- Byzantine Greeks: The majority population was Orthodox Christian Greeks who upheld Byzantine traditions, governance, and culture.
- Jewish Community: The Jewish population, primarily Romaniote Jews speaking a unique Judeo-Greek dialect, were merchants, artisans, and moneylenders, contributing significantly to Thessaloniki’s economy.
- Italians (Venetians and Genoese): These traders controlled maritime commerce and had settlements and warehouses in the port area.
- Muslim Presence: While not yet under Ottoman control, there was a growing Muslim presence in the surrounding region, which would soon change the city's demographic landscape.
Economy and Trade
Thessaloniki’s economy in 1423 thrived on trade and commerce. Its position on the Via Egnatia and its deep natural harbor made it a vital hub connecting East and West.
- Trade Goods: The city was a center for grain exports from the fertile Macedonian plains. It also traded in silk, spices, timber, metals, wine, olive oil, and luxury goods from the East.
- Crafts and Markets: Thessaloniki was known for its skilled artisans, producing textiles, leather goods, pottery, and metalwork. The marketplaces were lively centers where locals and travelers bartered goods.
- Currency: Byzantine currency was still in circulation, but the presence of Venetian and Genoese coins was common, reflecting the international nature of trade. shutdown123