Ottoman Conquest of Thessalonica: What Happened
On 29 March 1430, the Ottoman sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki, the second greatest city of the Byzantine world. Thessaloniki had already been under Ottoman rule once, from 1387 to 1403, before the Byzantines regained it. In 1423, the city's governor, Andronikos Palaiologos, unable to defend it against a new Ottoman blockade, handed Thessaloniki over to the Republic of Venice, hoping the Venetians could hold it. For seven years, Venice defended the city at great cost, but the population suffered from famine and shortages, and many residents fled. In 1430, Murad II arrived with a large army. After a short siege, his troops stormed the walls. The city was plundered for three days, and thousands of its inhabitants were taken as slaves, though some were later ransomed. Murad then moved to repopulate Thessaloniki, bringing in Turkish settlers and allowing some Greeks to return. The city remained under Ottoman rule for nearly five centuries. It grew into a thriving multicultural port and was not liberated by Greece until 1912, during the First Balkan War.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the Ottomans capture Thessaloniki?
The Ottoman sultan Murad II captured Thessaloniki on 29 March 1430, after a short siege. The city remained under Ottoman rule until 1912.
Why did Venice rule Thessaloniki before 1430?
In 1423, the Byzantine governor Andronikos Palaiologos, unable to defend the city, handed it to Venice, hoping the Venetians could protect it.
Had Thessaloniki been Ottoman before?
Yes. Thessaloniki was first under Ottoman rule from 1387 to 1403. The Byzantines regained it by treaty after the Ottomans were weakened by their defeat to Timur at Ankara.
What happened when Thessaloniki fell?
The city was plundered for three days, and thousands of inhabitants were taken as slaves, though some were later ransomed.
When did Ottoman rule in Thessaloniki end?
Ottoman rule in Thessaloniki ended on 26 October 1912, when the Greek army entered the city during the First Balkan War, after nearly five centuries.
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