Chios

Chios is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, located off the coast of present-day Turkey. It is one of the largest Greek islands by area, covering about 904 square kilometers, and has a population in the tens of thousands. The island is part of the North Aegean region, and its administrative center is the city of Chios, commonly called Chios City.

Geography and economy are shaped by its mountainous interior and fertile coastal areas. The island supports agriculture such as citrus, wine, and olives, and is especially renowned for its mastic resin, or mastiha, produced primarily in the southern Mastichochoria villages. Mastiha has a protected status in the European Union and remains a distinctive cultural and economic hallmark of Chios. Tourism, fishing, and light industry also contribute to the local economy.

History and culture on Chios reflect a long and varied past. Ancient Ionians are associated with the island, and later it came under Genoese rule for several centuries, leaving a notable architectural and urban imprint, including fortified towns and medieval settlements. The island is home to Nea Moni, a Byzantine monastery founded in the 11th century, which contains important mosaics and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 1822, during the Greek War of Independence, Chios was the site of a massacre that targeted its inhabitants and had a significant impact on international awareness of the Greek struggle for independence.

Notable places include Chios City and its medieval landscape, the Genoese-era Castle, Nea Moni, and the surrounding Mastichochoria, as well as the nearby Oinousses archipelago.