FOTO | Centrul Vechi, cum l-am uitat: în paragină, fără terase și pub-uri. Imagini din Bucureștiul milionarilor săraci din 2003, când salariul mediu net era de 140 de dolari • Bucureștiul lui Andrei

On January 22, 2003, photographer Andrei Bîrsan captured the then-declining Old Town of Bucharest, showcasing a city filled with worn buildings and a bustling street market atmosphere. The images reflect a time of economic struggle, with hyperinflation and a low average salary, as Romania was preparing for NATO and EU integration. The area was characterized by dilapidated structures, street vendors, and a lack of pedestrian zones, contrasting sharply with its current vibrant state. Bîrsan's work serves as a historical record of Bucharest's transformation over the years, highlighting the significant changes that have occurred since the early 2000s.