In 1917 Thessaloniki was one of the most important cities in the Balkans. The former Ottoman port became part of Greece in 1912 and later a transit center for the Entente forces during the First World War. Its millenia-old history created a blend of cultures, including Jewish, Turkish, Greek and Bulgarian influences. The Great Fire of 1917 totally changed the face of the city. Most of the ancient landmarks were destroyed and later replaced by modern buildings.
