Kos

The Ottoman Empire captured the island of Kos on January 22, 1523. This conquest was part of a wider campaign by the Ottomans to dominate the Aegean Sea and expand their empire's influence in the Eastern Mediterranean. The capture of Kos marked the end of the Knights of Saint John's rule over the Dodecanese Islands. Under Ottoman rule, Kos experienced changes in its administrative structures and demographic compositions, as well as cultural influences that can still be observed today. Ottoman architectural and cultural influences remain a part of Kos's heritage.

During the Greek War of Independence, Kos faced several attacks and battles as part of the larger conflict. On June 1, 1824, the island was attacked by Ottoman forces seeking to suppress revolutionary efforts. Despite being outmatched, local populations resisted fiercely, symbolizing the island's strong participation in Greece's broader struggle for independence. The events on Kos during this period were characterized by intense resistance against Ottoman rule, contributing to the island's historical narrative of resilience and its ultimate integration into the modern Greek state when independence was achieved.

On April 23, 1933, a severe earthquake struck Kos, causing widespread destruction. This natural disaster destroyed many residencies and key buildings, particularly in the town of Kos. Over the following years, the rebuilding process saw significant urban and architectural changes, with influences from Italian occupation including rationalist style buildings. The earthquake's aftermath influenced Kos's urban development, highlighting the vulnerability to natural disasters while also reinforcing resilience and integrating modernist architectural elements into its recovery.

On October 3, 1944, Kos was liberated from Nazi occupation. During World War II, the island was initially under Italian control, but after Italy's surrender in 1943, German forces occupied Kos. The liberation occurred as British and Greek troops landed on the island and successfully took control. This event marked a pivotal moment as it ended the Axis powers' hold over Kos and returned the island to Greek administration. The liberation was part of a broader campaign in the Aegean, signaling the decline of Nazi influence in the region and fostering hopes for Greece's post-war recovery.

The Treaty of Peace with Italy, signed on February 10, 1947, formally ended World War II hostilities between Italy and the Allied powers. As part of the treaty, the Dodecanese Islands, including Kos, were ceded from Italian control to Greece, marking a fundamental shift in the territorial boundaries in the region. This transfer, effective on December 10, 1947, was a significant moment in Kos's history as it marked the island's official incorporation into the modern Greek state. This transition was accompanied by changes in administration and national identity for the island's population.

The Asklepieion of Kos, a sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the Greek god of healing, was constructed around 366 BC. This site not only served as a temple but also as a primary medical school of the classical Greek world, contributing significantly to the development of medical practice. Its establishment can be tied to Hippocrates, the famed physician from Kos, who is considered the 'Father of Medicine'. The Asklepieion became an influential center for teaching and healing, attracting students and patients from across the Greek and Roman empires, leaving a lasting legacy on medicine.

In 458 BC, Kos became a member of the Delian League, an association of Greek city-states under the leadership of Athens. This coalition was primarily aimed at defending against Persian advances, but it gradually became dominated by Athenian interests. For Kos, joining the league meant contributing warships and resources to the collective defense. However, it also brought Kos under the influence of Athenian politics and culture, which shaped its policies and development. The affiliation with the Delian League represented a crucial step in Kos's integration into broader Greek geopolitics during the Classical period.

In 338 BC, the Battle of Chaeronea took place, where Philip II of Macedon faced the Greek city-states including Athens and Thebes. Following this significant Macedonian victory, Kos, like many other city-states, aligned with Macedon. This alliance brought Kos into the orbit of Macedonian influence, particularly impacting its political strategy and international relations. Kos's alignment with Macedon affected its subsequent involvement in Hellenistic wars and politics, creating a legacy that intertwined deeply with the greater geopolitical shifts occurring in Greece and influencing its future role in regional dynamics.

On June 15, 1970, Kos International Airport opened, revolutionizing transportation and tourism on the island. Positioned in the town of Antimachia, it created improved accessibility to Kos, facilitating a rapid growth in tourism which became a cornerstone of the island's economy. The airport's opening marked a pivotal shift from a primarily agriculture-based economy towards one dominated by tourism. This development not only brought increased international visitors but also initiated infrastructure enhancements and economic diversification, playing a vital role in shaping modern Kos.

On July 21, 2017, a powerful earthquake struck the Aegean Sea, affecting the Greek island of Kos along with Bodrum in Turkey. The earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 6.6, resulted in significant damage to the infrastructure of Kos, particularly in the town itself, where historical buildings and other structures were affected. Two people lost their lives, and over 120 were injured. The earthquake forced thousands of tourists to evacuate, dramatically impacting the local economy heavily reliant on tourism.