Friday 12 March 2010

Alatza Imaret - Ἀλατζά Ἰμαρέτ

Set in a quiet corner of its own the Alatza Imaret seems to have been well restored in the relatively recent past - probably when Thessalonike was the cultural capital of Europe...Since then however it has again fallen into disrepair and abandonment. Its a pity, as this beautiful building could surely be put to better use!




"The Opium of the People is Religion" explains the graffiti on the wall...


Kids play and the graffiti demands the release of imprisoned comrades...

Kids playing football on the porch...

Graffiti covers the walls and columns, while red paint has been thrown at the walls...I wouldn't be too hasty to assign an anti-muslim motivation to this, however, as some of the churches in the town seem to have suffered the same treatment...





This side of the monument is in bad condition: The window is broken and the view of the room inside is discouraging: it seems to be used to store junk...

If you can translate the Arabic, please do so! Quote "Arabic Inscription D".

If anyone can give me a translation of this inscription I would be especially pleased! Quote "Alatza Arabic Inscription".








If anyone can give me a translation on the Arabic inscriptions above I would be grateful! Quote "Arabic Inscription A".

If anyone can give me a translation on the Arabic inscriptions above I would be grateful! Quote "Arabic Inscription B".

If anyone can give me a translation on the Arabic inscriptions above I would be grateful! Quote "Arabic Inscription C". Inside the coffee and full ashtray denote that this is someone's office...

This part of the monument seems to be used for cultural events...








The monument is at least lit up at night...



Greek flag, ex-mosque, graffiti on the wall...



...and life goes on!

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