Modern Era in Thessaloniki

The modern era in Thessaloniki is marked by gloomy events: 1917 a big fire destroys parts of the city; 1912 and 1912 the Balkan Wars, during which Thessaloniki becomes Greek; World War I and II, and shortly after that the Greek Civil War in 1949.

But it is also a time of population growth, and change. The city’s face changes, not only due to the integration into young Greece, which means the destruction of several mosques memorating osmanic times.

It is not before the 50s, after Greek Civil War, that reconstruction can be started. But ever since then, Thessaloniki perceives itself as a proud opposite pole of Athens.