Author(s)

P. Astrinidou, I. Papayianni

Abstract

In this paper two of the most important ancient structures of the city of Thessaloniki in Greece are discussed. One is the well known church of Byzantine period the Hagia Sofia of the 7th century AD and the other is the Bezesten, the ottoman market of jewelry and cotton of the 15th century. Both buildings form an integral part of the city's history and are concrete expressions of its multicultural heritage. The discussion is focused on aspects of continuity by examining critically the traditional techniques and technology as well as by assessing the defects and good behavior of these architectural structures. The morphology, the bearing structural system and the characteristics of old building materials of the two structures are presented. Similarities and differences ar

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