The Gennadius Library of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens is organizing an exhibition and colloquium entitled "Ottoman Athens, 1458-1833", from February 10 to June 30, 2015. The main concept is to explore the topography, archaeology and history of Ottoman Athens showcasing travelers’ books, works of art, and topographical renderings from the Gennadius collections as well as archaeological finds from the excavations of the Ancient Agora.

The exhibition will showcase the Ottoman period collections of the Gennadeion by exploring several themes about the everyday life of the inhabitants of Ottoman Athens and the interest of the visitors in the antiquities of this land. It will also highlight the significance of the excavations at the Athenian Agora, which revealed the remains of the Classical-Roman-Byzantine and Ottoman city. The exhibition explores the relationship of people of the early modern period with the city of Athens juxtaposing the remains of its classical past with the customs and lifestyles of the Ottoman period; it investigates the impact of the past on the negotiation of people’s identities in later periods.

In order to encompass the entire city the exhibition extends beyond the confines of the Gennadius Library into several other cultural institutions in Athens.

The opening of the exhibition, on  February 10 will be celebrated with a lecture by John McK Camp II, Director of the Athenian Agora Excavations, ASCSA, and Stavros Niarchos Foundation Professor of Classics, Randolph-Macon College, entitled "Dodwell and Ottoman Athens, 1805".

A colloquium entitled "The Topography of Ottoman Athens. Archaeology and Travel" will take place on April 23 and 24. The program will be announced shortly.