A "oasis" neighborhood in the hustle and bustle of the big city, just about 7 kilometers from its center Of Athens. A place born of Destruction of Smyrna which also bears her name. This is the Nea Smyrni which even today keeps alive its traditions and memories refugees who found their new homeland there and loved this place so much that they make it stand out and be on the list of Europe's ten most beautiful neighborhoods in the Guardian.
«10 of Europe's best neighborhoods: readers' tips»Is the title of a Guardian article in which readers shared the reasons why they love neighborhoods in various European cities.
"Between the center of Athens and the sea is the green neighborhood of Nea Smyrni (by tram from Constitution in Agia Fotini or 25 minutes walk) ", writes its reader Guardian, David who explains why it is the best neighborhood in Athens.
"Nea Smyrni Square, without cars, is located in the heart of the neighborhood and is amazing with fountains, shops, restaurants, modern brown and bars that suit all ages, trends and pockets. With a plethora of outdoor recreational activities during it summer, is a real discovery not a typical tourist spot. Get out of the square and you will discover the Grove, a large green oasis with pines, cypresses, pine cones, a place ideal for walking. It also has a path for jogging, outdoor gym and cafe ", the newspaper's reader points out.
The mayor of Nea Smyrni, Stavros Tzoulakis, spoke to newsbeast.gr about the distinction of his area, the plans of the municipality and the history that accompanies it and is lost in time.
- According to the Guardian, Nea Smyrni is one of the 10 most beautiful neighborhoods in Europe. Why do you think your area was chosen? What is it that makes it special to you?
We have the most beautiful square in Greece, not to mention Europe. We are close to the center and the beach. We have many parks such as the 50-acre grove and there are hundreds of walkers and the square "Chrysostomou of Smyrna" where the "Grove of Asia Minor Memorial" has been formed. There are γλυπτά of Vassos Kapantai for the lost homelands, such as Pontus, the Asia Minor, Armenia.
- It is a district created by the Asia Minor catastrophe. Do you think that even today it brings the love and traditions of the people who built their new homeland from scratch?
As a municipality, we contribute to the preservation of this tradition and hold events that connect the two homelands, while at the same time we have a digital museum from Smyrna to Nea Smyrni. In 2017, on the initiative of the Cultural Organization of our municipality, a magnificent concert was held with George Dalaras, the Smyrna Symphony Orchestra and the famous Turkish conductor Hakan Sensoy in Smyrna. After about a century h Smyrna and Nea Smyrni came close again. The mayors sat at a common table and talked about joint cultural, sports and entrepreneurship. There, we pledged that it would not be an isolated event but a first step towards a broader partnership.
- When did your square take the form it has today? Do you think that its reformation contributed to attracting more people?
The square was asphalted in the 60's, that is, several years ago, and its architect was George Leonardos. All the mayors also put their touches. The pedestrianization took place during Koutelakis. From 2010 onwards the square has this shape, just some modifications have been made. Our municipal authority is in its third term, during these years we have maintained the square, put up fountains and created space especially for children.
- Your plans for the future? How do you want Nea Smyrni to be shaped? What changes would you make if you could now?
We are of the philosophy that a work that you cannot maintain should not be made at all. So it's not our goal to change the square, we don't need to add anything else. Our goal is to maintain the projects that have already been done and are liked by the citizens.
- The feeling that exists is that Nea Smyrni is not a destination for the rest of the Athenians, like other, better known, areas of Attica. Do you agree with that? If so, is it something you want to change, that is, to attract more and more citizens, or is it done deliberately in order for the people of Neosmirni to enjoy the city first?
Nea Smyrni is clearly a destination for visitors from other municipalities. It's a neighborhood for everyone. The square is full of youth. It hosts daily people who visit it from the neighboring municipalities but also from other areas as it gives them the opportunity to do many things. We do not want only the people of Neosmirnio to enjoy the city, but everyone.
- If the mayors of other cities call you and ask for your advice so that their trial becomes one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Europe, what will be the main points where you would stand?
To strengthen the greenery in their municipalities and the infrastructure of their squares and all this in the context of sustainable development for the environment. Follow our example. We in all our public buildings do not use oil but gas and at the same time our municipality crosses the tram which is environmentally friendly.
- Do you intend to develop the city further on the basis of technology? Is there anything innovative that you have to implement beyond your digital museum?
Our goals are many and we will implement them slowly in the future. In addition to our digital museum, we also have the historic street, an event that takes place in early October and hosts at least 6.000 people. The museum will open in the near future Karagiozi in which the visitor will be able to admire the figures of the Greek karaoke player Manthos Athinaiou.
- What do the financial data show for the life and the market of Nea Smyrni? What do you get from companies?
With the development of the historic center of the streets, that is, Homer - Paleologos, we create an economic pole of business. The data is good but we hope for further development.
- What other places besides the square is worth the visitor who comes to Nea Smyrni to see?
The beauties of our areas are many. Apart from our square, the visitor deserves to visit the Center of Nea Smyrni, Panionios, the Grove and Agia Fotini. The wood-carved Temple, the Despotic Throne and the Holy Pulpit located inside the Metropolitan Church, were transferred with coordinated actions of the State, Priests and residents, from the Church of Agios Ioannis of "Epano Mahala" of Smyrna (which did not burn of Smyrna because it was located on a hill) and are identical to those housed in the Metropolitan Church of Agia Fotini Smyrni, destroyed after the Asia Minor Catastrophe.
