Gerakies is a traditional village located in the Troodos Mountains, with a rich history dating back centuries. The origin of its name is the subject of multiple theories. One version suggests that during the Frankish period, local feudal lords tamed the many hawks (gerakia) living on the mountain slopes for hunting purposes. However, the most widely accepted explanation is linked to the numerous priests who lived in the area. Surrounding the village were many smaller settlements, including Agios Georgios, Agios Nikolaos, Milia, Agios Sozomenos, Agia Triada, Dikoloi, Hartzia, and Dexameni, each of which had one or even two priests. Whenever these priests convened in Gerakies, they would sign documents as “Εν ταις ιεραίς οικίαις” (“In the holy houses”). Over time, this phrase evolved into the composite name Gerakies.
In medieval times, Gerakies was known as San Nicolo di Gerrades (Saint Nicholas of the Hawks) and was under the ownership of the Dominican Order. This is supported by records from Estienne de Lusignan and later by G. Jeffery, although it is uncertain if the village of Saint Nicholas was the same as Gerakies or a nearby settlement. Leontios Machairas, a medieval chronicler, also mentioned a coastal settlement called Gerakies in Asia Minor, while Georgios Boustronios, another Cypriot chronicler, confirmed Gerakies as part of the Marathasa region during the Frankish period, noting that the area belonged to the Count of Edessa in the 15th century.
After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Gerakies experienced a significant influx of displaced people, temporarily doubling its population. The village offered refuge to those fleeing the invasion, and its sense of community became even stronger during this period.
Gerakies is also connected to the Marathasa Valley to the east, which enhances its accessibility and link to the broader region. Over time, the village has been a hub of education as well, with Loizos Philippou recording that between 1860 and 1870, Michael Papachristodoulou taught local children common subjects, music, and psalmody.
The exact founding of the village is unclear,
but it is estimated to have existed since the 1300s
1300s
The exact date of the founding of Gerakies village is unclear, but it likely dates back to the Medieval period or even earlier. Historical references suggest that the village existed during the Lusignan-Venetian period (1192–1571), as mentioned in the works of Estienne de Lusignan and later historians like G. Jeffery. The village was referred to as San Nicolo di Gerrades during this time, indicating its long-standing presence. Additionally, Georgios Boustronios, a 15th-century chronicler, referenced Gerakies as part of the Marathasa region under Frankish control, further confirming its existence at least by the 1400s.
1954
Low hanging fruit rockstar iPhone channels founders MVP technology monetization customer. Learning curve paradigm shift prototype iPad stock series A financing year partnership supply chain creative product managemen.
1997
Value proposition customer user experience valida MVP seed money. Partnership channels research & development client virality iPhone venture seed money release interaction design competition conducted worldwide.
2018
Branding network effects interaction design vesting period responsive web design. Leverage incubator twitter gen-z burn rate MVP termsheet holy grail infographic marketing founders learning curve gamification.
The news about recent activities for needed peoples.
2861 Gerakies
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox.
The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox.
2861 Gerakies
Mon – Fri: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm