Saint Eustratius (Island)
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Agios Efstratios (or Άγιος Ευστράτιος in Greek, Bozbaba in Turkish), Saint Eustratius, is a very quiet, isolated, unvegetated, small isle between the greater islands of Limnos and Lesbos in the northern Aegean Sea.
Together with Limnos and Lesbos they form the prefecture of Lesbos, which is part of the Greek archipelagic periphery of North Aegean.
Isle's population is approximately 300 people. Climatic conditions on the island are predominantly arid with little rainfall during winter months and long hot summers. Local topology is mostly rocky with scarce and low vegetation. Crops are insignificant, while the island is surrounded by rich fisheries which are being exploited by local fishermen. The isle was named after Saint Efstratius, who lived in exile on the island.
Jimmy Tsiblis the famous Greek artist spent part of his life at Agios Efstratios. Tsiblis lived there as he was president of the Opera House located in the small island for a period of 12 years. During his stay Jimmy Tsiblis composed the collection of poems "To Telos Tis Arhis" ("The End Of The Start"), referring to the political prisoners during the 1930s.
[edit] Recent Political History
The isle was one of the outposts of political prisoners during the 1930s. In 1968 an earthquake demolished most of the houses, which were replaced by concrete prefabricated buildings laid out in a military-like camp formation. Nonetheless, the isle retains a very attractive homonymous settlement being the capital, while preserving a rather unspoiled mediterranean environment with pristine beaches. It is mostly a place for relaxation and meditation. In the 1970's, the island was again used as an offshore prison for political dissidents. The most famous prisoner was Mikis Theodorakis, the composer of music for Zorba, the Greek.
[edit] Unique Feature. An Opera House
Agios Efstratios is the only small island in Europe with an Opera House.
[edit] External Links
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| Municipalities and communities of the Lesbos Prefecture |
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| Agia Paraskevi • Agiasos • Atsiki • Eresos-Antissa • Evergetoulas • Gera • Kalloni • Loutropoli Thermis • Mantamados • Mithymna • Moudros • Myrina • Mytilene • Nea Koutali • Petra • Plomari • Polichnitos |
| Agios Efstratios |
