Chios is established since 8th century BC following a democratic rule which is considered to be the oldest Constitution in the world. The golden era of Chios was the 6th century BC, when the island had big commercial and cultural acne but unfortunately afterwards was subjugated several times and lost its prosperity. Under the rule of Persians, Athenians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Genoas and Turks, Chios has always had some privileges but the past acne and prosperity never came back to the island. The most horrible moment in its history is the Massacre of Chios in 1822 from Ottoman Turks. Such was the cruelty of Turks that slaughtered and enslaved 100.000 of the total 120.000 residents of Chios Island. The Massacre at Chios was condemned by the public of Europe as it was depicted in the famous painting of Delacroix and the writings of Lord Byron and Victor Hugo. In 1881 Chios is destroyed by a terrible earthquake. Finally, Chios becomes part of Greece in 1912.

 

Chios is the fifth largest island in the Aegean Sea and spans an area of 842 sq. km. with a total population of 53.817 residents. Chios is located very close to the Turkish coastline of the region of Çeşme on the east. The islands closer to Chios are Oinousses on the east, Psara on the west and Lesvos on the north.

 

 

The unique product of Chios is the natural mastic gum produced by the mastic trees. It is exported worldwide and it is extensively used as chewing gum, liqueurs, candies, fragrance, cosmetics, natural aromatic soaps, candles and many more. Ouzo and Mastic flavour liqueurs are also produced.