Thessaloniki and Marseille : Two mediterranean cities between history and modernity
The second-largest cities in their respective countries, Thessaloniki and Marseille share a historical rivalry with their capitals, Athens and Paris. Each, in its own way, embodies a strong and unique identity, shaped by a rich past, a port tradition, and a deeply rooted cosmopolitanism. Their destinies appear closely linked, connecting the eastern and western shores of the Mediterranean.
Cities Born from a Union of Peoples: Synoecism in Action
Synoecism, the process of uniting different communities to form a larger urban entity, is at the origin of both Thessaloniki and Marseille. Each was born from the meeting of diverse peoples, fostering an exceptional cultural blend.
Marseille traces its origins to the ancient city of Phocaea (Φώκαια / Phṓkaia), a Greek Ionian city located on the Aegean Sea, in present-day Turkey. Founded between the 10th and 8th centuries BCE, Phocaea was a prosperous naval port with two natural harbors and small surrounding islands, much like Marseille today with its Old Port and nearby the Calanques. From there, Greek sailors set out to create Massalia, the first city on French soil even before the existence of France itself.
The legend of Gyptis and Protis symbolizes this foundation: Protis, a Phocaean navigator, arrived on the shores of what would become Marseille and was welcomed by the local king, Nannos. During a ceremony, Princess Gyptis presented him with a cup, signifying her choice to marry him. Thus, through this union between Greeks and indigenous people, Massalia was born, blending cultures from its very inception.
Thessaloniki, on the other hand, was founded in 315 BCE by Cassander of Macedon, who named it after his wife, the half-sister of Alexander the Great. However, prior to this, the city also resulted from a synoecism between various nearby villages and towns, creating a prosperous new metropolis.
Two Ports at the Heart of Commerce and Culture
Marseille and Thessaloniki developed around their ports, which became economic and cultural lifelines. Marseille, due to its position on the western Mediterranean, has long been a commercial crossroads linking Europe to Africa and the Middle East. Thessaloniki, in contrast, serves as the gateway to the Balkans and played a strategic role during the Byzantine and Ottoman empires.
Both cities have welcomed a cosmopolitan community of merchants, composed of Jews, Italians, and other groups. Marseille saw a significant Jewish and Italian population settle, while Thessaloniki was long known as the “Jerusalem of the Balkans” due to its prominent Sephardic Jewish community.
Shared Colors and Symbols
Marseille and Thessaloniki display flags with similar colors: blue and white, reflecting their maritime heritage and connection to the Greek world. These colors, found everywhere in the urban landscape, also highlight their common Mediterranean identity.
A Resistant Identity Against Their Capitals
As the second-largest cities in their countries, Marseille and Thessaloniki maintain a complex relationship with their capitals. Paris and Athens concentrate political, economic, and cultural power, often relegating Marseille and Thessaloniki to secondary roles. Nevertheless, both cities assert their independence and cultivate a distinct identity, frequently in opposition to the centralism of their nations.
Marseille is perceived as a rebellious, untamed city, proud of its independence. Thessaloniki, in turn, is the heart of Greek Macedonia, a region that has long sought historical and cultural recognition distinct from Athens.
Football: A Shared Passion
Football plays an essential role in both cities, reflecting their passionate and vibrant identities. Olympique de Marseille (OM) and PAOK Thessaloniki are not just football clubs; they are symbols of pride and resistance for their respective populations. The fiery atmospheres of the Vélodrome and Toumba Stadiums are legendary, with dedicated fans who see their clubs as extensions of their city’s spirit. Moreover, Marseille shares a special bond with AEK Athens, one of Greece’s most historic clubs, whose fans maintain strong ties with OM’s supporters. This friendship is a testament to the deep-rooted connections between Mediterranean cultures and the shared values of passion, resilience, and unity.
Conclusion: Two Global Cities Looking Toward the Future
Despite the economic and social challenges they face, Thessaloniki and Marseille remain dynamic cities, open to the world and in constant transformation. Their shared history as cultural crossroads continues to shape their present, and their future remains anchored in this unique Mediterranean identity.
