Choumeri, Minoa – Pediada

Choumeri is a village located in the Municipality of Minoa Pediada, in the Heraklion regional unit on the island of Crete, Greece. It is part of the Arkalochori community. The village sits at an altitude of 440 meters and is situated on the road from Heraklion to Arkalochori, approximately 31 kilometers from Heraklion city and 3 kilometers north of Arkalochori.

The village has a small population, with 97 residents recorded in the 2011 census and 84 residents in the 2021 census. The primary occupation of the residents is agriculture, with the fertile land being particularly suitable for olive oil production.

History

The name Choumeri is believed to be of Arabic origin, potentially remaining from the period of Arab rule in Crete (9th-10th centuries AD). The village is first mentioned in a 1364 document from the Ducal Archive of Chandax (present-day Heraklion) with the name “Kato Chumeri.” During the Venetian period, it was a fiefdom of the Querino or Quirino family and appeared in Venetian records as “Cumeri.” Ottoman records refer to the village as “Humeri,” and Egyptian records as “Kumeri.”

Northwest of the village is “Choumeriani Kefala,” an area where archaeological finds have been discovered. Some of these finds remain in private hands, while others have been handed over to the Archaeological Service of Heraklion.

The village also has two caves in its vicinity, which provided refuge to residents during difficult periods in the island’s history. Notably, the passage of Captain Michalis Korakas through the village and clashes between Cretan revolutionaries and the Ottoman and Egyptian armies are remembered in local history.

Present Day

The village school has been closed for several years. A notable landmark in the village is its fountain. There is also an active cultural association in Choumeri. The village church is dedicated to Saint Fanourios.

Village Key Points

• Historical References:
  • 1364 Ducal Archive of Chandax as “Kato Chumeri”
  • Venetian records as “Cumeri”
  • Ottoman records as “Humeri”
  • Egyptian records as “Kumeri”
• Location: Municipality of Minoa Pediada, Heraklion regional unit, Crete, Greece. Approximately 31 km from Heraklion city and 3 km north of Arkalochori.
• Altitude: 440 meters
• Historical Significance: Potential Arabic origin of name, Venetian-era fiefdom.
• Population:

• Current Status: Active village with a declining population, primarily agricultural economy.