Nineteenth-century Thessaloniki is seen as one of the showpieces of Ottoman modernity. Based on local archives, this volume studies the factors of change and dwells both on spatial aspects and socio-economic evolution. The work deals with city government, demographic growth and the development of new means of communication. It also examines the artisans of change: dignitaries, philanthropic organizations and social clubs. Part of the book is devoted to the day-to-day lives of anonymous citizens. The author has adopted a comparative method juxtaposing the face the city presented in the 1830s with that of 1900.