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Chalki

From the existing numerous ruins in Chalki it can be concluded that in ancient times the population was considerable. Until the Second World War the population, all together, was 2000, whereas today there are three hundred residents.

If one judges by the farmland, which is surrounded by fields, one can conclude that a large percentage of the land was cultivated in the past and present times. According to Theophrasto, Chalki has more ploughable land than other rocky islands. The land, which is fertile, lends itself principally to winter farming. In old times the farm products were: cereals, beans, grapes, wine, oil, olives and vegetables. There was abundant livestock.

Today there are over six thousand goats. Likewise honey and wax are produced. The characteristic dwellings of the shepherds are known as "Kifes". They are elliptical in layout, are built of field stones and the shepherds use them as houses in summer as well as places to produce cheese and other dairy products.

The principal occupation, however, of the Chalkians has always been fishing and sponge diving. It is certain that the income from agriculture would not be sufficient without the products of the fishing industry.

Chalki developed a rich folk culture. Notable are poetry, folk music and dancing, the costumes, weaning, embroidery, and handwork such as carving from wood.

The Chalkians are progressive, industrious, and remarkable in their undertaking where ever they are, whatever they are. Chalkians are close knit, devoted to their island, and share a common love for Saint John of Prodromou, which they celebrate annually with a large feast on 29 August.

Tourism has developed in the last years since Chalki was proclaimed an island of international peace and friendship. New housing, supported by the government, as well as private initiative has made Chalki popular with tourist who admires and enjoys its unusual natural beauty.

In the early Christian era (fourth to sixth century after Christ) large settlements flourished in Chalki, proven by the existence of at least four early Christian Basilicas:

1) Emporio, a basilica with mosaic floors
2) Viglimia, a three aisled basilica
3) Limenaria, a three aisled basilica with dependencies and elaborate marble architectural decoration
4) Koka, a three aisled basilica with dependencies from different periods

Likewise in Alimnia the existence of two early Christian basilicas has been verified:

1) Emporio, a three aisled basilica near the sea
2) Saint George, a basilica on the ruins of which the church of Saint George was built.

Chalki is made up of small and large mountains, of which the most important are: Prophitis Ilias (518 meters), Kapouli (512 M), Kapnikaris (500M), Saint John (451M), Amali (452M), Saint John (409M).

Chalki has many beautiful, ancient, well preserved Churches. The Churches that have conserved murals, are - The area of Saint John on the mountain: Amali - Saint Nikitas, Taxiarchis Panormitis, Koka - Saint George, Panagia Enniameritissa the area of Antramassou: Ayios Andreas, Area of Finiki: Ayios Zacharias, Area of Chorio:Ayia Triada, an anonymous church, another anonymous church, Panayia, Panayia Porteni, Sotiris ( the metamorphosis of Christ), Kastro - Ayios Nikolas,

Churches without murals are Vouno – Saint John which has a nearby monastery, Antramassos – Ayios Nekatarios (a double apse), Chorio – with an anonymous church next to Panayia Porteni, Emporios – Saint Nicholas.

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