[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”754db6ce-4a72-4664-9d06-1140735ef261″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”THE MERCHANT MARINE IN POST-WAR HERMOUPOLIS” admin_label=”Heading” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_align=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”aab1492d-7c7e-46fb-90b9-b423f81e6e69″ header_text_align=”center” text_orientation=”justified” max_width=”600px” module_alignment=”center” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
\u00a0During the 19th century, merchant marine was a key factor in the formation of the city of Hermoupolis.\u001fIts evolution over the following decades further enhanced the status of the island as one of the prime \u001e nancial and transit trade centres in our country.<\/p>\n
However, the outbreak of two World Wars in the\u001f\u001e rst half of the 20th century, led to the degradation of Syros and its signi\u001e cance as a \u001e nancial hub.\u001fEspecially in the aftermath of World War II, and following Greece\u2019s engagement in a devastating civil war, Syros experienced a dire situation.\u001fWith the entire Greek passenger \u001d eet destroyed during the German invasion in 1941, the island was virtually cut o\u001c from the mainland and consequently its residents faced unemployment and poverty.<\/p>\n
Syros\u2019s famous textile industry that had \u001d ourished in the past boosting the local economy and o\u001c ering employment to a signi\u001e cant part of its inhabitants, was now facing problems that led over the years to the decline of the factories and, eventually, to the termination of their operations. On the other hand, the island\u2019s maritime activity had drastically been reduced, as only seven out of 33 ocean-going ships, registered in Syros, survived the war.<\/p>\n
In view of this adverse situation, the role played by the merchant shipping industry through initiatives undertaken by various shipowners since the early post-war years, proved to be crucial for the island\u2019s economy and, consequently, for the prosperity of the local population. These initiatives continued unabated for over thirty years and at least until the full integration of our country into the European family, in May 1979.<\/p>\n
This exhibition aims to illuminate this reality which is widely unknown, even to a large percentage of the present population of the island of Syros. It is indeed worthy to appreciate and honour the decisive role that merchant marine and several of its people played in keeping alive the status of a historic city of our country.<\/p>\n
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