Establishing the new center of Xanthi

The economic prosperity of Xanthi after 1860 significantly influenced its urban development. To the south of the old town, khans (Ottoman hotels) began to appear, thereby expanding the economic center of the town. Evidence suggests that an open-air market (Yeri Pazar Meydan) existed at the location of the contemporary central square even before 1875. Following the devastating 1870 fire in Yenisea, the administrative center of the kaza (Ottoman district) was relocated to Xanthi. Near the open-air market, the Ottoman administration building, the Mosque of the open-air bazaar, a fountain, and a clock tower were erected, among other buildings. The photograph illustrates a view of the always noisy central square area, with outdoor vendors’ stalls, in the early 1900s.

Creator: Uknown (1900)
Source: D. Mavridis archive – Old Xanthi Blog