At the start of August, wildfires exploded across the Mediterranean basin, fueled by a wicked trio of extreme heat, drought and wind. In southern France, the Aude region around Carcassonne saw the country’s largest blaze since 1949, burning more than 16,000 hectares. In Spain, a 16-day heatwave — described by the national weather service as the most intense on record — set the stage for weeks of fire in the northwest near Zamora.

Greece endured simultaneous outbreaks around Patras, several Ionian islands, and Chios; satellites showed ~100,000 acres burned in just two days. By early September, the EU’s science hub estimated roughly one million hectares scorched across Europe in 2025 — an area bigger than Cyprus — with emissions and fire counts well above last year.

This isn’t just “bad luck.” Rapid attribution studies from World Weather Attribution find that the specific cocktail of hot, dry and windy weather that supercharged fires in Türkiye, Greece and Cyprus this summer is ~10 times more likely because of human-caused climate change. A separate WWA analysis shows extreme fire weather in Spain and Portugal is now effectively “common” in a warming world — a grim new baseline we’ll have to plan around, not a blip we can just ride out.

What it feels like on the ground

Fires today don’t behave like the fires our grandparents knew. Structures ignite faster; smoke is a toxic stew; embers leap roads like they weren’t even there. Our own reporting on smoke’s health harms — even from far-away blazes — is sobering: see how wildfire smoke damages lungs and hearts.

In Israel, we’ve documented both the on-the-line response and long-tail recovery, from front-line firefighting and evacuations to lessons from the Carmel blaze a decade ago — when, counter-intuitively, letting nature lead regrowth proved wiser than rushing in with well-meant tree plantings.

A warmer Mediterranean from climate change means longer fire seasons, drier fuels and stronger heat waves. We’ve reported on this shift for years — from early signals of Mediterranean winter drought trends to the uncomfortable truth that it’s not “just warming” but global scorching.

Add land-use change — abandoned farms, flammable plantations, dense edge housing — and fires spread faster and hit more people. Meanwhile, climate whiplash is reshaping risk across our region; the same storm systems that flood deserts are part of a new normal we covered in MENA’s flash-flood wave.

What we can do next (like, starting yesterday)

Prevention isn’t sexy, but it works. We can make homes less flammable, communities more prepared, and landscapes less primed to explode. That looks like smarter codes and materials — even bio-based ones. Our look at hemp-lime blocks found they smolder slowly and hold structure in fire tests,buying valuable minutes for firefighters  and families alike. For deeper resilience, check out Earthship-style off-grid homes that reduce dependence on fragile grids when heat waves knock power and comms offline.

We also need to treat mental resilience as climate infrastructure. Neighborhood-scale actions can ease eco-anxiety while cutting risk: placemaking to build social ties, shrinking our personal footprints, and backing projects that restore ecosystems at scale — from community-led reforestation in Iran to ambitious corporate pledges like doTERRA’s native tree plantings in Hawaii.

Policy matters too — and we’ll keep holding leaders to account (see our coverage of health-protective climate rules).

What Green Prophet readers can do

Feeling overwhelmed is normal, but it’s not the end of the story. Start where you live: create defensible space (clear brush, prune trees), swap to ember-resistant vents, and ask your city for shaded “cool corridors” and community fire drills. Learn the health basics for smoky days (N95s > cloth masks), keep HEPA purifiers on hand, and check in on elders and neighbors. Put your money and voice behind solutions: fund local ecological grazing and prescribed burns; back nature-positive jobs; and push for serious climate policy, not just slogans.

And yes, keep sharing rigorous reporting — amplify scientists, firefighters, and the communities living on the frontlines. Together, we can make the next fire season a little less brutal, and a little more survivable. Even small steps add up, promise.

The post Mediterranean Mega Fires Burn Record Land as Climate Change Fuels Extreme Heat and Drought appeared first on Green Prophet.

You might have heard about the so-called “blue zones” — five areas in the world that longevity expert Dan Buettner has identified as having residents who routinely live to be over 100. They are Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California, and Ikaria, Greece. A new secret about the Ikaria diet is revealed.

A breathtaking drone view of Ikaria, Greece, showcases its pristine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. This picturesque island is one of the world’s five “Blue Zones,” as identified by longevity expert Dan Buettner—places where people live significantly longer, healthier lives.

“[People from] Ikaria, Greece, live about eight years longer than the average American, largely without dementia—no discernible dementia,” Buettner revealed.

In contrast, the US faces a growing dementia crisis. An estimated 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s today, a number projected to rise to 13.8 million by 2060, according to the NIH. Meanwhile, in Ikaria, researchers found only three mild cases of dementia among all residents over 65.

The Ikarian Diet: A Mediterranean Marvel

What’s their secret? According to Buettner, diet plays a key role. On his Blue Zones blog, he explained that Ikarians follow the strictest version of the Mediterranean diet, relying on:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains, beans, and legumes
• Olive oil
• Moderate amounts of red wine

However, unlike other Mediterranean regions, Ikarians consume far less fish and meat, instead focusing on an impressive variety of wild and garden greens. “They regularly eat a hundred or so foraged wild greens like mustard, chicory, and fennel—plants we’d weed-whack in the U.S.,” Buettner noted. These greens are packed with antioxidants, boasting 10 times the artery-cleansing power of red wine.

Herbal Teas and Coffee: Longevity in a Cup

Another key to Ikarian longevity? Their love for herbal teas and coffee.

“Ikarians drink herbal teas every day, made from plants grown around their homes and in the wild,” Buettner said. Popular choices include oregano, dandelion, sage, and rosemary—herbs with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. A 2023 study found that drinking tea (both green and black) was linked to a 29% lower risk of dementia.

Ikarians also drink copious amounts of coffee. A 2010 study found that consuming 3 to 5 cups of coffee daily during midlife reduced the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s by 65%. Another study in 2021 revealed that people who drank a mix of 2 to 3 cups of coffee and tea daily had a 30% lower risk of stroke and dementia.

The Lifestyle Factor: Movement & Social Bonds

Beyond diet, Ikarians benefit from a naturally active lifestyle and strong social ties. Unlike Americans, who often sit for long hours and rely on short, intense gym sessions, Ikarians engage in consistent, low-intensity movement throughout the day. Since the island is mountainous, even a simple trip to the store involves uphill walking.

Additionally, social isolation is rare in Ikaria. “Ikarians are much less likely to suffer loneliness and depression than Americans,” Buettner wrote. “And depression increases dementia risk by 50%.”

Lessons from Ikaria

To embrace the Ikarian way of life:

• Eat a plant-heavy, antioxidant-rich diet with plenty of wild greens.
• Swap sugary drinks for herbal tea and coffee.
• Stay socially connected and engaged.
• Move naturally throughout the day, rather than relying solely on structured workouts.

In Ikaria, longevity isn’t just about adding years to life—it’s about adding life to years.

The post The Secrets of Longevity in Ikaria, Greece appeared first on Green Prophet.

An oyster plague in oysters and now there is a worrying plague that has started in Greece, worrying farmers about their livestock. A goat plague, also known as Peste des Petits Ruminants, was detected for the first time in Greece last month. While the virus does not seem to infect humans, it is highly contagious among goats and sheep and can kill between 80 and 100% of those infected.

To combat the spread of the plague first found in the 1942, Greece has banned the movement of goats and sheep around the country, made up of a mainland and about 6,000 smaller islands. Greece also shares a 150 mile border with Turkey –– also a lover of goat and sheep meat.

“The movement of sheep and goats for breeding, fattening and slaughter is banned throughout Greece,” said Greece’s agriculture minister Costas Tsiaras said.

New infections are active in the central Larissa region and in Corinth in the south.

The ban had been introduced “with the aim of limiting the spread and eradication of the disease”.

The ministry also said an investigation was under way to determine the source of the plague, and it may be from imported meat.

If a case is found an entire group of livestock from the farm must be killed. Since July 11, about 7,000 animals have already been culled according to the BBC.

Greece is a goat loving country and has the highest number of goats in Europe. The milk from Goat and sheep is used to make feta cheese – a trademark Greek product.

Goats are also loved by Muslims. Read our story about a family’s goat slaughter for Eid.

PPR was first reported in Ivory Coast in 1942 and has since spread globally.

The Slow Food Movement defines Slow Meat

 

There are some very good arguments for Slow Food and eating food grown from smallhold farms, regenerative farms and which are grown locally. Globalism has created an influx of invasive pests. These diseases and insects are kicking down forests in Canada, they are infecting lakes and seas (jellyfish and zebra mussels) and they are affecting our meat and milk.

Looking for solutions? These farmers define animal farming and food in new old ways. Click here.

The post Goat and sheep plague threatens Greek meat industry appeared first on Green Prophet.

In patient Greek style, with seven years of delays, Greece has finally legalized medical grade cannabis. Zorba would be proud. Patients will get licenses in situations where medical cannabis has proven to be effective in areas such as relief from chemotherapy, therapy against HIV or hepatitis C, chronic pain, MS and in palliative care to help with appetite.

The Greek market is expected to be about $330 million USD, and will be a good place for new grow ops to start operations. The first medical grade cannabis plant opened in January at Examilia, in Corinth under an investment from Tikun Europe, a subsidiary of Tikun Olam from Israel.

“A new era is beginning for our country with the operation of our Tikun Europe facility, paving the way for Greece to become one of the main players in the field of production and export of medical cannabis products,” said Greek Development and Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis who said Greek patients will benefit from these products, despite cannabis “having a difficult history due to its nature as a narcotic.”

The Greek facility aims to be an export hub to all of Europe, reviving Greek’s agriculture industry. But also the Pharma business.

Pharmaceutical manufacturing is one of Greece’s main industrial sectors, comprising dozens of local and foreign companies and accounting for roughly 10% of employment. The country exports around €3 billion worth of medicines a year to some 140 countries, making it Greece’s second-largest export sector. Much of the global supply of antibiotics, and medicines for treating cholesterol and diabetes, are produced in Greece.

Several international drug companies – like Germany’s Boehringer Ingelheim – have invested heavily in their Greek production facilities with an eye to exporting more. Overall, approximately €1.2 billion is now being invested in a dozen new production units and 18 new research centers that are expected to further boost production and exports.

The development of a plant focusing on medical cannabis represents a major investment in what is expected to be a growing market worldwide. Two other such production facilities, by investors from Europe and North America, are also planned at different locations in Greece.

Greece had already inaugurated its first ever production facility for medical cannabis − the largest such facility in Europe − and the latest in a string investments that are boosting the country’s position as a leading exporter of pharmaceutical products to the world.

The specialist doctors able to prescribe cannabis in Greece include medical cannabis include anaesthetists, neurologists, and pathologists specializing in cancer, infections, and rheumatism.

Treatments for medical cannabis will not yet fall under state insurance, so high costs of $90.03 for 5-grams (0.17 ounces) might just lead people to obtain it through illegal channels. Lavipharm and Pharmaserve-Lilly will be dispensing the cannabis.

Anna Paga, a 60-year-old mother of three with psoriatic arthritis told the Athens Macedonian News Agency: “What can I say about this day? A very big thank you, relief, vindication, freedom to live. I was among the first to get the prescription via the electronic prescription system and I didn’t expect it, I couldn’t believe it. I burst into tears … an end to the risks and fear.”

Greek patient advocacy group Mamaka says it will still fight for the right for people to cultivate at home for personal use.

Medical cannabis has changed lives around the world. Green Prophet interviewed Dr. Alan Shackelford, the Israeli-American doctor who prescribed cannabis to a child, Charlotte Figi, saving her from hundreds of epileptic seizures every week. He was the first in America to do this through legal channels.

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HomeExchange, a pioneer in home exchange vacations for over three decades, has recently introduced HomeExchange Collection—an exclusive community catering to like-minded travelers seeking to connect, share, and swap their luxurious homes. As a Certified B Corporation, HomeExchange Collection actively supports sustainable travel initiatives. By promoting the use of existing homes as accommodations, the platform reduces the need for constructing new hotels. Many homes in the collection boast eco-friendly features such as solar power, electric vehicle charging, handcrafted construction with local materials, and even bicycles for exploring local neighborhoods. 

Membership in HomeExchange Collection comes with a host of benefits, including dedicated support from a specialized team, alternative accommodation options, and coverage in case of cancellations or non-compliance. Moreover, members enjoy property damage protection of up to $2,000,000, providing peace of mind during their luxury home exchanges. 

One of the unique luxuries for members is the opportunity to feel at home anywhere in the world, immersed in homes with distinctive character. Host members contribute invaluable pre-arrival advice, offering insights into authentic travel experiences that unveil the rich tapestry of local culture and customs. Noteworthy is the diverse membership, encompassing sustainable fashion designers, international consultants, interior designers, scientists, architects, artists, and engineers—all dedicated to sharing their homes and offering meaningful recommendations in various destinations. 

The emphasis on community sets HomeExchange Collection apart. Members are encouraged to embrace a local lifestyle, supporting small businesses and adhering to recommendations from their hosts. With no financial transactions involved, the platform fosters a sense of hospitality where guests are welcomed as friends or family, promoting responsible tourism that respects the local ecosystem. 

But, HomeExchange Collection goes beyond its immediate operations, annually calculating and working to reduce its carbon footprint. The company actively contributes to global carbon neutrality through partnerships with the GoodPlanet Foundation, investing in impactful social and environmental projects.

Operating from its Paris headquarters, HomeExchange enforces a stringent waste management policy, ensuring the recycling of all workplace materials through collaboration with “Les Joyeux Recycleurs.” Furthermore, the company’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of electricity supplied exclusively by Enercoop, a French utility company harnessing renewable energies.

Here’s a look at some of our favorite properties in the MENA and Mediterranean region that can be exchanged through HomeExchange Collection:

Mountainside Family Villa 

Nestled in a traditional Turkish village, Villa Alara offers peace and proximity to attractions like Kalkan, Fethiye, Kas, and Antalya. The spacious 5-bedroom family retreat overlooks Patara beach. Ideal for a relaxing family holiday, the villa features a private pool area with stunning sea views. Spread across three floors, the ground floor offers an open-plan lounge and a well-equipped kitchen, while the second floor boasts four ensuite bedrooms with access to a large balcony. The third floor provides a rooftop terrace with sunbeds and a BBQ. Outdoors, enjoy a large infinity heated pool, jacuzzi, and various activities like table tennis and basketball. Family-friendly amenities cater to babies and toddlers. 

Charming House in the Cyclades

Serifos offers beautiful beaches, historic sites, and hiking trails, maintaining its authentic character despite tourism development. With 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, this residence sleeps 4, offering a delightful retreat in the village of Hora, a Greek village island paradise. The house is divided into two independent floors, each featuring a terrace with a view. The ground floor includes a small living/dining room, a well-equipped open kitchen, and a bedroom. The south-facing green terrace offers a beautiful view of the village and the sea.

The first floor, independent and air-conditioned, hosts a bright bedroom with a private bath. The terrace with a pergola provides a magnificent panoramic view of the Aegean Sea. The village of Hora, considered one of the most beautiful in the Cyclades, is a small fortified medieval settlement with breathtaking views. Guests can enjoy peace and quiet, a short walk to the village center, and proximity to shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Seaside Retreat in Greece

Villa Liba is a luxurious retreat on Meganisi Island, Greece, in the Ionian Sea. This residence accommodates 6 guests across 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, offering contemporary elegance. The villa features a spacious terrace, garden furniture, pergola, infinity swimming pool with a jacuzzi, outdoor kitchen, and a panoramic sea-view rooftop. Inside guests will find well-appointed bedrooms, a living room, and an equipped kitchen. The home is located a 15-minute walk or a 5-minute bike or car ride from Vathy village, known for its authentic fishing port and specialty restaurants.

Stylish Getaway in Dubai 

This luxurious apartment located in Dubai accommodates up to 4 guests. This residence is located in the prestigious Creek Harbour neighborhood with stunning views of the marina and central park. The space features 1 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, and a fully equipped kitchen.

Guests can enjoy an elegant living room, balcony, and world-class amenities like a gym, swimming pool, and 24-hour security in the high-end building, complete with a designated parking spot. Dubai Creek Harbour provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, luxury living, and cultural significance, making it an ideal destination for travelers.

The post Discover Unique Homes and Sustainable Getaways with HomeExchange Collection appeared first on Green Prophet.

For the past three months we’ve been living on a Greek island, Aegina island, a marine-dependent community and  economy. In my morning walks along the sea front, I meet neighbors, dog owners, couples, and joggers, who enjoy the outdoors in a climate-changed warm winter.  

My walk passes by rocky and sandy beaches, and small docks with fishing boats. It also passes by sculptures by renowned artists Yiannis Moralis, and Christos Kapralos, the former residence of author of “Zorba the Greek”, Nikos Kazantzakis, overlooking the Saronic sea.

I also pass by the Bouzas lighthouse, exquisite chapels like Aghia Filothei and Agioi Apostoloi, studios of artists, like Christos Kapralos and Nikos Nikolaou, and the former residences of archaeologists Gabriel Welter, and Belle Mazur, who studied and published the ancient mosaic of the local synagogue dating from the 4th century CE. 

The morning walk is like a history tour. With such a legacy on the island, it is difficult to remain indifferent when encountering a plastic bag or a plastic bottle or a white piece of polystyrene foam stuck between the rocks or lying on the sand on the seashore. Especially near one of these important cultural heritage sites. 

Living in a sea-dependent community, one realizes the practical meaning of the Cradle-to Cradle cycles. The technical cycle, such as the manmade environment, where waste must be carefully disposed and reused. The biological cycle, or the natural environment, where organic waste free of chemicals is absorbed back into the natural ecosystems. Biological cycles can also be generated by human activity, like composting household organic waste at home. 

In reality, keeping the two cycles apart, seems like a Herculean feat, especially in communities  who still struggle with basic household waste management. So, the system has flaws. Leading to waste entering the biological or natural cycle, in particular the marine environment, and in particular, through plastic waste pollution. It may prove to be a ticking bomb, as polluting  marine life and habitats in the sea and seashore threatens the human food chain through the  consumption of local fish. 

This local community of 14,000, growing to 40,000 or more in the summer, is a small  percentage of the global more-than 6.4 billion people who live in coastal communities in 192  countries. Collectively, they generate 99.5 million tons of plastic waste discarded within 50 km of the ocean. Although, 8.3 billion tons of plastics were produced in the past sixty years, only  9.5% were recycled. The numbers are certainly a reason to worry. With an estimated 150  million tons of plastic already polluting the world’s oceans, 9.1 million tons are added every  year, with an estimated growth of 5% annually. Studies estimate that by 2025 plastics will be  equal to one third of fish (by weight), and in 2050, plastic waste will weigh more than fish  stock.  

Plastics in the sea, decompose and break into tiny fragments, called microplastics, that threaten sea life. Plastic waste pollutes the beaches and is often riding the waves. But, can also sink in the seafloor, affecting marine organisms in their reproduction. Plastic waste may cause  injuries and death of marine species. Studies show that plastic waste has affected at least 267 species worldwide. Further, the human food chain, and the local economy, are also affected,  as coastal tourism is directly dependent on the quality and health of fish, sea and seashore. 

As I observe plastic polystyrene pieces and fragments, plastic bottles, bottle cups, straws, lighters, ropes, hangers, wraps, bags, and wrappers, in my morning walks, I often try to  imagine ways of dealing with this worrying issue. I would prioritize the reduction of plastic  production and consumption. Some countries, like Canada, are already considering such moves, although the COVID pandemic caused a serious regression in phasing out single-use  plastics in many countries. 

Another solution would be to substitute plastics with bio-degradable materials. On the island some businesses already use bio-degradable bags. However, most businesses still opt for the cheap plastic choice. Education is key in raising awareness to prevent irresponsible disposal of  plastics. Education can also encourage people to substitute single-use plastics and plastic  products in their daily routine. 

Local and national governments could tax the use of specific plastic products, considering the  damage they cause at local marine ecosystems. I often think of the day when consumers’ IDs  will be printed on the plastic product, container or wrapper, and consumers would be subject to fines. Finally, the day may come when plastics are banned, or replaced by bio-based  alternatives. 

These actions would certainly tackle the problem. However, they would take may years to  realize and bring results. This is why many organizations choose immediate action. 

For example, the Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation in collaboration with the Netherlands based design firm The New Raw, have initiated the BlueCycle initiative to collect and reuse plastic waste from shipping and fishing activities. They create raw material to produce high quality 3D printed urban furniture and other design products. [Listen to ECOWEEK Green Talks podcast with architect Panos Sakkas of The New Raw]

Prague-based NGO PETMAT focuses on the reuse of plastics, in the form of recycled PET in 3D printing of architectural projects, in creating the ‘PET(b)rick’ through recycled plastic blow molding, and through design pieces constructed of empty water bottles. [Listen to ECOWEEK Green Talks podcast with Katerina Novakova of PETMAT]

The Polish Recycling Band young musicians build and perform in instruments created in collaborative workshops, by using plastic containers that otherwise would be sent to a landfill, or pollute the sea. 

At ECOWEEK workshops, we guided young architects and designers to engage in circular  practices in design and reuse waste such as plastic bottles, furniture, ceramic pots, wood, and wooden decks and pallets. They used these materials to upgrade the school yard of a public  elementary school in Crete, Greece and to construct a wooden outdoor exhibition space in  an urban park in Milano, Italy. 

There is also much to do on an individual level. For example, at the island, in my morning  walks, when I see plastic waste by the sea, I stop and collect it. It has become part of my daily  routine, a sort of meditation that does good both ways. It is also a great way to socialize. One  morning, for example, I was joined by two young activists from Canada.

Cyrielle Noel and Georgina Faber are both active environmental advocates who engage in marine and coastal planning and design, research and consultation, and community engagement. 

Through Eau daCité, their social enterprise, they reconnect cities, citizens, and companies to their original source of urbanization: waterways. Eau daCité promotes waterway literacy, activate sustainable development and connect social ecological transformation. 

Inspired by this unexpected visit this Christmas, I invite readers to join me in Greece, or create your own group in your community, to remove plastics from the marine environment.  It is truly fulfilling and empowering to know that you can intervene in reducing plastic  pollution right now. To clean up natural ecosystems and reduce human exposure to plastic  pollution. We can make our world a cleaner and better place. 

—-

Elias Messinas a Yale-educated architect, urban planner and author, creator of ECOWEEK and Senior Lecturer at the Design Faculty of HIT, where he teaches sustainable design and coordinates the new SINCERE EU Horizon program, which aims to optimize the carbon footprint of cultural heritage buildings, through innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective restoration materials and practices, energy harvesting, ICT tools and socially innovative approaches. www.ecoama.com and www.ecoweek.org

The post How to make the world microplastics free appeared first on Green Prophet.

The word Ecology combines two Greek words: oikos (οίκος, meaning ‘house’ or ‘dwelling place’) and logos (λόγος, meaning ‘the study of’). It describes how biological systems remain diverse and productive over time.  To achieve this, we need to keep materials in cycles of reuse, and reduce the need for new extractions and the production of waste.

Architect William McDonough and chemist Michael Braungart in their revolutionary book ‘Cradle-to-Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things’ (2002) present how to adopt a circular economy model through design and science. Their work and examples of circular practices in architecture and industry, are presented in the 2002 documentary film ‘The Next Industrial Revolution’ by directors Shelley Morhaim and Christopher Bedford.

The construction sector plays an important role in the economy. In Europe, it generates almost 10 % of GDP and provides 20 million jobs. It also requires vast amounts of resources, producing greenhouse gas emissions in material extraction, manufacturing, transportation and construction. It is estimated at 5-12% of total national greenhouse gas emissions. Here I write about the problem with deep sea mining for concrete. 

In terms of waste, construction and demolition waste amount to about 35% of total waste generation, and about 50% of all extracted materials. In Europe, construction and demolition waste recycling is about 50%, although some EU countries recycle up to 90%. Circular economy in the EU is a growing sector with around 4 million jobs.

The EU – and the rest of the world – aiming towards 50% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in order to reach the Paris commitment of keeping a global temperature rise well below 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. 

The construction sector requires bold moves by architects and designers to comply with this global goal. Not only towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions of producing new materials, but reducing waste production and illegal disposal of construction waste in nature, as well. 

Circular practices – reuse of materials, reuse of construction waste, building materials disassembly, materials passport, urban mining for materials and others – are the way to go (see Rotterdam). Design for product and materials reuse and upcycling. To reach these ambitious goals one needs to start small and grow. Like the interior restoration project for the synagogue Kahal Shalom, on the island of Kos in the Aegean sea, in Greece. A small project aligning with a global ambition.

Inspired by leading architects on circular practices in Europe, such as Superuse studio and Rau Architects, this project explores the common ground between historic research, restoration and sanctity.

Applying Jewish laws in upcycling

According to Halakhah (Laws guiding Jewish life), based on the sanctity hierarchy of the Temple of Jerusalem, sanctity of a synagogue and its liturgical objects, requires upcycling. For example, a simple closet can be turned into an Aron Hakodesh, but not the opposite. Also, a simple desk can be turned into a Bimah. In a magical way, the reuse of these objects, based on a circular economy principle, raises their sanctity. These objects become at the same time more holy and the project more ecological. In other words, sanctity meet ecology on the Greek island of Kos.

The island of Kos is located in the Dodecanese complex in the eastern Aegean, near the coast of Turkey, near the island of Rhodes. It is known as the island of Hippocrates, the ‘father’ of medicine, who was born in Kos in 460 BCE. The island was under Italian rule from 1912 until 1943 and under German occupation between 1943 and 1945. In 1948, Kos and the Dodecanese, were incorporated to the Greek State.

In early 2022, with the increase of Israeli tourism on the island, the Municipality of Kos saw the need for a functioning synagogue to serve the growing demand for services and ceremonies. Until then, the alternative would be the nearby synagogue Kahal Shalom in Rhodes. 

The synagogue Kahal Shalom in Kos, was designed in 1935 by Italian architects Armando Bernabiti and Rodolfo Petracco, and constructed by the Italian firm “De Martis-Sardelli”, in the Italian Colonial style. Kahal Shalom synagogue was erected after the previous synagogue of 1747 was destroyed in the earthquake of April 1933, which destroyed most of the island.

The Nazis made the Jews abandon their holy site

The synagogue functioned until the Nazis arrested, deported and annihilated the Jewish community in July 1944. After Liberation the synagogue was abandoned. In 1984 it was endangered with demolition. The Municipality, took a bold step and purchased the synagogue to preserve it as a cultural and exhibition hall. In 2022, in collaboration with the Central Board of Jewish Communities, a decision was made to restore the interior of the synagogue to serve, in a mixed-use, as a synagogue and a cultural center. Thus, serving tourists during the tourist and holiday season, and the local community during the rest of the year.

I am an architect and expert in the architecture, history, and restoration of Greek synagogues who undertook the restoration design and have been researching and documenting Greek synagogues for over 30 years. Since 2016, with my team of local expert architects, we have successfully restored the Monastirioton central synagogue and Yad LeZikaron synagogue in Thessaloniki (with KARD Architects D. Raidis and A. Kouloukouris), the Yavanim synagogue in Trikala (with Petros Koufopoulos), and are advancing the construction of a protective roof over the mosaic of an ancient Romaniote synagogue on the island of Aegina, dating from the 4th century CE (with engineer Argyris Chatzidis).

I also consult the Ministry of Culture in Greece, towards the enrichment of the official Archaeological Registry with more than 300 new entries of Jewish monuments and sites throughout Greece.

The restoration of the synagogue was based on research on Italian synagogues – including the Patras synagogue (1917) furnishings on display at the Jewish Museum of Greece in Athens, and the synagogue Conegliano Veneto (1701) at the Museum of Italian Jewish Art in Jerusalem. The synagogue design was also based on circular practices, primarily, through the reuse of existing furniture as a way to raise their sanctity, and reduce waste in the process. In addition, the project was both more economical and faster to implement.

The design process in a nut shell: once the commission proceeded, the initial attempt of the architect was to order furniture from one of the synagogue furniture suppliers in Israel. As the furniture was produced in Ukraine, the Russian invasion made delivery schedules unpredictable. Further, the total cost was beyond the set budget. The architect then tried to find existing historic furniture to reuse from demolished synagogues in Greece, Turkey, Italy and the US. Once this option was exhausted unsuccessfully, the architect suggested using existing furniture: an office closet for the Aron Hakodesh and an old wooden office desk for the Bimah.

The furniture, originally in use and in storage at the offices of the Jewish Community of Thessaloniki, was recruited for the task. For the remodeling of existing furniture, the architect also consulted with the Chief Rabbi of Thessaloniki Aaron Israel, who confirmed the remodeling as Halahically acceptable as long as the sanctity of the furniture was upward: from regular furniture to synagogue sacred furniture, and not the opposite.

Based on detailed remodeling drawings, the carpenter Manos-Tsiaousi Co. based in Serres – NE of Thessaloniki, was chosen for the implementation. A local contractor undertook some light work to enhance the interior restoration. The work was completed in less than four months, and nearly half the cost of ordering new furniture. The synagogue was ready on time for the summer tourist season for the island, and was officially re-dedicated in July 2023.

Today, this small synagogue of 124 sq. m. sanctifies the circular practice of reusing existing furniture in the most profound way. It applies the principles of sustainability in a religious building, such as a synagogue, and as a result not only sanctifies the space and furnishings, but it also protects ecology and aligns human activity to the limitations of the planet, as well. 

The synagogue Kahal Shalom is open for visits and services. NGO ‘Ippokratis’, whose offices are located in the former rabbi residence adjacent to the synagogue, can be contacted regarding upkeep and visit to the synagogue. The Greek book “Kahal Shalom: The synagogue of Kos” by Messinas was published on the occasion of the completion of the project, to fully present the history of the synagogue and the process of restoration. An English translation of the book is in preparation.

Link to Messinas, E. 2023. “Kahal Shalom: The synagogue of Kos”, Kos in Greek (links to PDF)

Author

Elias Messinas is a Yale-educated architect, urban planner and author, creator of ECOWEEK and Senior Lecturer at the Design Faculty of HIT, where he teaches sustainable design and coordinates the new SINCERE EU Horizon program, which aims to provide the tools for optimizing the carbon footprint and energy performance of cultural heritage buildings, by utilizing innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective restoration materials and practices, energy harvesting technologies, ICT tools and socially innovative approaches. . www.ecoama.com and www.ecoweek.org

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The relations between the Herodian Kingdom and the Nabatean Kingdom were very complex and involved political, economic and marriage ties. Through the institution of marriage with local dynasties, Herodians consolidated power in the southern Levant and later became Rome’s client state.

Intermarriage between religious groups was not uncommon, people were open-minded, until they were not. Here’s a little history of the way things were in the Levant, where major world religions brewed and fed each other:

The most prominent ruler of the dynasty, Herod the Great who ruled from 74/73 BCE to 4 CE, was a controversial figure according to historical sources, and one of main villains of The New Testament.

However, despite the popular tradition his rule was characterized by colossal buildings in Judea, including a renovation of the Second Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, construction of the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, the fortress Masada on the eastern edge of the Judean Desert, the maritime port Caesarea Maritima, and monumental palaces like Herodium, 10 miles south of Jerusalem, and Machaerus, 18 miles southeast from the mouth of the Jordan River.

Although his father Antipater I Idumaean (100 BCE to 43 BCE) was an Edomite and his mother Cypros I, a Nabataean, Herod was raised as a Jew. How about that?

An ancient matchmaker

Herod used marriage to bring together different ethnic groups within his realm and making political alliances with other rulers in the same area. In the First Century BCE many members of the Judean elites were Hellenized, which was also the case with Herodians. The process of Hellenization enabled these elites to consolidate and expand their rule in the southern Levant.

The founder of the dynasty, Antipater I already designed a marriage strategy to boost his influence in the region and took a Nabataean noblewoman Cypros I as a wife. She was related to the Nabataean King Aretas III, also known as Philhellen which means Friend of the Greeks.

Kings as babysitters

Relations between them became so cordial that Antipater I would entrust the Nabataean king to take care of his sons while he was participating in the military campaigns against Hasmonean Aristobulus II (66 BC-63 BC).

According to Flavius Josephus, a Jewish historian (37 CE to 100 CE), Antipater I used the Nabataean backing to contact Pompey and Roman generals in the east. Then Antipater I forged an alliance with Caesar, and for his ongoing support of Rome he was awarded with the prize of not having to pay taxes. 

His ascendants automatically became the Roman citizens, therefore his marriage to Cyprus I is only one aspect of a much broader policy that sees Antipater I taking advantage of multiple social, religious and ethnic identities.

However, political relations were not always idyllic: when Cesar was assassinated in Rome in 44 CE the East entered a period of chaos and the Nabataeans mistakenly sided with the Parthians. After the Romans defeated the Parthians, the Nabataean Kingdom was obliged to pay tribute to Romans.

The Roman state used Herod I to punish the Nabataeans when they failed to pay the tribute on time and in 36 BCE Herod I expanded his realm at the expense of the Nabataean Kingdom taking its northern swaths. Wadi Mujib, the biblical Arnon Stream, was a border between Nabataean and Herodian states and, according to a Greek archaeologist Konstantinos Politis, the late researcher Taysir Atiat found a Nabataean temple and a watch tower on the mouth of Wadi Mujib.

Within a Herodian Kingdom there was a port on the eastern side of the Dead Sea called Ain –ez Zara, with rooms for shops as it was part of the incense trade route. Further up an ancient road connects Ain ez-Zara with Machareus fortress, a border stronghold and a palace of King Herod the Great. It was a part of the defensive line with a small settlement under the palace, which was a place where St. John the Baptist was beheaded around 29 CE.

A breakup that leads to war

Herod Antipas (20 BCE to 39 CE) was one of sons of Herod the Great and ruled the Galilee and Perea, where in the former province established a city of Tiberius named after his patron Emperor Tiberius. Continuing practice of his predecessors, he married Phasaelis, a daughter of the Nabataean King Aretas IV. The breakup of that marriage was a pretext for the war between Aretas IV and Herod Antipas as the former invaded Perea and defeated Antipas.

According to Josephus, Jews attributed the defeat of Herod Antipas in 36 CE to the beheading of John the Baptist.

A few generations earlier, the romantic relation took place between Salome, the sister of Herod I, and the Nabataean vizier Syllaeus, who came to Jerusalem in 20 BCE to negotiate a loan of 60 talents on the behalf of the Nabataean King Obodas III.

Afraid of the pagans at Petra

Despite the objections from Herod the Great, his sister continued to date the ambitious Nabataean deputy.  Herod I had tense relations with Obodas III and paranoid, as he was, Herod I thought that Syllaeus would depose him and become the ruler of Judea. Several months later, when Syllaeus returned to Jerusalem to propose to Salome, Herod I added the condition that he had to become a Jew and undergo circumcision.

Fearing the reaction and potential stoning by his fellow pagans in Petra, Syllaeus backed off returning to the Nabataean capital empty handed, without love.

The identity of the Herodians was fluid and dynamic, transforming from one ethnicity, culture and religion to another. The choice of the spouse or partner depended on the constellation of power and relations with the Nabataean kings who were also politically submissive to the Romans.

When Jews rebelled in 70 CE, the Nabataeans joined the Roman army who crashed the uprising. However, the Nabataeans’ relative independence didn’t last for too long and Emperor Trajan annexed their kingdom in 106 CErenaming it in the province Arabia Petrea.

The post If you think the Middle East is dramatic now, 2000 years ago it was a telenovela appeared first on Green Prophet.

Rose-flavored sweetness and a light, creamy texture that keeps you dipping your spoon back in – in Israel this pudding is called malabi.

In Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt, people call it muhallibieh. The Greeks eat it as well. And it’s only milk pudding, made in ten minutes. Sounds like a dessert for children, but all over the Middle East, you’ll see Malabi offered in restaurants and at dinner parties. In Tel Aviv and Jaffa you will now find shops called malabia, which serves a vegan or cream option for about $2.50.

Recipes vary a little.  Some call for a combination of milk and cream. A vegan combination I like is half coconut milk, half water. Rice milk works very well too, but not, for some reason, soy milk.

Some people flavor their malabi with rosewater, some with orange flower water. Very old recipes call for mastic, a resin from a shrub belonging to the pistachio family.

One ancient recipe requires flavoring the pudding with two leaves of a bitter orange tree, or the flowers (click to read our almond blossom recipe).

Toppings vary too. You can top Malabi with chopped pine nuts and walnuts, or with chopped pistachios, like in the above photo. Some dust a little cinnamon over the top, or sprinkle shredded coconut and peanuts. A little syrup over everything – it can be silan – the Middle-Eastern date honey used to “sweeten” sweet potatoes –  or a home-made sugar syrup flavored with lemon, maple syrup, or chocolate syrup.

Malabi

8 servings – can be halved

Ingredients:

4 cups milk

1 cup sugar

5 tablespoons cornstarch, diluted in 1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons rose water or orange flower water

4 oz. chopped nuts

Silan or other syrup

Method:

1. Put the milk and the sugar in a pan and bring the mixture to a boil.

2. Always stirring, add the cornstarch and water mixture.

3. Cook over medium heat till the pudding thickens – up to 5 minutes.

4. Add the rose water; stir.

5. Ladle into small bowls. Cool the pudding and then refrigerate it till cold.

5. Garnish the servings with chopped nuts and a swirl of syrup.

Bon appetit!

More Middle-Eastern recipes from Green Prophet:

• Za’atar Pesto
• Creamy Eggplant Soup
• Majadra

The post Creamy white malabi pudding with pistachios appeared first on Green Prophet.

I dream of shade everywhere I walk, run or cycle and wonder why cities in hot climates don’t make a point to put shade everywhere. Sunny side of the street for me? Nope, I follow the paths that cast shadows from trees or nearby buildings. You get the point.

As we humans grow to understand why we need to make cities walkable, and comfortable, the big issue of shading hot cities is a big one.

Architects building shady, flowery canopies for Hajj got the message. And now, Israel’s Design Museum of Holon started a competition for encouraging architects to develop projects for urban shade.

Winners were Point Supreme Architects, an architecture firm from Athens, Greece.

See the sketches above and below for their winning design Serpantina:  public urban spaces that could be made in the shade.

The design is expected to be built in Tel Aviv, Israel by next year.

Serpantina is a simple linear element made up of modules of standard metal profiles and sun shading fabrics widely available in the market that can be both easily reproduced, adapted to different locations, transported and assembled on site.

More details:

Project details:

status: competition 1st prize
area: 300 m2
location: Tel Aviv, Israel
structural engineer: Athanassios Kontizas
local architect: Robert Ungar
collaborator: Reineke Otten
client: Beracha Foundation and Design Museum Holon
expected completion: June 2015

The post Made in the shade with simple, cheap urban design for Tel Aviv appeared first on Green Prophet.