Common cultural heritage in two Ottoman ports: Smyrna and Salonica

Abstract

Smyrna and Salonica, two prominent Mediterranean port cities in the Ottoman Empire, have similar cultural heritage assets as a result of their topographic, socio-economic and morphological structure. This study aims to elaborate and compare urban refurbishment projects in Smyrna and Salonica in the second half of nineteenth century, focusing on the construction of ports. Thus, it is intended to reveal the common cultural heritage and vernacular qualities in both cities. Different primary sources of this period, such as traveler chronicles, consular reports and correspondence of Ottoman officials related with the planning and realization of such projects are studied within the scope of this research. Since historic centers of Smyrna and Salonica were destroyed by fires (1922 and 1917, respectively), it is important to analyze the foregone assets that represent the building culture in both cities for the sustainability of vernacular heritage.