“Journey and Reflections on Chios, and its Profound International Legacy” Webinar Panel Discussion

Join us for EMBCA’s "Journey and Reflections on Chios, and its Profound International Legacy" Webinar Panel Discussion on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2 P.M. EST/ 9 P.M. Athens EEST. The panel discussion will be introduced and moderated by Lou Katsos EMBCA’s President. Our distinguished panel will include Mayor Giannis Malafis of Chios, Author/ Writer/ Educator Aggeliki Mastromichalaki, PHD; Author/Writer/Clemson University Lecturer and EMBCA Director Alexander Billinis ; Markos Marinakis, CEO of Marinakis Chartering & Founder of the Kardamylian Foundation; and Peter Gerazounis , P.E. , Principal of MG Engineering & President of the Panchiaki “Korais” Society of New York.

The island of Chios, located in the Aegean Sea, holds a profound international legacy rooted in its cultural, historical, and economic contributions to the Mediterranean and beyond. Renowned as the birthplace of Homer, the legendary poet credited with The Iliad and The Odyssey, Chios has long been associated with the development of literature and oral tradition, leaving an indelible mark on Western literary heritage.

Chios known as the “Mastic Island” is renowned for its mastic, a natural resin harvested from mastic trees grown almost exclusively in the southern part of the island. This product is used in cosmetics, medicine, and the culinary arts, contributing to the island’s economy and identity. The medieval villages of Chios, like Pyrgi and Mesta, with their unique architecture and decorative facades, attract many visitors. Additionally, the island boasts beautiful beaches, monasteries, and the UNESCO-listed Nea Moni Monastery, an 11th-century Byzantine monument.

Chios also embodies the spirit of resilience and cultural exchange. It flourished under multiple civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, which enriched its artistic and architectural heritage. However, its history is marked by tragedy, particularly the Chios Massacre of 1822 during the Greek War of Independence, which became an international symbol of the struggle for freedom. The event inspired global support for the Greek cause, influencing the art and politics of European Romanticism, as reflected in works by artists like Eugène Delacroix and writers like Lord Byron.

The island holds a distinguished place in global maritime history, boasting a shipping legacy that spans centuries. Situated along key trade routes in the Aegean Sea, Chios developed into a center of maritime expertise from ancient times. Its people became renowned for their skills in shipbuilding and navigation, establishing connections throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. This seafaring tradition evolved over the centuries into one of the most influential shipping networks in the modern world.

In the 19th century, shipping families from Chios laid the foundations for Hellas’s dominance in international shipping, shaping maritime trade on a global scale. Following the devastation of the Chios Massacre , many Chian families relocated to key trading hubs like Syros, Piraeus, and Constantinople, where they rebuilt their maritime businesses. Leveraging their expertise in ship management and navigation, they capitalized on new trade opportunities, particularly in grain, textiles, and raw materials across the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and Europe. These families were quick to transition from traditional sailing ships to steam-powered vessels, ensuring they remained competitive in a rapidly changing industry. Several prominent shipping families from Chios played a key role also in the cotton trade and international shipping. These families established influential businesses, particularly in London, New York, and other global trading hubs, connecting Europe, the Mediterranean, and the Americas. The Chian diaspora’s impact in both England and the U.S. was profound, fostering commercial networks that strengthened Greek shipping on the global stage. Their entrepreneurial legacy set the foundation for the continued dominance of Greek shipping families in international maritime trade.

In the 20th century, Chios became synonymous with some of the world’s most influential shipping families, such as the Livanos, Chandris, and Onassis families. These families not only modernized global shipping but also pioneered the transport of oil, making Hellas one of the leading maritime nations. Today, shipowners from Chios continue to control a substantial portion of the world’s merchant fleet, contributing to the global economy through the transportation of goods, energy, and raw materials.

Today, Chios in addition continues to foster cultural tourism and preserve its maritime tradition, serving as a bridge between East and West. Its enduring legacy lies in its contributions to trade, literature, and the ideals of freedom and cultural identity, which resonate far beyond its shores.