- Despot Đurađ Branković: His rule marked an uneasy period where Thessaloniki became a Serbian-ruled city but still culturally Byzantine.
- Ottoman Threat: The Ottoman Empire was expanding rapidly in the Balkans. Their siege of Thessaloniki began shortly after 1423, and by 1430, the city fell under Ottoman control.
What a Traveler in 1423 Would Experience
Imagine arriving in Thessaloniki by ship or caravan:
- You pass through the city gates under the watchful eyes of guards atop the Byzantine walls.
- The bustling marketplace surrounds you, filled with traders speaking Greek, Italian, Ladino, and other languages.
- You visit the Church of Hagios Demetrios, admiring the mosaics and venerating the relics.
- You dine on fresh seafood and olives, wash it down with local wine, and listen to street musicians playing Byzantine melodies.
- You notice the signs of political tension — increased military presence, and rumors of Ottoman encroachment.
- At night, the city hums with a mix of prayers from churches and synagogues, lively taverns, and the quiet watchfulness of the guards.
Conclusion
Thessaloniki in 1423 was a city at a crossroads of history, culture, and empire. It represented the last glimmers of Byzantine power in the region, a hub for diverse peoples, and a center of trade and religious life. This travel guide has attempted to recreate the atmosphere, sights, and sounds of Thessaloniki as they might have appeared to a visitor in the early 15th century, providing insight into a vibrant city on the cusp of monumental change.
The following decade would see Thessaloniki’s transformation under Ottoman rule, but the legacy of the city’s Byzantine past and its cultural mosaic continued to influence its development for centuries to come. shutdown123