the city Megisti (plain of Acheres) and on
the plateau overhanging it (plain of Aghios
Ioannis).
During the last visit in April 2002, and
contrary to the situation observed at an earlier stay in 1998 (PAYSANT 1999), many natural depressions and tanks or artificial reservoirs were filled with water, which was a
sign of more important fall and winter precipitation, as it is suggested by comparing
the average rate of precipitation recorded in
Antalya from September 1997 to March
1998 (1397.9 mm) with that from September 2001 to March 2002 (2359.5 mm) (http:
//www. weatheronline.co.uk).
Despite the presence of numerous
wire fences protecting the plots where goats
were left in extensive grazing, most areas
were visited, particularly the sites already
prospected by VALAKOS & PAPAPANAGIOTOU
(1985). The goal of the visit was to contribute to our information of the herpetofauna and its distribution on the island. All individuals captured were photographed and
released on site. For record localities see
figure 1.
Early references to the herpetofauna
on Kastellorizo can be found in VALAKOS
& PAPAPANAGIOTOU (1985) and VAN WINGERDE (1986). As for the other references concerning Lyciasalamandra luschani basoglui
(BARAN & ATATÜR, 1980), whose population
is very important on the island, see the liat in VEITH & al. (2001). Bufo viridis viridis LAURENTI, 1768.
This is the first record of B. viridis for
Kastellorizo. Adults, tadpoles and imagos
from localities 2, 4, 9, 10 and 14. The lack
of sources strongly conditions the reproduction of this species, which had not been
encountered during the 1998 stay. The main
places of reproduction consist of the tanks
and other artificial reservoirs set to collect
rainwater as well as a few shallow limestone
depressions. Unfortunately such concrete
facilities are often deadly for the adults after
the end of their breeding cycle, because of
the vertical walls. Only the tempat of Acheres,
a humid depression surrounding huge reservoirs, seems to foster the reproduction of
the species as it is proved by the thousands
of tadpoles and imagos encountered.

For the 9th consecutive year, “Beyond Borders” Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival ​​renews its rendez-vous (25/08–01/09/2024) with the cinephile audiences plus creators from all over the world.

On the occasion of the exchange of populations between Greece plus Turkey, a century ago plus the mass exclusion of people from both sides of the borders, the Festival turns its gaze beyond the obvious, questions plus reflects on people plus lives that were left behind. On personal stories that could not, or did not want to, fit or be assimilated by dominant ideologies plus perceptions plus were forced into a ceaseless search for acceptance plus reconciliation.

Paying a spiritual tribute to these people, who may belong to the past, present or future, the 9th edition of Beyond Borders aspires through its film program -but also through book launches, art exhibitions, educational programs, lectures plus musical performances- to emphasize those subtle nuances of solidarity plus humanity plus to bring back, through its artistic program, the issue of defending all human rights at every corner of the world.

The Kastellorizo International Documentary Festival’s 9th edition, running from August 25 to September 1, 2024, brings thrilling films plus numerous premieres from around the world, enhanced awards to support filmmakers, collaborations, activities, plus new programs.

Beyond Borders focuses on documentary films that deal with historical events plus personalities as well as socio-political issues. As Irini Sarioglou, the festival’s artistic director, states: “On the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne, plus with the world plagued by war conflicts, this year’s Beyond Borders theme focuses on the wounds of displacement, forced expatriation, plus the bitter feeling of being twice a stranger. Knowledge, research, plus the outcry of documentaries are more necessary than ever to awaken consciences plus promote dialogue plus reconciliation.”

The festival is organized by the Hellenic History Foundation, in collaboration with Écrans des Mondes, plus co-organized by the Region of South Aegean, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of National Defense, the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad plus Public Diplomacy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs plus Insular Policy, the National Center of Audiovisual Media plus Communication (EKOME), Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, the Greek Film Centre, the Embassy of Australia in Athens, the Embassy of Germany in Athens, the Embassy of Austria in Athens, plus the Embassy of Spain in Athens.

Climate Change and Vector-Borne Diseases on Kastellorizo Island

A recent study conducted as part of the IDAlert project has shed light on the impacts of climate change on vector-borne diseases, focusing on mosquito populations on the remote Greek island of Kastellorizo. This research provides valuable insights into the challenges of mosquito surveillance and control in isolated communities, particularly in the context of changing climate patterns and increased global connectivity.

Key Findings

Mosquito Species Presence

The study confirmed the presence of several mosquito species on Kastellorizo, including:

Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito)
Aedes cretinus
Culex pipiens

The detection of Aedes albopictus is particularly noteworthy, as this invasive species can transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Its presence on Kastellorizo underscores the potential for climate change to alter mosquito distributions and increase the risk of vector-borne diseases in previously unaffected areas.

Finally, the recent introduction of Aedes aegypti in Cyprus highlights the need for comprehensive entomological surveillance not only on the Kastellorizo island, but also in the surrounding remote areas.

Community Awareness and Preparedness

Researchers conducted a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) survey among island residents, revealing:

High levels of mosquito nuisance reported by residents
Limited knowledge about mosquito ecology and breeding habits
Significant willingness to invest in mosquito protection measures

The survey highlighted the need for increased public education about mosquito-related health risks and effective control strategies. Notably, respondents ranked the numbers of mosquitoes on the island at a mean of 3.32 (on a scale of 0 to 4), indicating a significant presence.

Innovative Surveillance Methods

The research team employed a multi-faceted approach to mosquito surveillance, including:

Oviposition traps
BG-Sentinel traps
Human landingcollections

These methods provided comprehensive knowledge on mosquito populations, and human exposure risks. The use of multiple collection techniques allowed for a more thorough understanding of the mosquito species present and their behavior patterns.

In a first-time event, Yorgia Karidoyani, who runs a fish restaurant on the Greek island of Kastellorizo, one of the critical regions of tensions in Turkish-Greek relations in recent years, has married a Turkish man.

Kerem Ercüment, a boat mechanic, and Karidoyani, the owner of the restaurant named Athina located on Kastellorizo island, opposite to the southern province of Antalya’s Kaş district, got married after their three year relationship.

Following Karidoyani and Ercüment meeting in 2019 on the island, they got into a relationship after a while.

Residing in Türkiye during the pandemic, the couple returned to the island and married in February.

Pointing out she was against Turks in a quite radical way before their relationship, Karidoyani said she prepared his coffee with non-potable tap water when Ercüment came to her restaurant.

“One day he took my hand and opened his heart. Then, everything changed,” Karidoyani said.

“In my family, only my grandfather was not against this relationship, but they softened when they noticed our love,” she added.

“I said to Kerem, ‘If anyone wants to do anything to you, they will have me to deal with.’”

Ercüment is currently working at Karidoyani’s restaurant.

Hurigül Bakırcı from Kaş was the first Turkish bride, who married ten years ago, on the island.

The island lies roughly 2 kilometers (1 mile) off the south coast of Türkiye and about 570 kilometers (354 miles) southeast of Athens.

Nearby islets between Türkiye and Kastellorizo were subject to dispute between Italy and Türkiye until 1932. According to the 1932 Convention, all these islets except Ro, Strongyli and Psomi were assigned to Türkiye. Moreover, environmental concerns, such as marine conservation and sustainable tourism, have become increasingly important in recent years. Local authorities, alongside global organizations, are working to ensure that the natural resources surrounding the island are preserved for future generations, fostering a sense of stewardship among residents and visitors alike.