Very Rare, 1925, Thessaloniki Free Zone Annual Bulletin, Folding Port Map, Interwar Greece

Description

Very rare and historically important interwar publication documenting the early operation of the Free Zone of Thessaloniki (Ελευθέρα Ζώνη Θεσσαλονίκης), one of the most ambitious economic and commercial projects of modern Greece.

This Annual Bulletin covers the period October 1925 – October 1926, coinciding with the formal activation of the Free Zone following World War I and the Asia Minor Catastrophe. Issued by the Free Zone administration itself, the bulletin provides invaluable insight into Greece’s efforts to re-establish Thessaloniki as a major Balkan transit and trade hub.

The volume is illustrated with period photographs and includes a large folding map of the port and Free Zone area (49 cm × 35 cm) attached at the end—an especially desirable feature rarely preserved intact.

Historical Significance

The Free Zone of Thessaloniki was originally legislated in 1914 but remained inactive due to World War I. Its implementation finally began in the mid-1920s, under new geopolitical conditions following the Balkan Wars and the redrawing of borders in Southeast Europe.

Designed as a customs-free transit and storage area, the Free Zone allowed goods to be imported, stored, processed, and re-exported without duties, aiming to revive Thessaloniki’s commercial role after the loss of much of its traditional hinterland.
The project involved close cooperation between state authorities, local institutions, railways, port administration, and international trade interests, making this bulletin a key primary source for economic, urban, and maritime history.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Ελευθέρα Ζώνη Θεσσαλονίκης – Ετήσιον Δελτίον

• Period Covered: October 1925 – October 1926

• Place of Publication: Thessaloniki

• Printer: Τύποις Ε.Μ.Ε., Τσιμισκή 24

• Year: 1926

• Pages: 38

• Illustrations: Period photographs

• Map: Folding port map (49 cm × 35 cm), attached

• Binding: Original paper binding

• Dimensions: approx. 25 cm × 17.5 cm

• Language: Greek

Condition

Very good vintage condition overall.
Original paper binding with expected age-related wear.
Interior pages clean and legible.
Folding map present and intact.
Please consult the photographs for a detailed condition assessment.

Collectability

Highly desirable for collectors and institutions interested in:

• Greek economic & maritime history

• Interwar Balkan trade

• Port and urban history of Thessaloniki

• Government and infrastructure publications

• Rare maps of Greek ports

A scarce survivor with its folding map complete.