CORFU

By Azzam Aly Ramzan

The History of Corfu (Korfu) Greece

The history of Corfu (Korfu) island is very long and tumultuous, as many
different cultures and nations sought to capture the island as their own. Their
influence can be seen in every aspect of present day Corfu (Kerkyra), from its
physical appearance and historical monuments to its inhabitants disposition
and the local cuisine.

Mythical Corfu

The ancient inhabitants of Corfu were most probably descendents of the

Phaeacians, Nafsika and King Alkinoos. The island has been inhabited since
the Palaeolithic Era. It was originally occupied by the Eretrians and then by
the Corinthians, by whom the island was named Korkyra, after the daughter
of the river-god Esopos.

Ancient Times

During the Corinthian occupation, Corfu (Kerkyra, Korfu) became a large

commercial and naval power of the ancient world and produced many
notable works of art. In 585 BC, the island recovered its independence from
Corinth. It contributed 60 triremes to Persian War battles. Later the alliance
of Corfu with Athens during the Peloponnesian War in 431 - 404 BC led to the
island's eventual decline. In order to protect itself against pirates, Corfu
(Kerkyra) voluntarily accepted Roman sovereignty, which lasted up to 337
AD. The island converted to Christianity around the 1st century AD.

The Medieval Era

Following the division of the Roman Empire, Corfu joined the Eastern Roman
Empire in 395 AD. The island at various times during the Medieval Ages was
plundered by the Huns, Vandals, Goths and Arabs. These raids devastated
Corfu and resulted in the Corfiots moving to more secure grounds, a naturally
fortified location between two rocks, from which the name Corfu was derived
(Koryfi means peak in Greek). Later the island was occupied by the Normans
and was eventually liberated by the Byzantine Emperor Emmanuel I
Komninos.

The First Era of Venetian RuleThe Despot of EpirusThe Anjou Rule

In 1204, the Venetians laid claim to Corfu (Kerkyra) after the conquest of the
Byzantine Empire by the 4th Crusade. In 1214, the island was recaptured by
Michael I Aggelos Komninos, Despot of Epirus, who restored the old privileges
of the inhabitants and reinforced the island's fortifications until 1258-1259,
when the region was ceded by Duke Michael II to his son in law Manfred. The
battle of Beneventum and the Treaty of Viterbo resulted in the transfer of the
island to Charles I of Anjou for the next 120 years. Charles I of Anjou had
many anti-orthodox feelings and replaced the Orthodox churches with
Catholic churches. More and more people

were gathering in the basin between the two hills, seeking protection and
refuge. It was during this time that the Old Fortress was constructed.
The Second Era of Venetian Rule

In the second half of the 14th century, the island once more sought the
protection of Venice, which bought the island from Naples and undertook to
defend it for the next 412 years. The Venetian administration was carried out
by short-term members of a council that was appointed by Venice. During
this period the Byzantine fortifications were further reinforced. The island
was besieged by Turkish forces in 1537. Many acres of cultivated land were
destroyed and at least 20,000 inhabitants were killed. The island though, was
not captured due to its great defence. From 1576 to 1645, the New Fortress
was constructed on the hill of St. Marcus. The fortress included some of the
most powerful and advanced defensive constructions. The fortifications were
again reinforced in the 17th century with the building of a second wall. In July
1716, a Turkish fleet besieged the island but the Turkish forces were repelled
by the Venetians.

The First French Rule

In 1797, Napoleon Bonaparte took over the administration of Corfu (Kerkyra)

along with the other Ionian Islands. French occupation brought with it the
ideas of the French Revolution. A municipal council was instituted, headed by
Spyridon Theotokis. During this occupation, a municipal library was
established, the police force, the judicial system and the educational system
were reorganized for the better, and the first Greek printing press was
established.

The Russian Rule

In 1799 the island came under the control of the Russian Admiral Ushakov,
while the Septinsular Republic Constitution was implemented in 1800. Corfu
(Korfu) then became the first Greek State to be recognized as a semi-
autonomous republic since 1453. During this period, the Orthodox Bishop of
Corfu was reinstated.

The Second French Rule

In 1807, with the Treaty of Tilsit, the 7 Ionian Islands were ceded to Napoleon
again, who also continued the reinforcement of the fortifications to
counteract a possible British attack. The French improved the stylistic
appearance of the city by planting trees on Splianada Square and the Liston
Promenade, in the style of the Rue de Rivoli in Paris. They introduced the
cultivation of potatoes and the vaccination of citizens, founded the School of
French Art and the Ionian Academy in 1808, the first university of Modern
Greece.

The British Rule

In 1814 the French surrendered Corfu to the British. In 1815 the Congress of
Vienna recognized the Ionian Islands as an independent state under the
protection of Great Britain. During the British administration, the
infrastructure was improved, the Greek language was established as the
official language of the island, the Constitution was amended to include
freedom of press and various literary and financial societies were founded.

The Unification of Corfu with Greece - Modern Day Corfu

Corfu (Kerkyra) and the Ionian Islands were united with Greece on May 21st,
1864 by a decision of the Ionian Parliament and the ratification of the British
Government. Soldiers of Corfu participated with distinction in the Balkan
Wars, WWI and WWII. In September 1943, the Nazis bombarded Corfu,
causing considerable damage to the island. The Nazi occupation was
terminated on October 9th, 1944. Since then, Corfu (Kerkyra) has worked on
developing its natural resources and tourism, becoming one of Greece's most
prosperous islands and most popular tourism destinations.