Greco-Turkish War and Treaty of Lausanne

Izmir During the National Struggle

• The Megali Idea was a 19th-century Greek nationalist concept, aiming to unite all regions with significant Greek populations or historical connections to the Byzantine Empire into a single Greek state.
• The belief was that modern Greece was the cultural and political successor to the Byzantine Empire.
• Key territories targeted by the Megali Idea included Istanbul (Constantinople), Asia Minor (Anatolia), Thrace, Macedonia, Crete, Cyprus and other islands in the Aegean Sea.
• At the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, Greek Prime Minister Venizelos argued for Greek control of Izmir (Smyrna) and the surrounding region, citing historical, demographic, strategic, and moral grounds.
• Venizelos argued that Western Anatolia, including Izmir, had deep historical and cultural connections to Hellenism.
• Woodrow Wilson's principle of self-determination was also invoked to support Greek claims.
• In contrast to Venizelos' claims, Izmir had a predominantly Turkish population (ca. 1,300,000 Turks vs. 300,000 Greeks).
• Izmir's strategic location on the Aegean Sea was emphasized as a reason for Greek control.
• The British Prime Minister Lloyd George, despite opposition from Italy, agreed to Izmir and surrounding areas being under a Greek mandate.
• The Treaty of Sèvres (1920) awarded Greece administration of Izmir and its hinterland.
• This decision was fiercely opposed by the Turkish National Movement under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
• The Greco-Turkish War (1919-1922) resulted in Greece's defeat and the ultimate loss of Izmir, formalized by the Treaty of Lausanne (1923).
• Izmir's importance lay in its crucial role as a coastal city with three railway connections to Central Anatolia, connecting to Anatolian Railway, making it vital for export and domestic trade in Asia Minor.
• The prosperity of the coastal area depended on the hinterland due to trade, and if cut off, economic hardship would ensue.
• The Izmir occupation saw a protest meeting in Maşatlık, condemning the occupation.
• A significant event during the occupation was the May 15th massacre of Turks.
• This Greek occupation caused considerable loss of life to Turks (ca. 50,000 Turks massacred; approx. 300,000 were left homeless and without food). 
• The occupation resulted in the brutal destruction of Izmir.
• After the Armistice of Mudros, numerous newspapers were published in Izmir, not just in Turkish but also in Greek. Newspapers like Ahenk, Anadolu, Duvg, and others were prominent.
• When rumors of the occupation spread, Nurettin Paşa began efforts to prepare a defense force.
• Despite prior orders not to resist, Greek forces killed numerous Turkish officers who refused to shout "Zito Venizelos!" (Long live Venizelos!)
• Captain Süleyman Fethi Bey, a heroic military officer, was executed by Greek forces for refusing to shout "Zito Venizelos!".
• Chrysostomos Kalafatis, a Greek supporter of the Megali Idea, was linked to violence during the occupation, was handed over to a mob and killed in Izmir. 
• Yıldırım Kemal was prominently involved in liberating occupied Turkish lands.
• The Yıldırım Kemal Station commemorates his legacy and sacrifice with lessons of courage, patriotism, and self-sacrifice.
• Fahrettin Altay Pasha recounted Yıldırım Kemal's dedication to fighting the Greek occupation.
• Şerafettin led Turkish cavalry units during İzmir's liberation.
• Following the Battle of Sakarya (1921), Mustafa Kemal Atatürk received three swords from Bukhara as a symbol of support against the Greek occupation.
• The third sword, and its significance, is in connection to Timur (Tamerlane)
• On September 9, 1922, Fahrettin Altay's division was the first to enter İzmir and the 5th Cavalry raised the Turkish flag over the government house, symbolizing liberation from foreign occupation.

Aya Fotini Church

• This church, located in the Alsancak district of Izmir, served as a key gathering place for the Greek Orthodox community.
• The church was used by Greeks for various activities during the occupation.
• Reports claim the church's basement was used as an arms depot.
• The church was heavily damaged in the 1922 Great Fire of İzmir.
• The site currently marks the location of the former church.

İlk Kurşun (The First Bullet) Hasan Tahsin

• Hasan Tahsin, a journalist, was one of the resistance figures against the Greek occupation, firing the first shot against Greek forces in İzmir.

Sarikişla Barracks (Yellow Barracks)

Yüzbaşı Süleyman Fethi Bey

• Captain Süleyman Fethi Bey was a celebrated military officer who was executed by Greek forces in Izmir. 
• His defiance became a symbol of Turkish resistance. 

Chrysostomos of Smyrna (Hrisostomos Kalafatis)

• Chrysostomos was a Greek supporter of the Megali Idea, who was involved in activities related to the occupation of Greek troops.
• He was accused of inciting violence during the Turkish recapture of Smyrna and handed over to a mob who killed him.

Yıldırım Kemal

•  Yıldırım Kemal played a vital role in liberating occupied Turkish lands, illustrating bravery as part of the Nationalist Struggle.

Economic Collapse of Anatolia

• The prosperity of the coastal regions depended heavily on the economic wellbeing of the hinterland, so its loss would cause severe economic hardship.

Other Notable Events, Figures and Information

• Nurettin Pasha, who initially sensed the threatened occupation, attempted to organize a defence force. 
• İzzet Pasha was a submissive governor of İzmir, criticized for his lack of resistance 
• Greek occupation of İzmir resulted in disputes and events that involved violence and suffering for residents. 
• Various reports provide information on the occupation of İzmir (and surrounding areas) including news of events and figures involved, along with differing accounts and interpretations of events relating to the occupation.
• Different types of documentation were used (letters, reports, official statements etc.) to give differing perspectives on the issue.

Test your knowledge on the Greco-Turkish War and the Treaty of Lausanne, focusing on key events, figures, and consequences of these historical moments. Explore the implications of Greek occupation in Izmir and the responses from Turkish leaders and locals.