A Day Dedicated to the Ottoman Monuments of Thessaloniki

Many people worked very hard to make this trip really exceptional. We would like to thank Mr. Biltekin, the Turkish Consul General, for his “delicious” hospitality, but most of all we would like to thank him for helping us understand the importance of modern Turkey in the 21^st century. The Ataturk Museum, an old c. 1870’ house has a romantic aura. Photographs and Ataturk Memorabilia bring to life the personality of an important statesman. How interesting to know that the life of a great man and his education, started here, in Thessaloniki!

We would like to thank Ms. Despina Makropoulou, the Director of the 9^th Ephorate of Byzantine Monuments as well. Ms. Makropoulou responded to our request to visit Bey Hamam, and Aladja Imaret, in a direct and positive way. Last but not least, a big thank you to Ms. Maria Kagiadaki, an art historian working for and sent by the 9^th Ephorate, who guided us around the Ottoman Monuments in an exemplary way.

We had a wonderful day.

Mrs. Amalia Spiliakou

Host Country Studies Coordinator