Amiras, Viannos

Amiras (or Amiranes) is a village in the Viannos municipality of Heraklion regional unit, on the island of Crete, Greece. It is located at an altitude of 680 meters on the southern slopes of Mount Dikti, amidst a verdant landscape of olive groves and fruit trees. The village is often referred to in the plural as “ta Amiras.”

Infrastructure and Economy

Amiras has a Cultural, Athletic, and Educational Association, which is particularly active in social events and cultural projects. The village also has a three-class elementary school and a single-class kindergarten. The village’s economy is based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of early vegetables and olive oil production.

Religious Sites

The main churches of the village are those of Archangel Michael, Agios Nikolaos (where the cemetery is located), and Agios Georgios. There are also other churches and chapels in the surrounding area.

Origin of the Name and History

The name of the village comes from the Arabic language, and it was probably built during the Arab occupation of Crete (824-961 AD), possibly by an Arab amir. During that period, the senior administrator of Crete was called “amiras” or “emir” (from the Arabic “amir” or “emir,” meaning “ruler” or “master”). In the later centuries of the Byzantine Empire, the Byzantines used the word “Amiras” in place of “general” and “governor.” The title “Amiralis” (admiral) also derives from this word.

The Massacre of 1943

In September 1943, the village was the scene of a massacre of 117 male residents by the Nazi occupation forces. The execution of the men took place in the Abeli area, in retaliation for the casualties suffered by the Nazis in the area of Kato Simi, where 84 Germans were killed. A memorial to the victims of the massacre has been erected in the Seli area near Amiras, and a memorial service is held every year.

Administrative Information

Amiras was officially recognized as a settlement in 1925 and designated as the seat of the newly established community of the same name. In 1940, the name of the village was corrected to Amiras. In addition to the seat, the community includes the settlements of Arvi, Kolymbi, and Pateles.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: Arab occupation of Crete (824-961 AD), World War II (Massacre of 1943)

• Location: Southern slopes of Mount Dikti, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece.

• Historical Significance: Potential site of an Arab amir’s residence, scene of a Nazi massacre in 1943.

• Population Data:

  Year	Population
  1881	586
  1900	688
  1961	827
  1971	693
  1981	699
  1991	468
  2001	353
  2011	321
  2021	244

• Current Status: A small village with an agricultural economy, known for its tragic history and natural beauty.

References

• Wikipedia