Publication News from The Foundation for the
Advancement of Sephardic Studies and Culture

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OTTOMAN SALONICA 1430-1912

by Robert Bedford

Ottoman Salonica, 1430 -1912 is a 25-minute documentary which relates the history of the ancient Macedonian city of Salonica, and the rich culture of the Sephardic Jewish community that flourished there for nearly five centuries under Ottoman rule. Ottoman Salonica vividly recreates the distinctive character of Salonica, when the Spanish Jews dominated both the city's commerce and cultural activity.

The history of Sephardic life in Salonica until the Balkan Wars of 1912 and the fall of European Turkey, is recreated by use of historic etchings, maps and more than 250 rare archival photographs from turn-of-the-century postcards and family albums. The sound track was prepared from authentic Sephardic and Turkish music, and includes specially recreated sound effects and authentic dialects.

OTTOMAN SALONICA was written by Robert Bedford, and narrated by Dr. Andreas Zavitsas. It was produced by Robert Bedford, Joe Halio, M.D., and Stuart Fishelson, for the Foundation for the Advancement of Sephardic Studies and Culture. Originally produced for the quincentennial celebration in 1992, OTTOMAN SALONICA has had numerous showings throughout New York New Jersey, and Florida.

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