Rhodes

Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and the easternmost of the major Aegean islands.
This island is located about 17.7 km off the coast of Türkiye.
It has a population that amounted in 2011 to about 115 490 inhabitants, of which about 60-70,000 reside in the city of Rhodes, the major center.

Etymology –
The etymology of the island of Rhodes is linked to various theories and hypotheses. However, there is no unanimous agreement on the origin of the name “Rhodes”. Here are some of the more common theories:
According to some sources, the name “Rhodes” could derive from the ancient Greek term from the Greek Ῥόδος, which means “rose”. The island of Rhodes is known for its abundance of flowers, and it is believed that the name may have been inspired by the presence of flowers, particularly roses, on the island.
Another theory suggests that the name may have been inspired by the mythological figure of Rhodes, the nymph daughter of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Amphitrite, the goddess of the waters. According to legend, Poseidon would have turned Rhodes into an island to protect it.
Some scholars suggest that the name “Rhodes” may derive from a pre-Greek or pre-Indo-European term, called “Rhodes”.
Still others speculate that the name may have origins in the Doria language, an ancient Greek language spoken in the region.

Geographic Features –
The island of Rhodes is one of the largest and most populated islands of the Dodecanese archipelago, located in the Aegean Sea, southeast of mainland Greece. Some of its key geographic features are listed below.
Rhodes is located about 18 kilometers off the coast of Turkey and about 380 kilometers east of Athens, the capital of Greece.
The island has an elongated shape, with a length of about 79 kilometers from north to south and a maximum width of about 38 kilometers. It covers an area of approximately 1,400 square kilometres, making it one of the largest islands in the Dodecanese.
The landscape of Rhodes is diverse and picturesque. You’ll find sandy beaches and rocky cliffs along the coast, while the interior of the island is characterized by rolling hills, green valleys and small traditional villages.
Rhodes has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Summer temperatures can reach 30-35°C, while winter temperatures rarely drop below 10°C.
The island is crossed by a mountain range that runs along its central axis. The highest mountain in Rhodes is Ataviros, which reaches an altitude of about 1,215 metres.
Despite its summer aridity, Rhodes has some internal water resources, such as rivers and springs, which help maintain the vegetation and support local agriculture.
Rhodes Town (also called Rhodes Town) is the capital of the island and is situated on the northern tip. It is famous for its well-preserved historic centre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other important towns and villages include Lindos, Faliraki, Ialysos and Kremasti.
The island of Rhodes is famous for its beaches, some of which are among the most beautiful in Greece. The crystal clear waters and sandy beaches attract many tourists during the summer.
Thanks to its climate, natural beauty and rich history, Rhodes is a popular tourist destination. Besides the beaches, visitors can explore ancient archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis of Lindos and the ruins of Kamiros, as well as enjoy activities such as windsurfing, trekking and cycling.
Overall, the island of Rhodes offers a diverse and fascinating experience for visitors, with a mix of culture, history and natural beauty.

Historical Notes –
The island of Rhodes has a rich and fascinating history dating back thousands of years.
The first evidence of human presence on the island dates back to the Neolithic period, with traces of settlements dating back to over 4000 years BC. During this period, Rhodes had trading contacts with civilizations such as the Minoans of Crete and the ancient Egyptians.
In the Bronze Age, the island was influenced by the Mycenaean and Doric civilizations. This period is marked by the decline of the Mycenaean civilizations and the rise of the first Greek city-states, including Rhodes.
During the Classical Period, Rhodes prospered as a powerful Greek city-state and was a member of the alliance of city-states known as the Delian League. He contributed his fleet to the victory against the Persians in the famous battle of Salamis in 480 BC.
After the conquest of Alexander the Great and subsequent Macedonian domination, Rhodes came under the control of the Roman Empire in 164 BC. The city continued to prosper during the Roman period but gradually lost its political importance.
With the division of the Roman Empire, Rhodes became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire. During this period, the island suffered several raids by pirates.
In 1309, the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of St John, conquered Rhodes and made it their main seat. The Knights Hospitaller built massive fortifications and the city became an important center for trade and crusades.
In 1522, the Ottoman Empire captured Rhodes after a long siege. The island remained under Ottoman rule for several centuries, but the Knights Hospitaller continued to resist until 1523, when they were forced to leave the island permanently.
After World War I, the Ottoman Empire dissolved, and Rhodes came under Italian control in 1912. During this period, Italy modernized the island and influenced its culture.
After Italy’s defeat in World War II, Rhodes returned to Greek control in 1947 and has remained part of Greece ever since.
Today, the island of Rhodes is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture and ancient ruins, testifying to its rich history and fascinating past.

Ecosystem –
The island of Rhodes is home to a unique and interesting ecosystem. However, it is important to note that the information provided here is based on knowledge as of September 2021 and may not reflect subsequent changes or human impacts.
The ecosystem of Rhodes comprises a variety of habitats, including forests, mountains, beaches, lakes, marshes and marine habitats. These different areas provide a wide range of environmental conditions for the island’s flora and fauna. Let’s see some of the main elements of the ecosystem of Rhodes:
The island of Rhodes is home to a variety of plants, many of which are adapted to Mediterranean conditions. Here it is possible to find species of pines, cypresses, olive trees, citrus fruits and various aromatic herbs. In the mountainous regions of the island, endemic plant species are also found.
The fauna of Rhodes includes a wide range of species, some of which are endemic to the island or the Aegean Sea. Migratory birds are especially common on the island, as Rhodes lies along major migration routes. Amphibians and reptiles include several species of lizards and snakes. In the surrounding seas, it is possible to meet sea turtles, dolphins and various species of fish.
Rhodes is an important birdlife area. Along the coast, there are important habitats for seabirds, such as gulls, terns and cormorants. In inland areas, birds of prey such as eagles and falcons can be seen.
The waters around Rhodes are rich in marine biodiversity, including corals, molluscs, fish and other marine life. The meadows of Posidonia oceanica, a marine plant endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, are present off the coasts of the island and provide a vital environment for numerous marine species.
To preserve the island’s rich biodiversity, several protected areas and nature reserves have been established. For example, the Alonissos-Northern Sporades marine protected area has been extended to include some of the waters around Rhodes.

Flora –
The island of Rhodes is one of the Greek islands in the Aegean Sea and is known for its natural beauty. The flora of the island is characterized by a wide range of Mediterranean plants, with a mix of endemic species and others common in the region.
Most of the island is covered in typical Mediterranean vegetation known as “macchia” or “maquis”. This plant formation is made up of evergreen shrubs such as myrtle (Myrtus communis), laurel (Laurus nobilis), lentisk (Pistacia lentiscus), wild olive (Olea europaea), juniper (Juniperus spp.), strawberry tree ( Arbutus unedo), and other drought resistant species.
In the island of Rhodes, one can also find some forests of maritime pines (Pinus pinaster) and cypresses (Cupressus sempervirens). These tree species are adapted to the Mediterranean climate and grow in different areas of the island.
A distinctive feature of the flora of Rhodes is the presence of several species of palm trees. The Crete palm (Phoenix theophrasti) is one of the endemic species of the island. Other cultivated or naturalized palms include the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) and the Canary Island palm (Phoenix canariensis).
In the wetlands and along the coasts, it is possible to find a variety of aquatic plants such as marsh reeds (Phragmites australis) and rushes (Juncus spp.).
Due to the favorable climate, there are also numerous ornamental plants and flowers that adorn the gardens and public areas of the island.

Wildlife –
Hares, foxes, badgers and weasels are the only survivors of the original fauna that inhabited the island of Rhodes, entirely supplanted by farmed animals. Peregrine falcons and goshawks are also rare. In particular, during the winter months the terns and the black and white ostralegas (similar to woodcocks but smaller) fly in the sky. In addition, there are other showy birds such as the colorful bee-eater and the European roller which prefers the steepest stretches of coast. Jackdaws and magpies are also seen flying.
Since ancient times, Rhodes was nicknamed “snake island”. In fact, in little frequented areas and on the walls of gardens it is easy to meet small venomous snakes, such as the very dangerous sand viper. In addition to snakes, the island is crowded with geckos and, with the undisputed protagonist role of the island’s fauna, the Rhodesian dragon, an endemic lizard that can reach almost half a meter in length.
The incredible world of insects gives its best during the night, but bees, omnipresent in Rhodes, can become very aggressive in certain weather conditions or if disturbed. Scorpions and a poisonous species of spiders are widespread on the island. In addition to the presence of many cicadas, a particularity among the insects is offered by the splendid butterflies, now confined to the famous Petaludes.
The sea, although fabulous, has lost a lot of its biodiversity. Sponges and corals have almost disappeared and the backdrops, once colorful by the extravagant fantasy of nature, have lost most of their colors due to strong human pressure.

Environmental Protection Actions –
The Island of Rhodes is an area of considerable interest for tourism, but the growth of tourism can have significant impacts on the environment. As a result, local authorities, environmental organizations and local communities have taken various measures to protect and preserve the island’s natural heritage. Actions that the Rhodes community has taken include:
1. Sustainable management of natural resources: Adopting policies and programs to ensure sustainable use of natural resources, such as water, soil, forests and wildlife, to avoid resource depletion and environmental degradation.
2. Protection of natural areas: Creating nature reserves and marine protected areas to preserve biodiversity and provide safe habitats for plants and wildlife.
3. Conservation of beaches and seabeds: Implementing beach monitoring and cleaning programs to preserve the coastal environment and promote greater awareness among tourists and residents of the importance of keeping beaches free of litter.
4. Promotion of sustainable tourism: Encouraging environmentally responsible tourism practices, such as the use of transport with low environmental impact, the choice of eco-friendly accommodation facilities and participation in environmentally friendly tours and experiences.
5. Pollution Reduction: Implementing policies to reduce air, water and soil pollution, including promoting the use of renewable energy and proper waste management.
6. Environmental awareness: Organizing awareness campaigns to educate residents and visitors about environmental protection and the importance of sustainable behaviour.
7. Community Involvement: Encouraging active participation and responsibility for land conservation.
8. Environmental Monitoring: Implementing monitoring systems to evaluate the impact of human activities on the environment and to take corrective measures based on the data collected.

Guido Bissanti