Demati

The community “Demation” was initially identified with the name “Demati” with its unique settlement and the seat of the “Demati”. The community, by orders of the D. 2.6. 1926 (Government Gazette A 199/1926), was abolished and annexed to the community “Liapi” (later named “Itea”), while by orders of the D. 10.9.1926 (Official Gazette A 356/1926), it was re-recognized as a community. On October 16 1940, the name “Demation” was established as the official name of the settlement and the community. On 19 March 1961, the settlements were identified and annexed to the community: “Saint Varvara”, “Saint Georgios”, “Vutansei”, “Miliotades”.

By orders of the PD. 156 / 20.3.1985 (Government Gazette A 56/1985) the settlement “Voutansei” was designated as the seat of the community.

Mr. A. D. Vlachopoulos informs us that Dematis was a Christian officer of the Ottoman cavalry, who did not embrace Muslims. When he was discharged, he received the site for his property in return for compensation.

According to I. Mantos, in the past, the village of Demati “… was one of the most concentrated of the region, with streets and narrow alleys. This is described in one word as “Demati” in greek language. Consequently, its name also reveals a sum, an organized group of people, a concentration … “. He also adds that” … others claim that the village was named like this, because its inhabitants were very close to each other and united against their enemies… ”

Mr. K. E. Ikonomou considers that the place name is “… a proper name and comes from the Albanian main name Demat (and Dem), from which the Greek names Ntemos and Demos with Hellenistic roots or from the Greek surname Dematis …” and adds that the name Dematis is possible to come from either the Albanian Demat or noun “Demati”. For the Albanian main name Demat argues that “… it comes from the Albanian Dem and the Albanian ending –at, with which it is formed nationally, but also names that denote the genus, the maiden name, the origins … “. He also points out that he deviates from the Albanian origin of the dominant toponym, noting the intense Albanian influence on the place names of the area where the village is located.

Mr. X. Aggelis suggests that “… maybe the first ones who came here wanted to keep, stay close to their word , which is in greek “demenoi”, and later was established as “Demati”…”.