The Armenian colony in Thessaloniki

Abstract

The authors give a survey of the Armenian colony of Thessaloniki,
dividing its historical evolution into three major phases (1880-1920; 1921-
1947; 1948 to the present). The colony has experienced considerable ups
and downs as far as its economic and social development is concerned, as
well as both major and minor demographic fluctuations (70-80 individuals
in 1881, 500-600 towards the end of the 1910s, 10,000 in 1923, 6,000 in 1946,
1,440 in 1948 and 1,200 in 1980). Further information is given on the Thessalonican Armenians’ communal organisation in the 1880s, with the formation (1884) of the first Azkhain Khorkurt (National Committee); the appointment of their first vicar (Mikael Hovannisian); the opening of an Armenian school (1885); the acquirement of their own cemetery (1887-8); and their first efforts (1884) to erect their own church (finally built in 1903). The authors offer also data on the Armenian educational and charitable activities in Thessaloniki; on their political groups and ideological trends, particularly in relation to their main national and social issues; on the Armenian press of the city (particularly in 1923-1938) and, finally, on their forging linkage with the
Greek urban social millieux.