Greco-Turkish War and Treaty of Lausanne

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Questions and Answers

What was the outcome of the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923?

It ended the Greco-Turkish War in favor of Greece.

It formalized the loss of Izmir for Greece. (correct)

It established a Greek mandate over Anatolia.

It resulted in Greek control of Izmir.

Which area was primarily affected by the Greek occupation of Izmir?

The Black Sea region

Central Anatolia (correct)

The Mediterranean coast

The Aegean Islands

What key argument did Venizelos make for the Greek mandate over Izmir?

Izmir was strategically important for military purposes.

Izmir was economically vital for Asia Minor. (correct)

Izmir had cultural significance for Greece.

Izmir had historical claims from ancient Greece.

What was a significant consequence of the Greek military actions in Izmir?

The massacre of thousands of Turks and displacement of civilians. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the railway connection from Izmir to Central Anatolia significant?

It facilitated trade and economic growth in the region. Signup and view all the answers

What year did the Greco-Turkish War start?

1919 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects the reaction of the locals to the Greek occupation of Izmir?

They organized protests against the occupation. Signup and view all the answers

What significant act did Mustafa Kemal Atatürk perform regarding the Third Sword?

He presented it to Captain Şerafettin. Signup and view all the answers

Which division was the first to enter İzmir on September 9, 1922?

5th Cavalry Division Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of raising the Turkish flag over the İzmir Government House?

It symbolized the end of Greek occupation. Signup and view all the answers

What circular order did Turkish authorities issue prior to the Greek landings in İzmir?

To assemble troops without resistance. Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the Greek landings as noted by the English officer?

Hundreds of Turkish officers were massacred. Signup and view all the answers

What significant role did the Aya Fotini Church serve during the Greek occupation of İzmir in 1919?

An arms depot Signup and view all the answers

Who was Hasan Tahsin and what is he known for?

A journalist who fired the first shot against Greek forces Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Captain Süleyman Fethi Bey after he refused to shout 'Zito Venizelos'?

He was executed by Greek forces Signup and view all the answers

The Aya Fotini Church was primarily associated with which community?

Greek Orthodox community Signup and view all the answers

What was declared by Mavredi at the Aya Fotini Church on May 13, 1919?

The Greek occupation of İzmir Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Megali Idea' refer to in the context of Chrysostomos of Smyrna's advocacy?

The idea of a Greater Greece Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of the Aya Fotini Church after the Great Fire of İzmir in 1922?

It was demolished Signup and view all the answers

What act is considered a symbol of Turkish defiance against foreign occupation?

Hasan Tahsin firing the first shot Signup and view all the answers

What happened to the site of the Aya Fotini Church today?

It is a historical site with no remaining structure Signup and view all the answers

What role did Chrysostomos play during the Greek occupation of Smyrna?

He was a supporter of Greek administration. Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of Chrysostomos following the recapture of Smyrna by Turkish forces?

He was accused of inciting violence and killed by a mob. Signup and view all the answers

What significant action did Yıldırım Kemal undertake during the Great Offensive?

He undertook missions to halt the Greek army's advances. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Yıldırım Kemal Station symbolize?

An important symbol of Yıldırım Kemal's legacy. Signup and view all the answers

How is Yıldırım Kemal remembered by Turkish youth?

For his lessons in courage and patriotism. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic best describes Yıldırım Kemal as depicted in Fahrettin Altay Paşa's account?

Excitable and patriotic. Signup and view all the answers

What event led to Yıldırım Kemal's martyrdom?

His efforts during a military offensive. Signup and view all the answers

What did Yıldırım Kemal request as he prepared for battle?

To lead a charge against enemy lines. Signup and view all the answers

How did Fahrettin Altay Paşa react to Yıldırım Kemal's eagerness for battle?

He admired and encouraged his enthusiasm. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the local Greek population's perception of Chrysostomos?

They considered him a nationalist figure. Signup and view all the answers

What motivated Yıldırım Kemal to leave the hospital and join the fight?

Patriotic duty and enthusiasm Signup and view all the answers

What event prompted the naming of Küçükköy Station after Yıldırım Kemal?

His martyrdom shortly after joining the front Signup and view all the answers

What was Captain Şerafettin's notable achievement during the liberation of İzmir?

Raising the Turkish flag over the Government House Signup and view all the answers

What honor did Captain Şerafettin earn for his success in İzmir?

The 3rd sword (Timur’s sword) Signup and view all the answers

Which battle inspired the Republic of Bukhara to send support to the Ankara Government?

Battle of Sakarya Signup and view all the answers

What symbolic items did the Republic of Bukhara send to the Ankara Government?

Three swords and a Qur'an Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the events described regarding Turkish national forces?

They were a turning point for oppressed nations Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of Yıldırım Kemal is emphasized in the account of his actions?

His unwavering optimism and energy Signup and view all the answers

What was Captain Şerafettin's role in the liberation of İzmir?

He led a cavalry unit Signup and view all the answers

What emotional response did the recount of Yıldırım Kemal’s story evoke from his superiors?

Sadness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.