Sirako 3.09

Syrrako is a village and a former community in the Ioannina regional unit, Epirus, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality North Tzoumerka, of which it is a municipal unit. The municipal unit has an area of 29.307 km2. It has a predominantly Aromanian population, and is located 52 km southeast of Ioannina at an altitude of 1200 m, on the mountain Peristeri. It is built on a steep slope in and retains its traditional buildings.It is the hometown of the poet and author Kostas Krystallis and the first Prime Minister of Greece, Ioannis Kolettis.LocationSyrrako is built on the slopes of Mount Peristeri in the Pindus, offering natural shelter and security.Syrrako is separated from its twin village Kalarites by the deep ravine of the river Chroussias, a tributary of the Arachthos. Tradition says that the river’s name derives from Νeoptolemos’ son, Chroussios, who drowned there, not being aware of the fact that water rises fast during bad weather conditions.HistorySyrrako was inhabited before the 15th century by Aromanians . Evidence for this includes the age of the plane trees in the village square. During the Ottoman period, after 1480, it was the capital of the self-governed federation of Malakasio, consisting of 42 villages and belonging to the Valide Sultan. Because of this it enjoyed a privileged treatment. During that time the village developed immensely. Firstly, the inhabitants were involved in cattle breeding and afterwards they developed trade, industrial production of wool textiles and cattle products.