The Great Fire of Thessaloniki, which broke out on August 18, 1917, significantly altered the city’s landscape and development trajectory. This disaster stands as a pivotal moment in the history of Thessaloniki, reshaping its urban form and influencing its cultural and social evolution.
Pre-fire Period
Before the fire, Thessaloniki was a bustling, cosmopolitan hub, characterized by a diverse population comprising Jews, Turks, and Orthodox Greeks. The city’s layout was a product of its ancient Byzantine walls and the more recent Ottoman reforms aimed at modernization. These reforms had led to the demolition of the coastal wall and the creation of an extensive embankment, aligning the city more with European standards. Despite these changes, by the early 20th century, the city’s infrastructure struggled to accommodate its rapidly growing population, which had reached nearly 160,000 by 1913. Overcrowding, dilapidated housing, and poor sanitation were prevalent, particularly in the slum areas of the city center and western districts.
The Fire
The catastrophic fire began on the afternoon of August 18, 1917, in a house on Olympiados Street. It spread rapidly due to several contributing factors, including strong Vardaris winds, narrow streets, wooden structures, and an inadequate fire service. The fire ravaged the city for thirty-two hours, decimating approximately one-third of Thessaloniki’s area. It destroyed key infrastructure, including the post and telegraph offices, city hall, and numerous commercial and residential buildings. Notable historical and religious sites, such as the Basilica of Saint Demetrius, several synagogues, and mosques, were also lost.
Impact and Reconstruction
In the aftermath, the city’s landscape and demographic makeup were profoundly altered. The fire left around 70,000 people homeless and devastated the local economy by destroying over 4,000 businesses. The majority of those affected were Jews, leading to a significant exodus from the city. This event marked the beginning of a demographic shift that would see the departure of many prominent families and the movement of ethnic communities to other regions or countries.
Reconstruction efforts began almost immediately, spearheaded by Minister of Transport Alexandros Papanastasiou and the International Committee for the New Plan of Thessaloniki, led by French architect Ernest Hébrard. The new urban plan, presented in 1918, envisioned a modern European-style city with wide boulevards, spacious squares, and improved infrastructure. Although financial constraints and political instability during the interwar period hindered full implementation, significant progress was made. Key elements of Hébrard’s vision, such as the creation of Aristotelous Square and the introduction of new building standards, were realized, transforming Thessaloniki into a more organized and modern urban space.
Long-term Consequences
The Great Fire of 1917 left an indelible mark on Thessaloniki. While the city was modernized and rebuilt, it lost much of its historical and cultural heritage. The destruction of traditional institutions and buildings erased significant aspects of its pre-fire character. Moreover, the demographic changes triggered by the fire and subsequent reconstruction efforts led to a more homogenized population, diminishing the city’s previously rich multi-ethnic tapestry.
Despite these losses, the fire also set the stage for Thessaloniki’s evolution into a modern metropolis. The reconstruction efforts laid the groundwork for future urban development, aligning the city with contemporary European standards and facilitating its growth in the 20th century. The Great Fire of Thessaloniki, thus, stands as a turning point in the city’s history, symbolizing both destruction and renewal.
