Gerakari, Amari

Gerakari is a village located in the Amari Municipality, Rethymno regional unit, Crete. It is situated at an altitude of 680 meters on the northern foothills of Mount Kedros (also known as Kentros). The village is surrounded by fertile plateaus like Gious Kampos, Chonis Kampos, and Fteres. The area’s rich soil supports the cultivation of various crops, including the locally renowned Gerakari cherries.

Etymology

There are several theories about the origin of the village’s name:

• It may be named after a Byzantine feudal lord who settled in the area after the Byzantine recapture of Crete from the Arabs.
• Another possibility is that it’s linked to the breeding of hunting falcons, known as “ierakario,” as the region was once abundant in game.
• A third theory suggests the name derives from “Iera Kara,” meaning “holy head,” referring to the relics of a local saint.

Landmarks

• Church of Saint John (Agios Ioannis): Located at the “Fotis” site, this single-nave church dates back to the 12th century, with its narthex added later in the 13th century. It features well-preserved frescoes.
• “Gyristo” Mitato Complex: Situated on Mount Kedros, southwest of the village, this complex is recognized as a monument due to its exceptional construction and cultural significance.

History

Archaeological findings from the Minoan and Roman periods have been discovered near Gerakari. The village itself has existed since at least the second Byzantine period. In 1461, during the Venetian era, it was a center of revolutionary activities. After the Ottoman conquest, it became a base for Janissaries and had a mosque built in 1782, which served as a pilgrimage site for Muslims in the wider region.

The Greek inhabitants of Gerakari actively participated in the uprisings of 1821, 1841, and 1858. In February 1867, during the Cretan Revolt of 1866-1869, a battle took place near Gerakari between the rebels and Ottoman forces. In retaliation, the Ottomans burned down the village. In August 1868, villagers again participated in a battle near Gerakari, forcing the Ottomans to retreat towards Patsos.

In 1894, according to Greek army officer Nikostratos Kalomenopoulos, the village had 90 Greek and 35 Turkish families. By 1900, the Cretan State census recorded 414 inhabitants, all Greek, as the Turco-Cretans had left due to fear of ongoing local uprisings.

During the German occupation, Gerakari’s remote location made it a hiding place for stranded British soldiers from the Battle of Crete and British agents. On August 22, 1944, the German army executed 49 residents and destroyed the village in retaliation for the abduction of General Kreipe by British agents and Greek resistance fighters a few months earlier.

Administratively, the village was part of the Ottoman municipality of Meronas in 1881. After Crete’s liberation and union with Greece, it belonged to the Amari province. In 1997, it was included in the Syvritos municipality, and since 2011, it has been part of the Amari municipality.

Village Key Points

• Historical References: Minoan and Roman archaeological findings, mentioned in a 14th-century manuscript, 1583 census, and various historical accounts
• Location: Amari Municipality, Rethymno regional unit, Crete, Greece, at the foothills of Mount Kedros
• Dimensions: Village
• Historical Significance: Byzantine church, site of battles during the Cretan Revolt, center of resistance during WWII, suffered destruction during the Holocaust of Kedros villages
• Population data over the years:

• Current Status: A thriving village with a focus on agriculture and tourism, offering modern amenities and attractions.