ABSTRACT
Thessaloniki was an attractive city with a rich historical past. From 1860 onwards, the city experienced a wide range of architectural and urban planning proposals, through which it would be transformed into a modern city. Until the mid-19th century, there was a general lack of interest in preserving the city’s architectural heritage. In 1890, following a major fire at Aya Sofia Mosque (Agia Sophia church), important initiatives in favor of its conservation were taken by European Byzantinists. The initial steps for the protection and preservation of major Christian monuments (that were converted into mosques) were taken by the Ottoman Administration, in the years after 1900. Ernest Hébrard (1875–1933) drew up an urbanization plan following the 1917 fire that ‘liberated’ Byzantine monuments by depriving them of their urban context. The need for larger spaces led to major alteration and demolition of historic buildings. In 1925, all the minarets were demolished, except that of the Rotonda. The Greek state was slow to recognize the cultural value of Ottoman monuments, most of which were destroyed or turned to secular uses. At the present time, conservation activities are coordinated by the Ministry of Culture. Efforts are made to preserve what remains of the city’s architectural heritage.
