#35 Postcard Trivia 10.23.18
Postcard from the collection of J Garner. Circa 1900-1910. G. Bader, Editeur, Salonique.
I found this vintage postcard (circa 1900-1910) in an antique mall. I was interested in the costumes and the history of this group of villagers. After a little research and translation, I discovered that this souvenir is from the city of Thessaloniki, an important port in Greece. The city dates back to 315 BC when it was founded by the king of Macedon. He named it after his wife, Thessaloniki, who was a half-sister of Alexander the Great. The city is also know by other names used in different cultures. In English, it is referred to as Salonika. The city officially joined the Kingdom of Greece in 1912. The villagers in the photo are from Turkish heritage. They are part of a long history of migrating groups who moved in and out of Greece over hundreds of years. I would love to know more about their culture, traditions, and dress. The “costumes” are certainly colorful and made of interesting fabrics. A lot of fabric, actually! It looks like yards of material are involved in the entire outfit, including headdress. There appears to be a stage behind the group in the photo. Maybe they performed traditional dances. Today, Thessaloniki is known for its rich cultural festivals and events, in addition to being the second largest economic city in Greece. See photos below. I may need to take a trip to this historical city to get the full story of the colorful group in the photo!
Trivia Question:
The port city of Thessaloniki, Greece, is located on what body of water?
A. Aegean Sea B. Mediterranean Sea C. Adriatic Sea
See Answer below.
Answer to Trivia Question:
A. Aegean Sea. See maps below.
