HISTORY

  Looking back at the historical evolution of the island evidence is found that proves the island's existence since the ancient times. Homer, Stravon, Demosthenes all mention the isle of Psara using different names, like "Psira", "Psiriin" and "Psirian", yet presenting it as a small island  some times deserted and others inhabiting.

  During the Middle Ages the isle was abandoned. Manuscripts of Alexandros Vlastos and Konstadinos Nikodimos report that the few survivors from the conquest of Istanbul by the Turks were forced to move to the near-by isle of Chios because they feared pirates and plunders.

 Burning the Turkish flagship by Konstantinos Kanaris. Oil Painting.

The monument of the heroes in Mavri Rachi.

  Based on other sources of information we know that period -without being able to define the exact time period- the island was deserted and brought back to life twice. There is verified proof of the island's inhabited state in 1553, when the admiral of Venice fleet on his way to Smirni he anchored in Psara and noticed that the island was empty and wrote it down in his journal. Psara was considered from the ancient times up to more recent time was an island of exile.

  The recent history of isle begins on the arrival of several families from Evian, Thessaly and Epirus. These families not being able to survive under the Turkish command, on their way to Mikra Asia where the things weren't as hard, they ended up on Psara due to bad weather conditions. It was not for the fertile and fruitful land that lured them to the island but the sense of freedom, since the few Turkish families on Psara were giving away their properties to Greeks and were heading to other places of the Ottoman empire. At the new dwellers lived in different part of the island but soon they were forced to build a castle in order to protect themselves from the pirates.

The monument of the heroes at the holocaust of Psara. In is in the centre square.

     Konstantinos Nikodimos. Captain of fireship and the manufacturer of the perfect fireship.

  While population was rising, a new housing estate was built outside the castle. During the pirates invasion the isle remained unharmed because of the people way to handle situations diplomatically.

  At first dwellers cultivated the land, soon -since they wanted to transport the goods to other places (Chios, Mitilini, Mikra Asia, Thessaly e.t.c.)-  they built ships. Doing so the farmers from Thessaly and cattle-breeders from Epirus became excellent seamen to be survived by the heroes in 1821 and today's generation.  Time after time they started earning more by traveling so slowly neglecting to travel to Egypt, Syrian and even South America (and of 18 century).

  During the Napoleon war trade and shipping wear at the peak and people from Psara avoiding the English blockade, they transported grain in France selling in huge prices like the people from Hydra and Spetses. To face challenges from the pirates at the same time they carried weapons; a powerful commercial and martial navy. People from Psara, Hydra and Spetses because bold and rich businessmen who used their wealth in the independence war.

  The materially and mentally supported from Lambros Katsonis, since he failed to make them follow him in the Revolution in 1780. Also attended upon refugees, they were initiated of Filiki Eteria and the time for Revolution arrived.

  Psara with its powerful fleet became the country's rampart before the coast in Mikra Asia and the seamen offered themselves to the revolution. The isle was entrenched and equipped with fireships, cruiser and fast ships, an art they mastered in. They won battle after battle and the burning of Kara Ali's flagship in the port of Chios was of major importance. In addition they helped rebellion in Chios and Samos and in practically all naval attempts and were a threat to the Turkish-Egyptian fleet in the Mediterranean. Last but not least they send men to help the revolution in the main land.

  The island's contribution in the Revolution in 1821 was beyond doubt significant and a turning point in the country's history since the Ottoman Empire was menacingly threatened by them. Some of the heroes are Kanaris, Nikodimos, Papanikolis, Apostolis and Vratsanos.

  Unfortunately in June 21, 1824 a tragic event occurred. The Turks disembarked on the isle from the north and entered the town where the blowing up of the powder magazine took place on Paliokastro peninsula (known since then as Mavri Rachi). The catastrophe of Psara was tragic for the Revolution and caused the death of several thousands people, locals and refugees.

  The one that survived went to different parts of Greece (such as Spetses, Myconos, Syros and Evian (in fact Eretria is calls New Psara). However, regardless of the hardships people from Psara managed to reform their fleet and help the navy in their attempts.

  Up to October 21, 1912, the island was enslaved. Since liberation and up to our days the island steadily advances in many fields mastering of course in everything that has to do with the sea.

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