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Sylikou

Welcome to our Village Pages!

Here, we aim to outline each Commandaria Village's character and highlight the unique identity, history and charm of each village within the Region. Please feel free to send us any further information, articles and photo's to add to the Village Pages. Simply e-mail your text to editor@cyprusvillagelink.com and we will do the rest!

VILLAGE HISTORY

SYLIKOU

The beautiful village of Sylikou is situated at a height of 650 metres, up in the mountains, surrounded by many valleys, fruit orchards and gardens that were traditionally irrigated by three big fountains. The village is known for its wine, Zivania, raisins, olives and almond trees.

It is not clear where the name Sylikou comes from but it seems that it derives from Selicia, during the Franks’ occupation. The area rich in fruit trees and abundant water supplies was in turn ruled by the Franks from Syria, then the Turks. Archimandrite Kypianos in his History Of Cyprus in 1780, mentions Sylikou and Alamino as important farms belonging to the monastery between the 13th and 14th century.

There are many important areas in Sylikou carrying Frankish names such as the Frankish irrigated areas of Syrkas where there are ruins of a large medieval church with mosaics, the Frantziko, the Ilitsi and the houses of the Queen. The religious nature of the medieval area of Sylikou is also confirmed from other sources where it is mentioned that in the year 1400, it was a very important arm belonging to the monastery. Further evidence of this is found in the large number of chapels located on the farms such as St Mary of Syrks, St Demitris, St Mamas and St Marina.

When the Ottomans occupied Cyprus, the last of the Louzinian Cypriot families went to Sylikou, where they mixed with the local people, became Greek and played an important role in the development of the village. Gki Louzinian came from France to Sylikou in 1581 in order to visit his relatives. He later returned to his country and described in great detail the torture that the people were subjected to at the hands of the Ottomans. Gki Louzinian’s book is one of the most important and authentic records of medieval Cyprus.

Today, the elders of the village, though few, still maintain the importance of wine and Commandaria for the future the village.

SILIKOU TODAY

A view by the Kouris Magpie.

Sylikou is situated at about 650 metres above the Mediterranean Sea, on the south side of the Troodos Mountains, 24 kilometres north of Limassol, on the island of Cyprus.

It is in the middle of many green valleys, one of which is the Kouris river valley and its orchards, fields and vineyards have always had good water supplies. Once, these areas were irrigated from three large springs which can still be visited and used to fortify the “inner walker” or bird watcher! The flora and fauna are fantastic. Orchids vie with other flowers, bee-eaters, swallows and jays fill the skies with their calls and at night Skops owls call to each other “John…” The insect life is not all unfriendly and bees and cicadas try to keep out of the way of the lizards…and at night, the bats!

The grapes produce vine leaves for koupepia, then grapes, beautiful raisins, wine and Zivania, an alcoholic liquid used from everything from drinking socially to a very effective antiseptic, window cleaner and filling windscreen washers! However the most famous use of the grapes is in the production of Commandaria, a sweet red wine beloved by medieval knights, politicians ever since and indeed used in the Liturgy of many churches. It is said that the vats it is made in are never allowed to go empty so you could be drinking from the same Commandaria stock as Richard the Lionheart and his Queen Berengaria.

The olives and the olive oil from the olive trees, some genuinely over 500 years old and much photographed, are legendary for their flavour. The almond trees are referred to as “The Bride’s season” as they burst into flower in the spring and later supply the basis for the Suzuko, where almonds are strung on a string and covered with grape juice toffee! Gorgeous and soft when fresh and a Dentist’s dream later! Oranges, lemons (even some sweet lemons!), nectarines, apples and a range of vegetables are all available and grown in the village area.

In the middle of the village is the lovely church of St George with its stone walls recently restored and amazing icons, many painted locally. On Sundays and other holy days Papas Christopher with his fine voice leads the Chanters through the Divine Liturgy which is broadcast to the village so that all the generations can join in. On the west side of the classic village centre with cobbled streets is a festival area with an olive mill, museum and mosque, to help future generations respect the history of the village. On the north side of the church is the Taverna run by Evro where all the people can enjoy the local food, wine and music and genuine hospitality. But if all you need is a real Cyprus coffee then Michael in the Kaffenio next door will provide a real experience as he has done for over 35 years!

The village owes this new life to Costas Polis, the Chairman of the Sylikou Village Council, who has taken over where Andreas and those before him were Muhktars and other activities are now returning to the village. The Commandaria Festival in July each year is a MUST; there is a budding gallery in the Taverna, a kiosk on the main road and a wine vinegar producer in addition to the traditional village produce.

SERVICES

Doctor’s Surgeries: Sylicou, council offices medical rooms on Tuesdays at 10.30am with Dr Elizabeth.

Sylicou Taverna: Run by EVRO and ZENA. Motto: "We are open until you leave". Every day, except Tuesday. Traditional menus plus ever developing speciality items such as home-made soups, delicious steaks, strawberries and cream and apple pie! Call Evro on 99892027 for confirmation/bookings etc..

SILIKOU TAVERNA NOW WITH AN ART GALLERY.
Resident Artists: Rosemary Corner and Irene Ioannou.

Rosemary Corner is an international artist who traces her history via Silikou where she and her husband had a house for several years. Covering variety of subjects in an impressionist/abstract style, she finds Cyprus a continuous sourceof inspiration and the local scenes she depicts therefore include the Commandaria region. Painting for exhibitions in the UK and Cyprus, her pictures are no owned and eagerly sought after by an appreciative number of clients in the UK, Cyprus, Australasia and the Far East. To contact Rosemary call: 24 333383, 99 496441 pr e-mail drcorner@spidernet.com.cy

Irene Ioannou is an Australian and an international artist, who traces her history from Australia to Cyprus. She paints in water colours and also uses pastels to great effect. Her subjects are anything Cypriot, and she particularly loves animals, bantam chickens (which she supplies to Silikou) and bright colours. She has many clients here in Cyprus and exhibits throughout the island. Irene Iouannou can be contacted on 24 645591.

COMMUNITY BOARD

MAY 2008 POINTS BY COSTAS POLIS,
CHAIRMAN OF THE SYLIKOU VILLAGE COUNCIL.

I hope all Residents of Sylikou and their families and friends had a good Pascha/Easter and may you all keep safe and well during the summer.

As you know, fuel costs continue to rise in price and electricity is set to increase by yet another 30%.

However our Village priority for the months ahead is WATER. We now have to charge for all supplies. There is no longer a free amount.

Managing water supplies is therefore critical. Every person is responsible. We must not use more than we really need and rationing this year, even here, is a real possibility. We must reduce consumption, so help save water.

Managing your water, fuel and power use makes sense and it will help you reduce the costs.

The season is now very dangerous for fire, so please do not cause fires. If you see one report it quickly to 112.

On the happier side, our Commanderia festival this year is from 21-27th July with the main part 25-27th July in DHOROS. Look out for the posters.

Please visit this web site often to learn about our work & plans for the village. You can contact me on my Mobile 99426533, or office Telephone or
Fax: 25 470732.

Costas Polis,
Chairman of the Village Council of Sylikou. 27th June 2008.

(Submitted as authorised by Costas Polis)

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MARCH 2008 REPORT BY COSTAS POLIS,
CHAIRMAN OF THE SYLIKOU VILLAGE COUNCIL.

I wish all Residents of Sylikou and their families and friends a good preparation for Easter and may they keep safe and well. The very pleasant winter has
focussed us all on the need to take care of water. Fuel costs have focussed us on saving fuel and electricity. Managing water supplies is up to every one of us and we should take care not to use more than we really need. Water rationing this year is a real possibility so please help save water.

Some suggestions:
A plastic bag filled with water, sealed and then put in the toilet cistern can save as much as a litre every time the toilet is flushed. Using a plastic bucket in the shower to collect water that would otherwise be wasted is another tip. That water can be used to water plants. Washing up using a bowl and then using that water, to water plants is also helpful.
Note: water from washing machines is often salty and so should not be put directly on to plants. Managing fuel and power just needs thought. Cutting
down trips to towns and shopping locally is one suggestion. We now have several new shops in the area for bread and fish and even computer supplies! Fitting more economic light bulbs and just turning off unwanted power is all helpful and cuts our power costs.

Please visit this web site often to learn about our work & plans for the village.
You can contact me on my Mobile 99426533, or office Tel/Fax: 25 470732.

Costas Polis,
Chairman of the Village Council of Sylikou. 26th March 2008.

(Submitted as authorised by Costas Polis)

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Dear Residents & Friends of The Commanderia in Sylikou,

I wish you and your families a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. Our village of Sylikou is welcoming a number of new walking groups this year
from various clubs and communities. Our village is circled by some lovely walks of various durations and especially in the month of the Festival of the Trees February) when the almonds should come into bloom.

Our village welcomes respectful dog owners and polite Dogs on the walks as does our Taverna where they rest afterwards!

Our Taverna is getting a very good reputation for its hospitality and an increasing programme of music on Thursdays and Saturdays when local musicians play both international (Thursday)and local items (Saturday).
Then monthly there are special shows which are promoted by P3 in support Of the village and various charities. P3 are very good to us.

Finally, I was honoured today at Divine Liturgy by the Bishop of Limassol for my chanting at our village church of St George, for 50 years. I was presented
with a plaque and a certificate…which I and my family will treasure.

With best Wishes from,
Costas Polis,
The Chairman of the Village Council of Sylikou, 30th January 2008.

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DECEMBER 2007 REPORT BY COSTAS POLIS
CHAIRMAN OF THE SYLIKOU VILLAGE COUNCIL

I wish all Residents of Sylikou a Happy Christmas, a safe, healthy and prosperous New Year! 2007 has been another major year for Sylikou:

a.) The programme of “cobbling” with stone all village streets and repairing and making new stone walls has been extended. The road to Av Mavri is fully surfaced.
b.) New parking areas have been made.
c.) The Church of St George is now fitted with heating in winter and air-conditioning in summer and has flood-lights to light up the newly restored stone walls.
d.) Village streets are lit well at night.
e.) The Plaka has been maintained and has new lights,
f.) We have had an annual old peoples’ party, an ex-patriates’ party and a village festival. There has been a new programme of monthly entertainment in the Taverna and on the Plaka as a result of welcome community initiatives, supported by your Council.
g.) There are plans for a Sylikou Music and Arts Studio for all generations and skills, to develop traditional music related to the region, to open in 2008.
h.) The Council are now designing a brand new community centre on the old parking area next to the olive press.

So please visit this web site often to learn about our work & plans for your village. You can contact me on my Mobile 99426533, or office Telephone or Fax: 25 470732.

Costas Polis,
Chairman of the Village Council of Sylikou. 16th December 2007

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RATES, Rates in Sylicou have just shot up for the second year by a further 25% in addition to the 30% increase last year. Suggestion: should there be a market survey of rates rises? Not the actual rates but the percentage increases.

Reporters have noticed an alarming increase in Commandaria village rates.
Increases of 30% in 2006 and a further 25% this year have been imposed one village. Spending by villages now includes official cars! Why? Your help is requested to report: the percentage increase in rates in your village, this year (2007). On what basis are rates calculated? The wide rumour is that it is
based on the Chairman of the Village Council's view on how much the
rate payer can pay! What is the nationally agreed rate rise per annum? Is it linked to the rate of inflation? Who controls and verifies the basis? Is it the District Officers? How do rate payers object to a rate rise? To district Officers?
How does one appeal? To the Ombudsman? All suggestions gratefully received.
Kouris Magpie

RATES: The President of Sylikou replies. I am Costas Polis, The Chairman of the Village Council of Sylikou. I am angry with the article written by Kouris Magpie about the rates in Sylikou. It is all bad. The rates in this village are the best in the Commandaria region. The Council has a car to do the Council business. If residents do not agree their rates they can complain to the District Officer within 15 days of the rates demand. If anyone has a problem with this system they should call me or Fax, on 25470732. I am always happy to explain and help,
Yours faithfully,
Costas Polis,
Chairman of the Village Council of Sylikou. 13th November 2007.

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