Louloudadika

What I can see

The monument of the area is the Ottoman “Bazaar” or “Yahudi Hammam” (the Hammam of the Jews), but no one knows the neighbourhood by the name of the monument, but by the name “Louloudadika” (i.e. Flower Shops). For decades, many florists have gathered here, creating a colourful palette in the neighborhood that can still be seen today. Some have been around since the 1950s and owners have many interesting stories to share about changes in customer preferences over time.

What I can't see

In the 1950s, the Minister of Northern Greece, Leonidas Iasonidis, granted the request of the Florists’ Association for permanent housing of their businesses, which originally settled on the side of the old Ottoman bath on Vassileos Irakliou Street. Later the ephorate of antiquities, in the context of rescuing the monument, removed the shops  with an ultimatum, and with the configuration of the surrounding area sought their total removal from the neighbourhood. An ensuing legal war was won by the florists, and the municipality built special kiosks and informally assured the florists that these spaces would not be rented to others. Unfortunately, however, the municipality increased the municipal fees each year, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of flower shops over time. The Golden Age of Flower Shops was between 1965-1985, when people used to celebrate and pay visits with flowers. According to the florists the beginning of the electronic area has had a further negative effect on their businesses.

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