Evosmos

Evosmos
Εύοσμος
Evosmos Square
Evosmos
Location within the regional unit
Coordinates: 40°40′N 22°54′E / 40.667°N 22.900°E / 40.667; 22.900Coordinates: 40°40′N 22°54′E / 40.667°N 22.900°E / 40.667; 22.900
Country Greece
Administrative region Central Macedonia
Regional unit Thessaloniki
Municipality Kordelio-Evosmos
 • Municipal unit 9.927 km2 (3.833 sq mi)
Elevation 35 m (115 ft)
Population (2011)[1]
 • Municipal unit 74,686
 • Municipal unit density 7,500/km2 (19,000/sq mi)
Time zone UTC+2 (EET)
 • Summer (DST) UTC+3 (EEST)
Area code(s) +30231
Vehicle registration Ν
Website www.evosmos.gr

Evosmos (Greek: Εύοσμος, Évosmos; before 1955: Neos Koukloutzas[2] (Νέος Κουκλουτζάς, Néos Koukloutzás)) is a suburb of the Thessaloniki Urban Area and was a former municipality in the regional unit of Thessaloniki, Greece. Since the 2011 local government reform it is part of the municipality Kordelio-Evosmos, of which it is the seat and a municipal unit.[3] It has a land area of 9.927 square kilometres (3.833 sq mi)[4] and its population is 74,686 (2011 census). Due to rapid development, the population has been growing fast. Most of the new development is taking place in the northern district of the municipality called Nea Politeia (New Town).

History

Evosmos' first dramatic increase in population occurred when refugees from Asia Minor settled in the area in the early 20th Century. The municipality was originally called Harmanköy (Χαρμάνκιοϊ). In 1953, Harmanköy became an independent community and was renamed Neos Koukloutzas (Νέος Κουκλουτζάς). Two years later it was renamed again to Evosmos, meaning a place that smells nice. A marsh was removed, and with it the nefarious odors it emitted.

Life in the Municipality

Most cultural activity takes place around the municipality's main square. The square is surrounded by cafes, bars, the city hall, and the main church of the municipality.

The main shopping street, Megalou Alexandrou, is just to the north of the square. The cultural center and cinema are located on this street.

Religion

St Athanasius of Evosmos (1818)

There are three churches in the municipality. Agios Athanasios was built in 1818 and is the oldest of the three. Evagelismos is the largest and is located by the square. The Church of the Three Hierarchs is the newest church and is located in the Nea Politeia district.

Sports

The Municipal Athletic Center of Evosmos (in Greek Δημοτικό Αθλητικό Κέντρο Ευόσμου) is located in Nea Politeia. It has indoor basketball and volleyball courts. The Center is used as temporary home by Iraklis Volley for their matches in CEV Champions League. It has also hosted the 2003 Juniors' World Basketball Championship's first round.

Agrotikos Asteras is the local football club that plays professionally in the B' Division - Football League (Greece). Other smaller clubs include Aias Evosmou, A. E. Evosmou, Ethnikos Evosmou and Makedon Evosmou, all of which play in the amateur leagues.

Several notable athletes have come out of Evosmos. Some of the better-known figures include Dinos Kouis and Georgios Firos who both started their careers at Agrotikos Asteras and went on to play for Aris Thessaloniki as well as the national team. Nikos Hatzivrettas is a notable basketball player who began his career at Aias Evosmou.

Notable sport clubs based in Evosmos
Club Founded Sports Achievements
Agrotikos Asteras1932FootballEarlier presence in Beta Ethniki
Aias Evosmou1969Basketball, VolleyballEarlier presence in A2 Ethniki men's basketball, Presence in A1 Ethniki women's volleyball

References

  1. ↑ "Απογραφή Πληθυσμού - Κατοικιών 2011. ΜΟΝΙΜΟΣ Πληθυσμός" (in Greek). Hellenic Statistical Authority.
  2. ↑ Name changes of settlements in Greece
  3. ↑ Kallikratis law Greece Ministry of Interior (in Greek)
  4. ↑ "Population & housing census 2001 (incl. area and average elevation)" (PDF) (in Greek). National Statistical Service of Greece. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-21.
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