Bitola During WW1 - Then and Now Photo Gallery

Bitola During WW1 compared to the same or approximate locations today.
Мain goal of this photo gallery is through photographs of the First World War, to depict the demolition of Bitola during the First World War.
The gallery is constantly updated with new photos, so be sure to visit it again.

Source of old Photos:
- Ministère de la Culture (France) - Médiathèque de l'architecture et du patrimoine - diffusion RMN
- „Битола низ стари разгледници“ (Bitola old postcards) - author: Dimche Najdov 
- Other internet sources

New photos: Pargovski Jove

More information on: Bitola during WW1


Old Bazaar Bitola - St. Nektarij Street - View toward Isak Mosque  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Old Bazaar Bitola - St. Nektarij Street - View toward Isak Mosque  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Bulevar 1-vi Maj Street - view toward Pelister  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Bulevar 1-vi Maj Street - view toward Pelister  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Sirok Sokak street near "Kamen Most" (Stone Bridge)  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Sirok Sokak street near "Kamen Most" (Stone Bridge)  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Victims of Gas bombs - Sirok Sokak street "Kamen Most" (Stone Bridge)  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Victims of Gas bombs - Sirok Sokak street "Kamen Most" (Stone Bridge)  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Old Bazaar Bitola - St. Nektarij / Skopska street  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Old Bazaar Bitola - St. Nektarij / Skopska street  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Sirok Sokak street  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Sirok Sokak street  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Stopanska Banka Bitola - Jorgo Osmano Street  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Stopanska Banka Bitola - Jorgo Osmano Street  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Magnolia Square - One / Vip Store  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Magnolia Square - One / Vip Store  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Art and Trade school during Turkish time   - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Art and Trade school during Turkish time, later factory for chocolates and candy "Progres",     - Bitola 1917 - 2017

House of Army "Oficerski"  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
House of Army "Oficerski"  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

View toward Isak Mosque from the Clock Tower  - Bitola during WW1
View toward Isak Mosque from the Clock Tower  - Bitola during WW1

Shirok Sokak Bitola near Hotel Epinal  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Shirok Sokak Bitola near Hotel Epinal  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

"Kamen Most" (Stone Bridge)  - Bitola 1917 - 2017
"Kamen Most" (Stone Bridge)  - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Clock Tower Bitola - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Clock Tower Bitola - Bitola 1917 - 2017

Shirok Sokak Street - Bitola 1917 - 2017
Shirok Sokak Street - Bitola 1917 - 2017

The "Mill" in Bitola 1917 - 2017
The "Mill" in Bitola 1917 - 2017

The main street "Shirok Sokak" in Bitola near the House of Army "Oficerski"
The main street "Shirok Sokak" in Bitola near the House of Army "Oficerski"

Hotel Constitution (left) damaged by the bombardment of Bitola during WW1. On this location today is Hotel Epinal.
Hotel Constitution (left) damaged by the bombardment of Bitola during WW1. On this location today is Hotel Epinal.

"Kamen Most" (Stone Bridge) on Kurderes river. Bitola 1917 - 2017
"Kamen Most" (Stone Bridge) on Kurderes river. Bitola 1917 - 2017

Entente armies on the main street in Bitola - Shirok Sokak - 1917 - 2017
Entente armies on the main street in Bitola - Shirok Sokak - 1917 - 2017

Magnolia square in Bitola during WW1
Magnolia square in Bitola during WW1

Hamza Bey - "Mosque of Three Sheyks" in Bitola 1917-2017 (Solunska street).On the photo also can be seen the riverbed of Kurderes river
Hamza Bey - "Mosque of Three Sheyks" in Bitola 1917-2017 (Solunska street).On the photo also can be seen the riverbed of Kurderes river


Jewish neighborhood in Bitola during WW1. Today Medical emergency on left and residential houses on right. On the new photo also can be seen the minaret of Isak Mosque.
Jewish neighborhood in Bitola during WW1. Today Medical emergency on left and residential houses on right. On the new photo also can be seen the minaret of Isak Mosque.

Clock Tower in Bitola 1917 - 2017
Clock Tower in Bitola 1917 - 2017

Clock Tower in Bitola 1917 - 2017
Clock Tower in Bitola 1917 - 2017

Prince Aleksandar I Karađorđević with Admiral Ernest Charles Thomas Troubridge in Bitola (21 November 1916) compared to same location in March 2017.
Prince Aleksandar I Karađorđević with Admiral Ernest Charles Thomas Troubridge in Bitola (21 November 1916) compared to same location in March 2017.

Panorama - House of Army "Oficerski" in Bitola 1917 - 2017
Panorama - House of Army "Oficerski" in Bitola 1917 - 2017

More photos coming soon ....

Bitola WW1 Postcards - Part 5 (Разгледници од Битола за време на Првата светска војна)

Postcards excerpt from the book: "Bitola through old postcards" Author: Dimce Najdov ISBN 978-608-4754-01-5 COBISS.MK-ID 96689930
Разгледници извадок од книгата: „Битола низ стари разгледници“ Автор: Димче Најдов  ISBN 978-608-4754-01-5 COBISS.MK-ID 96689930
The book is in Macedonian language. Translation of captions in English: Macedonia 1912-1918 editors
- - - 
A group of citizens waiting in line for flour. Location - in front of today's Fire unit and Historical Archive. The second part of the image has title “The place of the Turkish barracks”. The barracks were located behind today's Economic school and Municipal building.
Група граѓани чекаат да им доделат бра­шно. Пред денешната Противпожарна единица и Историскиот архив е вториот дел од сликата на која стои: Местото на турската касарна. Самата касарна се наоѓала зад Економското училиште и општинската зграда.
A group of citizens waiting in line for flour. Location - in front of today's Fire unit and Historical Archive. The second part of the image has title “The place of the Turkish barracks”. The barracks were located behind today's Economic school and Municipal building.


Image number 35 is a view of the Stone Bridge on River Kurdeles and Solunska street seen to the west. Picture number 36 is the left side of Dragor river between “Lenski” Bridge and the bridge at the “Bezisten”.
Сликата број 35 е поглед на Камениот Мост на реката Курделес и улицата „Солунска”  гледана кон запад. Слика број 36 е левата страна на реката Драгор измеѓу Ленски Мост и мостот кај Безистенот.
Image number 35 is a view of the Stone Bridge on River Kurdeles and Solunska street seen to the west. Picture number 36 is the left side of Dragor river between “Lenski” Bridge and the bridge at the “Bezisten”.


On image number 31 and 32 is the main street (Sirok Sokak). On image 31 observed toward south in front of the "Solunska" street.  On image 32 observed toward north in front of today's Magnolia square.
Sirok Sokak at the time was known as the street "King Peter", mistakenly written on this postcard as "Prince Alexander."
На сликата број 31 и 32 е главната улица-Широк Сокак гледан кон југ пред улицата „Солунска” , а на сликата број 32 гледан кон север пред плоштадот „Магнолија”. Широк Сокак, познат во тоа време како улица “Крал Петар”, по грешка е напишана “Принц Алек­сандар”.
On image number 31 and 32 is the main street (Sirok Sokak). On image 31 observed toward south in front of the "Solunska" street.  On image 32 observed toward north in front of today's Magnolia square. Sirok Sokak at the time was known as the street "King Peter", mistakenly written on this postcard as "Prince Alexander."


Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917
Разгледница издадена по повод Божиќните празници и денот на вљубените, Битола 1917
Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917

Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917
Разгледница издадена по повод Божиќните празници и денот на вљубените, Битола 1917
Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917

Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917
Разгледница издадена по повод Божиќните празници и денот на вљубените, Битола 1917
Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917

Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917
Разгледница издадена по повод Божиќните празници и денот на вљубените, Битола 1917
Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917

Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917
Разгледница издадена по повод Божиќните празници и денот на вљубените, Битола 1917
Postcard issued for the Christmas holidays and Valentine's Day – Bitola 1917


Panorama of Bitola westward made from the Clock Tower in 1917. Yeni Mosque and buildings of Pekmez Market are in the foreground.
Панорама на Битола кон запад направена од Саат кулата во 1917 година.  Јени џамија и објектите од Пекмез Пазар се во преден план.
Panorama of Bitola westward made from the Clock Tower in 1917. Yeni Mosque and buildings of Pekmez Market are in the foreground.


Panorama of Bitola eastward made from the Clock Tower in 1917, overlooking the Peliser in the background.
Панорама на Битола кон исток направена од  Саат кулата во 1917 година, со поглед на Пелисер во заднината.
Panorama of Bitola eastward made from the Clock Tower in 1917, overlooking the Peliser in the background.

Shirok Sokak, the main street in Bitola, 1917
Широк Сокак, 1917
Shirok Sokak, the main street in Bitola


The entry of the French soldiers in Bitola on 19 November 1916.
Влегувањето на француските војници во Битола на 19 ноември 1916 година.
The entry of the French soldiers in Bitola on 19 November 1916.


Shirok Sokak (Main Street in Bitola). French troops in sightseeing.
Широк Сокак. Француски војници во разгледување на градот.
Shirok Sokak (Main Street in Bitola). French troops in sightseeing.


"Solunska" street with Kurdeles river and the Stone Bridge. French soldiers on horses on the Main Street in 1917.
 Улицата „Солунска” со реката Курделес и Камениот Мост. Француски војници на коњи по Широк Сокак, во 1917 година.
"Solunska" street with Kurdeles river and the Stone Bridge. French soldiers on horses on the Main Street in 1917.


One street in Bitola. The location is not known.
Една улица во Битола. Локацијата на истата не е позната.
One street in Bitola. The location is not known.


Consequences of the bombing of Bitola
Последици од бомбардирањето на Битола
Consequences of the bombing of Bitola


Street in the center of Bitola after the bombing.
Улица во центарот на Битола по бомбардирањето.
 Street in the center of Bitola after the bombing.

Street in Bitola (Shirok Sokak) after the bombing.
Улица во Битола (Широк Сокак) по бомбардирањето.
Street on Shirok Sokak after the bombing.

Street in the center of Bitola after the bombing.
Улица во центарот на Битола по бомбардирањето.
Street in the center of Bitola after the bombing.

Street in the center of Bitola after the bombing.
Улица во центарот на Битола по бомбардирањето.
Street in the center of Bitola after the bombing.

Consequences of the bombing of Bitola
Последици од бомбардирањето на Битола
Consequences of the bombing of Bitola

Consequences of the bombing of Bitola
Последици од бомбардирањето на Битола
Consequences of the bombing of Bitola


Location of German artillery near the village Snegovo from where the city was bombed.
Локација на германската артилерија кај селото Снегово од каде го бомбардираа градот.
Location of German artillery near the village Snegovo from where the city was bombed.


Bitola in ruins in 1917 on a postcard issued by Cliche J.M France.
Битола во урнатини во 1917 година на разгледница издадена од Cliche J.M од Франција.
Bitola in ruins in 1917 on a postcard issued by Cliche J.M France.

Consequences of the bombing of Bitola
Последици од бомбардирањето на Битола
Consequences of the bombing of Bitola


First civilian casualties in the First World War suffocated by the poison gas used by the Germans. In the period from 9 to 11 March, 1917 from poison gas in Bitola were killed 550 people, mostly women and children.
Тоа се првите цивилни жртви во Првата светска војна кои беа задушени од отровниот гас употребен од Германците. Во периодот од 9 до 11 март 1917 година од отровен гас загинаа 550 жители, претежно жени и деца.
First civilian casualties in the First World War suffocated by the poison gas used by the Germans. In the period from 9 to 11 March, 1917 from poison gas in Bitola were killed 550 people, mostly women and children.


Panorama of Bitola from Tumbe Cafe. In the foreground is the Red Barrack which has been destroyed by shelling. A little later suffered the White Barrack from explosion of the ammunition that was stored in within.
Панорама на Битола од Тумбе Кафе. Во преден план е Црвената касарна која овде е веќе разрушена од бомбардирањето. Малку подоцна настрада и Белата касарна од експлозија на муницијата која беше складирана во касарната.
Panorama of Bitola from Tumbe Cafe. In the foreground is the Red Barrack which has been destroyed by shelling. A little later suffered the White Barrack from explosion of the ammunition that was stored in within.


Ruins somewhere in the center of Bitola. After all the heavy shelling it is very difficult to recognize the part of the city in this image. In the background on the left side of the center are visible Isac and Yeni Mosque.
Рушевини некаде во центарот на градот. По сите тие жестоки бомбардирања многу е тешко и да се препознае делот од градот на сликата. Во заднината на левата страна од центарот видливи се Исак и Јени џамија.
Ruins somewhere in the center of Bitola. After all the heavy shelling it is very difficult to recognize the part of the city in this image. In the background on the left side of the center are visible Isac and Yeni Mosque.

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Bitola. Remnants of demolished and burnt houses after the bombing.
Битола. Остатоци од срушени и изгорени куќи  по бомбардирањето.
Bitola. Remnants of demolished and burnt houses after the bombing.


Bitola, 17 August 1917. Southwest corner of today's streets Sirok Sokak and "Dimitar Ilievski-Murato". At this place around 1920 it was built the restaurant "Central" and later, around 1975 hotel "Epinal".
Битола, 17 август 1917. Југозападниот агол на денешните улици  Широк Сокак и „Димитар Илиевски-Мурато”. На ова место околу 1920  беше изграден ресторанот “Централ” а подоцна, околу 1975 година, на ова место ќе биде изграден хотелот “Епинал”.
Bitola, 17 August 1917. Southwest corner of today's streets Sirok Sokak and "Dimitar Ilievski-Murato". At this place around 1920 it was built the restaurant "Central" and later, around 1975 hotel "Epinal".

Bitola, 17 August 1917. Southwest corner of today's streets Sirok Sokak and "Dimitar Ilievski-Murato". At this place around 1920 it was built the restaurant "Central" and later, around 1975 hotel "Epinal".


Panorama of Bitola from Yeni Mosque in 1917. Consequences of the bombing are visible everywhere. The building of the Workers' University in the middle of the picture looks the least damaged, but all the surrounding houses on Ruzveltova and the Main Street are totally destroyed. The building of today's Post Office is also without roof as houses in the foreground of this postcard.
Панорама на Битола од Јени џамија во 1917 год. Последици од бомбардирањето се видливи насекаде. Зградата на Работничкиот универзитет кон средината на сликата изгледа најмалку оштетена, но сите околни куќи од Рузвелтова улица и Широк Сокак се тотално уништени. Зградата на денешната пошта е, исто така, без покрив како и куќите во предниот план на оваа разгледница.
Panorama of Bitola from Yeni Mosque in 1917. Consequences of the bombing are visible everywhere. The building of the Workers' University in the middle of the picture looks the least damaged, but all the surrounding houses on Ruzveltova and the Main Street are totally destroyed. The building of today's Post Office is also without roof as houses in the foreground of this postcard.


Panorama of the western part of the city from the Clock Tower. In addition to homes, in front of this picture, the old Municipality building is completely destroyed, the building of the Gymnasium is without a roof and windows, as many other buildings in the area that are less visible in the picture.
Панорама на западниот дел на градот од Саат кулата. Покрај куќите, во предниот дел на оваа слика, зградата на старата општина е потполно уништена, зградата на Гимназијата е без покрив и прозорци и многу други објекти во околината кои се помалку видливи на сликата.
Panorama of the western part of the city from the Clock Tower. In addition to homes, in front of this picture, the old Municipality building is completely destroyed, the building of the Gymnasium is without a roof and windows, as many other buildings in the area that are less visible in the picture.

In such a condition Bitola welcomed the end of the First World War. Ruins, diseases, lack of basic necessities of life, poverty, those were the characteristics of that period of four long years. A number of people which left the city because of the bombing, were awaiting the end of the war to come back and start a new life in their destroyed hometown.
Во ваква состојба Битола го дочека крајот на Првата светска војна. Рушевини, болести, недостиг на најосновните потреби за живот, сиромаштија, тоа беа карактеристиките за тој период од четири долги години. Огромен број кои го напуштија градот заради бомбардирањето, го чекаа крајот на војната да се вратат назад и да започнат нов живот во својот разрушен роден град.

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