Kalamata Καλαμάτα
Kalamata's promenade.
Location
Kalamata
Coordinates	37°2′N 22°7′E / 37.033°N 22.117°E / 37.033; 22.117Coordinates: 37°2′N 22°7′E / 37.033°N 22.117°E / 37.033; 22.117
Location within the region
Government
Country:	Greece
Region:	Peloponnese
Regional unit:	Messenia
Mayor:	Panagiotis Nikas  (ND) (since: 29 December 2010)
Population statistics (as of 2011)
Municipality
- Population:	95,855
- Area:	442.7 km2 (171 sq mi)
- Density:	217 /km2 (561 /sq mi)
Municipal unit
- Population:	95.539
- Area:	253.2 km2 (98 sq mi)
- Density:	0 /km2 (1 /sq mi)
Community
- Population:	70.135
Other
Time zone:	EET/EEST (UTC+2/3)
Elevation (min-max):	0–21 m ­(0–69 ft)
Postal code:	241 00
Telephone:	27210
Auto:	KM
Website
www.kalamata.gr

Location of Kalamata within Peloponnese region

Kalamata (Greek: Καλαμάτα Kalamáta, formerly Καλάμαι Kalámai) is the second-largest city of the Peloponnese in southern Greece. The capital and chief port of the Messenia prefecture, it lies along the Nedon River at the head of the Messenian Gulf.

Overview[link]

Located near the ancient city of Pharai mentioned by Homer, it lies 238 km (148 mi) SW of Athens, about 60 km (37 mi) SE of Kyparissia and GR-9, about 120 km (75 mi) SSE of Pyrgos, about 80 km (50 mi) SW of Tripoli, about 60 km (37 mi) W of Sparta, NW of Areopoli and about 8 km (5.0 mi) E of Messene, it is also 215 km (134 mi) south of Patras and 715 [old: 750] kilometres (444 mi) south of Thessaloniki. The 2011 census recorded 70,130 inhabitants, but it is a busy city and on a regular daily basis there are more than 100,000 people working and circulating in it.

Kalamata is renowned as the land of the Kalamatianos dance and the silk kerchief; of succulent dark olives, honey-eyed figs and the honey-covered sesame sweet called pasteli. The city can be reached from other Greek cities by bus and train. Furthermore, the city has an international airport and an important harbour. Ferries are available to places such as the Greek islands of Kythira, and Crete .

The Messenian Gulf where Kalamata is located has various long beaches. The Taygetus mountain range is located about 4 km (2.5 mi) E of Kalamata and GR-82 Kalamata – Sparta highway runs through the ranges.

Olives and olive oil are important and famous products that are exported from Kalamata.

Kalamata has schools, lyceums, gymnasia, banks, a post office, and squares (plateia). The newly established University of the Peloponnese has a campus in Kalamata, where the history, literature, religion and philosophy departments are located. The Kalamata campus of the university also provides free Greek lessons to expatriate Greeks. The TEI of Kalamata is also located in the city.

Name[link]

The modern name Kalamáta is a corruption of the older name Καλάμιa, Kalámai, "reeds". The sonic similarity of Kalamáta with the phrase "kalá mátia" ("good eyes") has led to various folk etymologies.

Municipality[link]

The municipality Kalamata was formed at the 2011 local government reform by the merger of the following 4 former municipalities, that became municipal units:^[1]

• Arfara
• Aris
• Kalamata
• Thouria

Subdivisions[link]

The municipal unit of Kalamata is subdivided into the following communities (population according to the 2001 census and villages within the district in brackets):

• Alagonia (pop: 360, Alagonia, Machalas)
• Antikalamos (pop: 541)
• Artemisia (pop: 291, Artemisia, Theotokos)
• Asprochoma (pop: 1,231, Asprochoma, Akovitika, Kalami, Katsikovo)
• Elaiochori (pop: 395, Elaiochori, Arachova, Diasella, Moni Dimiovis, Perivolakia)
• Kalamata (pop:70,130, Kalamata, Bournias, Koutala, Menina, Profitis Ilias, Moni Velanidias)
• Karveli (pop: 180, Karveli, Agia Triada, Emialoi, Kato Karveli)
• Ladas (pop: 223, Ladas, Agia Marina, Agios Vasileios)
• Laiika (pop: 926, Laiika, Katsaraiika, Spitakia, Xerokampi)
• Mikri Mantineia (pop: 688)
• Nedousa (pop: 158)
• Piges (pop: 103, Piges, Skouroulakkos)
• Sperchogeia (pop: 855)
• Verga (pop: 2,110, Ano Verga, Kato Verga, Paralia Vergas)

History[link]

View of the fortress.

Unlike many other Greek cities, Kalamata does not date to classical times. However, Messene, located some 25 km (16 mi) north-west of Kalamata and about 15 to 20 km (12 mi) from modern Messini, is an important ancient site. From 1681 on the Venetians ruled Kalamata. On 23 March 1821, Kalamata was the first city to be liberated from the Ottoman occupation of over 300 years, by the Greek revolutionary forces under the command of generals Theodoros Kolokotronis, Petros Mavromichalis and Papaflessas. In 1825, Ibrahim Pasha destroyed the city during the Greek war of independence. After this, Kalamata was rebuilt and became one of the most important ports in the Mediterranean sea. It is not surprising that the second-oldest Chamber of Commerce in the Mediterranean, after that of Marseille, exists in Kalamata. On 29 April 1941, a battle was fought near the port between invading German forces and the 2nd New Zealand Division, during which Jack Hinton was awarded the Victoria Cross. After World War II, and due to political issues, Kalamata, as well as most of the Peloponnese, was excluded from the government development plans in favour of north Greece. That was a major brake on the local economy, resulting in the decline of the port and hence the city. During 70s and the 80s, development and growth in Kalamata were unknown, and only after the city suffered severe damage from the earthquakes of 13 September 1986, the local authorities and individuals strained their financial resources to bring a wind of change to the forgotten capital of Messinia. Due to these efforts, Kalamata has now fully recovered and developed into a modern provincial capital, with all facilities and amenities, as well as one of the most modern hospitals in Greece. It is also the seat of the Metropolitan Bishop of Messinia. Current Metropolitan Bishop is Chrysostomus III since 15 March 2007.

Kalamata was under Frankish occupation between 1205 and 1381, ruled by the French Villehardouin family (1210 to 1278) from the castle they built. Later occupied by the Turks from 1481 to 1685 like the rest of Greece, the city was next taken over by the Venetians in 1685. During the Venetian occupation the city was fortified, developed and thrived economically. However, the Turks reoccupied Kalamata in 1715 and controlled it until the Greek War of Independence of 1821 when Petrobeis Mavromihalis liberated the city. Kalamata was again in the news and headlines on Saturday, 13 September 1986, as an earthquake measured at almost 6.6 on the Richter scale. The earthquake, although, moderately strong-reported caused heavy damage and killed 20 people.^[2]

Today, Kalamata has the second largest population and mercantile activity in Peloponnese. It makes important exports, particularly of local products such as raisins, olives and olive oil. Although the city experienced catastrophic consequences after the earthquake of 1986, it has overall recovered its pace and is forging ahead successfully from a commercial aspect.

There are numerous historical and cultural sights in Kalamata, such as the Villehardouin castle, the Ypapandis Byzantine church, the Kalograion monastery with its silk-weaving workshop where the Kalamata scarves are made, and the municipal railway park. Mavromihalis declared the revolution in the church of Agion Apostolon. Art collections are housed at the Municipal Gallery, the Archaeological Museum of Messenia and the Folk Art Museum.

Church of the Ypapandi[link]

Kalamata’s catehdral of the Ypapandi (Presentation of the Lord to the Temple) nestles beneath the 14th century Frankish castle. The foundation stone was laid on Jan 25, 1860 and the building was consecrated on Aug 19, 1873. It suffered great damage during the 1986 earthquake, but was subsequently restored. The Festival of the Ypapandi (27.01 - 09.02) is of national importance for the Greek orthodox world and, locally, the occasion for a holiday (02.02). The litany of the miraculous Icon was first introduced in 1889 and takes place every year on Feb 02, no matter the weather.

In late January 2010 the city hosted the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cathedral. He was offered the Golden Key of the city. The region around Kalamata has provided two Ecumenical Patriarchs in the past.

Historical population[link]

Transportation[link]

The railway station.

It is accessed by GR-7/E55/E65 in the west and GR-82 runs through Kalamata and into the Taygetus. The nearest motorway is now 35 km (22 mi) N. From the mid-1980s until 2002, it was 85 km (53 mi) SW in Tripoli. There is a road connecting within the coastline of Kalamata, which is not far from the gulf and runs in the southern part of Kalamata.

Kalamata is served by a metre gauge railway line of the former Piraeus, Athens and Peloponnese Railways, now owned by the Hellenic Railways Organisation (OSE). There is a passenger train station and a small freight yard in the city, as well as a rolling stock maintenance depot to the north. A disused extension line to the port is now used as a Railway Park. Currently there are mainline train services to Kyparissia, Pyrgos and Patras, and suburban services to Messini and the General Hospital. There are no passenger services to Corinth (Korinthos) via Tripoli and Argos, due to extensive track reconstruction work.

There is a bus link (KTEL) to Tripoli, Korinthos and Athens with frequent services.

Since the mid-80s there has been a regular weekly cruise-boat route between Kalamata – Kythira – Chania (Crete). In the summer months charter flights fly direct to Kalamata International Airport from some European cities. A scheduled service by Aegean Air twice a day linking Kalamata and Athens International Airport commenced in May 2010.

Climate[link]

Kalamata has a Mediterranean Climate (Csa) with mild, and wet winters and dry, hot summers. Kalamata receives plenty of precipitation days in winter. Summers are very hot and dry. The maximum temperature ever recorded at Kalamata is 42,6°C and the minimum ever recorded is -5°C.

Landmarks[link]

• Benakeion Archaeological Museum of Kalamata,^[3] located in the heart of the historical centre of Kalamata.
• Byzantine churches
• Cultural events, such as the International Dance Festival
• Kalamata International Dance Festival
• The Castle of Kalamata from the 13th century AD.
• The Marina and the Port of Kalamata, located SW of the city centre. It is the main and largest port in Messinia and the southern part of the Peloponnese.
• Kalamatas National Stadium – home of Messiniakos, it contains 5,000 spectators
• The Kalamata International Airport, an airport located about 7 km (4.3 mi) NW, close to Messene. The runway length is about 2 km (1.2 mi) and it is combined with a military airport.
• The Railway Museum of the Municipality of Kalamata,^[4] a railway museum which first opened since 1986
• Ancient Messene, some 15 to 20 km (12 mi) north-west of modern Messini
• The Temple of Apollo Epicurius, about two hour's drive north from Kalamata
• Tourist information

Notable people[link]

• William II of Villehardouin (d. 1278) the last Villehardouin prince of Achaea
• Yiannis Balis (1932) Physician Scientist, Discoverer of Lamellar bodies and their associated function
• Yiannis Chryssomallis ("Yanni") (1954) composer and musician
• Aggeliki Daliani (1979) actress
• Nikolaos Doxaras, painter
• Panagiotis Doxaras, painter
• Andreas Apostolopoulos (1952) Real estate developer and sports team owner
• Alexandros Koumoundouros, Prime Minister of Greece in the 19th century
• Gerasimos Michaleas (1947) Orthodox Christian Metropolitan bishop of San Francisco, California, USA
• Panos Mihalopoulos (1949) actor
• Nikolaos Georgeas (1976) footballer
• Nikolaos Lyberopoulos, (1975) footballer
• Sokratis Papastathopoulos (1988) footballer
• Kenny Stamatopoulos (1979) footballer
• Prokopis Pavlopoulos (1950) lawyer, university professor and politician
• Vassilis Photopoulos (1934–2007) painter, film director, art director and set designer
• Nikolaos Politis, folklorist
• Maria Polydouri (1902–1930) poet
• Michail Stasinopoulos (1903–2002) lawyer, President of the Republic of Greece
• Panagiotis Moragiannis (1976) Greek-Australian Politician
• George Kouroumalis (1984) Greek-Australian Journalist

Sporting teams[link]

• Apollon Kalamatas
• Kalamata FC – second division
• Messiniakos FC – third division
• Olympiakos Kalamatas
• Prasina Poulia Kalamata (literally the Green Bird)

International relations[link]

Twin towns — Sister cities[link]

Kalamata is twinned with:

• Amioun, Lebanon
• Aglantzia, Cyprus
• Bizerte, Tunisia
• Xi'an, China^[5]

See also[link]

• Kalamata (olive)
• Kalamatianó
• List of settlements in Messenia

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Kalamata

• Municipality of Kalamata (Greek)
• Historic maps of Kalamata
• Messinian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Ministry of Culture – Messinia
• Kalamata The Official website of the Greek National Tourism Organisation

v t e Administrative division of the Peloponnese Region Area: 15,490 km² • Population : 638,942 (2001) • Capital: Tripoli Regional unit of Arcadia Gortynia • Megalopoli • North Kynouria • South Kynouria • Tripoli Regional unit of Argolis Argos-Mykines • Epidaurus • Ermionida • Nafplio Regional unit of Corinthia Corinth • Loutraki-Agioi Theodoroi • Nemea • Sikyona • Velo-Vocha • Xylokastro-Evrostina Regional unit of Laconia East Mani • Elafonisos • Evrotas • Monemvasia • Sparti Regional unit of Messenia Kalamata • Messini • Oichalia • Pylos-Nestor • Trifylia • West Mani Regional governor: Petros Tatoulis (el) • Website: ppel.gov.gr

v t e   Prefectural Capitals of Greece Agios Nikolaos Alexandroupoli Amfissa Argostoli Arta Athens Chalcis Chania Chios Corfu Corinth Drama Edessa Eleusis Ermoupoli Florina Grevena Heraklion Igoumenitsa Ioannina Kalamata Karditsa Karpenisi Kastoria Katerini Kavala Kilkis Komotini Kozani Lamia Larissa Lefkada Livadeia Missolonghi Mytilene Nafplion Pallini Patras Piraeus Polygyros Preveza Pyrgos Rethymno Rhodes Serres Sparta Thessaloniki Trikala Tripoli Vathy Veria Volos Xanthi Zakynthos

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Panagiotis Stravalexis (Greek: Παναγιώτης Στραβαλέξης) (born 28 September 1979), better known by his stage names Tymvorychos, Paidi Thavma and Taki Tsan, is a Greek music producer, tattoo artist and rapper.^[1] A prominent figure in Greek hip hop, he is the leader of the group Zontanoi Nekroi and also a member of the rap duet Tigre Sporakia (Greek: Τιγρέ Σποράκια), .

In 1999, he released his solo debut album under as Paidi Thavma (Greek: Παιδί Θαύμα, English: Boy Wonder), named Rima Gia Chrima (Greek: Ρίμα Για Χρήμα, English: Rhymes For Money). Apart from that, Taki Tsan was also a founding member of the rap group Tigre Sporakia (Greek: Τιγρέ Σποράκια), which consisted of him and Eisvoleas (Greek: Εισβολέας, English: Invader).

Several albums followed, some of them being solo ones, like Sto Mialo Tou Panagioti Stravaleksi (Greek: Στο Μυαλό Του Παναγιώτη Στραβαλέξη, English: Inside Panagiotis Stravalexis' Mind), released in 2006. Another one was To Scholeio (Greek: Το Σχολείο, English: The School), where he collaborated with another Zontanoi Nekroi member, Charmanis (Greek: Χαρμάνης). In 2009, Tsan released Rima gia Chrima 2, his new double LP.

Biography[link]

1997-1998: Zontani Nekri[link]

In 1997, he formed his group, Zontani Nekri, and started recording tracks with them. They released an EP in 1997, named "ZN Entoles/Stin Chora ton Kaliteron MCs". On 1998, they released their first and only album O Protos Tomos which at that time was considered offensive by a lot of people because in that album the group was dealing with subjects like drugs and violence. As a result, after the first 1,000 sales, 2 songs were removed from the CD which continued to be on sale. Today it is believed to be the greatest Greek Battle Rap album of all time.

1999: Paidi Thavma - Rima gia Chrima[link]

He continued with Rima gia Chrima (English: Rhyme for Money), his solo debut, that was well-received. Many songs of that album today are thought to be classics. This album's style was very different than his previous ZN albums' raw style and had a more personal feeling. It is considered to be one of the best Greek Hip-Hop albums.

2000: Projects that never made it[link]

In 2000, ZN started recording Kata.R.Ypo, a duet album by Ypochthonios and Katachthonios, but never released it because FM Records thought it was . In 2001, they were about to release Charmanis' debut solo named Sisihaha but that project never made it either due to unknown reasons. So, having collected several unreleased songs, they released a compilation album named Thammena Ksechasmena which contained songs from Kata.R.Ypo, a song that did not fit in Rima gia Chrima, the first track that was recorded for Megalos Iroas, Midenistis' first solo album, and some alternate editions of old songs from "O Protos Tomos". As for a second ZN release, many fans wanted to see a new release from their favorite group, but as it seems that can't happen because every member has its own projects and want to do different things in music. The highly anticipated album is called O Deuteros Tomos and will be the sequel of O Protos Tomos.

2003-2004: Tigre Sporakia and Harmanis/Taki Tsan[link]

In 2003, Taki Tsan formed a new group with Isvoleas (a member of the group Alfa Gama) named Tigre Sporakia. They released their first album named Theoria kai Praksi, which was well received by the fans. Taki returned to his raw style and one of the main themes of the album was drugs and money. In 2004, Taki Tsan and Harmanis collaborated to release an album named To Sholio (English: The School). The album was ready in about 11 days and the main producer was DJ ALX.

2005-2006: 3 Mixtapes and one solo album[link]

In 2005, Taki Tsan released 2 mix tapes. One named Underground Mixtape, and one more named Mixtape vol. 1 from IxoSpira. In 2006, he released his last mix tape to date named Misa Lefta/Dipli Magkia which was more like a compilation, containing old and unreleased songs. In the same year, he released his 2nd solo album named Sto Mialo tou Panagioti Stravalexi. It was a major change to his style, containing social and political tracks, as well as things he wanted to share with his fans.

2007-2009: Many lives and Recording of his new album[link]

He has done many lives, 3 with all of the ZN members. He has also released several tracks on the internet, to give us a taste of his upcoming project, named Rima gia Chrima 2009 (sequel to his debut), which was released in December 2009 under the final name "Rima gia Chrima 2", a double album which met a great economical success, as it sold about 5,000 copies.

2009-Present: Rima gia Chrima Tour, TOMAHOK, 2 more mixtapes and Tigre Sporakia the Band[link]

After the release of "Rima gia Chrima 2", Taki Tsan and many of his affiliates began his "Rima gia Chrima Tour" all over Greece, with more than 20 live performances. After the end of the tour, he and Isvoleas started to work on their second project as Tigre Sporakia but this time with a live band with them. The group was renamed Tigre Sporakia the Band and changed their logo. Also at that time, Taki's official website, [takitsan.com] opened for the fans and in order to celebrate the opening, Taki Tsan released a new mixtape, called "Exclusive Mixtape" or "The Lost Mixtape" which was composed by 8 tracks. In 2011, Taki joined TOMAHOK, a new crew which was created by Isvoleas. In the 25th February of the same year, the group's new album, "Onoma kai Pragma" was released through No Label Records and received mixed critics from the fans, because of their changed style. His next mixtape, "Athens' Finest" was given for free download via his site, and was produced by an American beatmaker called Hamma. Taki Tsan now continues to work with Isvoleas at their third album which is to be released in 2012.

Discography with ZN[link]

• 1997 ZN Entoles/Stin Chora ton Kaliteron MCs, EP IHOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 1998 Protos Tomos, IHOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 2001 Thamena Ksehasmena IHOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 2009 The Rare And Unreleased Songs Vol. 1, Gus Productions
• 2009 The Rare And Unreleased Songs Vol. 2, Gus Productions

Solo Discography[link]

• 1999 Stin Athina, CD Single, IHOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 1999 Rima gia Chrima, IHOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 2005 Mixtape Vol. 1, HipHop.Gr
• 2006 Sto Mialo tou Panagioti Stravalexi, IhoSpira / FM Records
• 2009 Ein' O Man, EP, Sporty Magazine
• 2009 Rima gia Chrima 2 IHOKRATORIA / 33 1/3 Entertainment
• 2011 Mixtape Vol. 0
• 2011 The Lost Mixtape
• 2011 Athens Finest Mixtape

Discography with Tigre Sporakia[link]

• 2003 Theoria kai praksi IHOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 2011 Onoma kai Pragma No Label Records

Collaborations[link]

• 2004 To Sxoleio, with Harmanis, IXOSPIRA / FM Records
• 2005 Dipli Magkia, Misa Lefta Treli Ftiaxi, with DJ ALX, IXOSPIRA
• 2010 Gia Ta Paidia, with Diezel, CD Single

Appearances[link]

• 1997 Hontres Douleies, as Timvorixos & Midenistis, FM Records
• 1999 I Ihokratoria Parousiazei Meros A, with Tigre Sporakia, IXOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 1999 En Opsei (Paremvoles), Polydor
• 2000 La Klikaria, Imiz Biz Entertainment, Def Jam/Universal
• 2001 Agnostofovia (Alfa Gama), IXOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 2002 Megalos Iroas (Midenistis), IHOKRATORIA / FM Records
• 2004 The Instrumentals I Like (Eisvoleas)
• 2004 La Sagrada Familia (Goin' Through), Family The Label, Def Jam/Universal
• 2004 Mono Gia Ta Aftia Sou (Dj Alx)
• 2006 Den Ehoun Styl (Dj Alx)
• 2006 Synyparxi (Evnus)
• 2007 Eimai (White Dragon)
• 2009 Airetika Erotikos (Mithridatis), Imiz Biz Entertainment, Legend
• 2009 The Box LP, Part 1 (Cenobite), Cenobite Productions
• 2010 Metaxy Ouranou Kai Gis (Gelos), IXOKRATORIA
• 2010 Grand Champion Hot Joints (Dj The Boy)
• 2010 Gkegke (Eisvoleas), Lyra / Tomahok
• 2010 The Escape Key, IHOKRATORIA
• 2010 Dask1 (Dask)
• 2011 O Rapper Tis Hronias (Dimitris Mentzelos), Imiz Biz Entertainment, IHOKRATORIA, Cenobite Productions, Legend
• 2011 Etsi Tin Vlepo (Skies), Lyra

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Site