Thessaloniki European Cultural Capital

The "European Capital of Culture" is a concept developed by the EU giving European cities the chance to showcase their cultural heritage and development to the rest of the world for one calendar year. It was created in 1985 by the Council of Ministers on the initiative of the Greek Minister of Culture, Melina Mercouri, and her French counterpart, Jack Lang. The initiative has made a significant impact on the social and cultural status of the cities that have been selected throughout the years.

Thessaloniki was designated the European Capital of Culture in 1997. It is one of the largest cities in southeastern Europe and the second major economic, industrial, commercial, and political center in Greece. Since its foundation in ancient times, Thessaloniki has played an important role in the formation of Greek culture and the culture of the whole Balkan area.

Thessaloniki was the starting point for many Christian priests in Byzantine times in their mission to teach Christianity and the alphabet to the Slav tribes of the Balkans. For example, Cyril and Methodius, the missionary brothers, invented and used the Cyrillic Alphabet and brought literacy and Christianity to the Slavs. Some other notable personalities that enriched the city’s culture through their scholarly works include historian John Kaminiates, Archbishop Eustathius of Thessaloniki, and theologian Gregory Palamas. The flourishing of the city in those times was such that a total of 15 Paleochristian and Byzantine Monuments of Thessaloniki have been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Even when Thessaloniki fell to the hands of the Ottoman Turks in 1430, the residents greatly succeeded in preserving their language and culture.

Today, Thessaloniki is a metropolitan city that has a lot to offer in terms of culture. Apart from its historical monuments and numerous museums, Thessaloniki organizes regular fairs and competitions. The International Trade Fair held every September is the largest trade fair in the Balkans. The city also hosts an annual International Film Festival where renowned and up-and-coming filmmakers take part and present their work. Furthermore, the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is one of the most remarkable institutions in Greece and gives esteem to the city.

These historical and cultural characteristics played a big part in Thessaloniki being chosen as the Cultural Capital of Europe in 1997. Many celebrations and exhibitions were organized in that year that aimed to promote the cultural heritage of the town throughout the world. Those included street performances, photo exhibitions, competitions among European artists, theatre performances, and lectures. Of note is the event held in honor of Melina Mercouri, who had laid the groundwork for Thessaloniki to be declared the European Cultural Capital, and the exhibition of the works of Nobel Prize-winning Greek poet Odysseas Elytis.