Inia, Gortyna

Inia (Ίνια) is a small village located in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece.

The village was historically under the jurisdiction of the Stoloi community. During the Ottoman period, the village was inhabited solely by Turks. Following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s, Greek refugees from Asia Minor settled in Inia, along with some Cretan families.

Inia is situated in the southeastern part of the Heraklion regional unit, approximately 50 kilometers south of Heraklion city. The village is located in the rolling hills and olive groves that are typical of Crete.

Economy

The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with olive oil production being the main activity.

Present Day

Today, Inia remains a small and tranquil village, with a population that has seen a decline in recent decades. The village offers a glimpse into traditional Cretan life, with its stone houses and narrow streets.

Settlement: Key Points

• Historical References: Inia has been documented in historical records dating back to at least 1583.

• Location: Southeastern Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece.

• Historical Significance: Transition from Ottoman-era Turkish settlement to a mixed Greek refugee and Cretan community in the 20th century.

• Population Data:

  Year	Population	Notes
  1583	52
  1881	48	46 Muslims, 2 Christians
  1900	17
  1981	188
  1991	166
  2001	157
  2011	93
  2021	73

• Current Status: A small, quiet village with a declining population, primarily engaged in agricultural activities.

References

• Kastrofylakas, K. (1900). History of the island of Crete.
• Municipality of Gortyna. (2023). Municipal Districts.
• Spathi, K. (2007). Cretan villages through the centuries. Vikelaia Municipal Library.