Occupation of Smyrna

Occupation of Smyrna. The Allies of World War I, including United Kingdom, France, and Italy, occupied Smyrna after World War I, as part of the Treaty of Sèvres, which led to the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922). This occupation was supported by Lloyd George, Woodrow Wilson, and Georges Clemenceau, who were instrumental in shaping the post-war Paris Peace Conference. The occupation was also influenced by the Greek genocide and the Armenian Genocide, which were perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire.

Background

The occupation of Smyrna was preceded by the Greek landing at Smyrna, which was carried out by the Hellenic Army under the command of High Commissioner Aristeidis Stergiadis. The landing was supported by the Allies of World War I, including Admiral Richard Webb, General Boutti de Cantigny, and General Pierre Roques. The occupation was also influenced by the Balkan Wars, which had led to the Treaty of Bucharest (1913) and the Treaty of Constantinople (1913). Key figures such as Eleftherios Venizelos, David Lloyd George, and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk played important roles in shaping the events leading up to the occupation.

The Occupation

The occupation of Smyrna began on May 15, 1919, when Greek troops landed in the city, supported by Allied warships, including the HMS Royal Sovereign and the USS Arizona. The occupation was initially peaceful, with the Greek administration taking control of the city and its surroundings, including the Kazım Karabekir-led XV Corps (Ottoman Empire). However, tensions soon arose between the Greek population and the Turkish population, leading to clashes and violence, including the Smyrna Fire. The occupation was also marked by the establishment of the Smyrna International Law Administration, which was led by Aristeidis Stergiadis and included representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, and France.

Greek Administration

The Greek administration of Smyrna was established under the leadership of Aristeidis Stergiadis, who served as the High Commissioner of the city. The administration included representatives from the Hellenic Army, the Hellenic Navy, and the Hellenic Police, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Greece) and the Ministry of War (Greece). The administration was responsible for maintaining order and stability in the city, as well as providing services such as education and healthcare to the population, with support from organizations like the Near East Foundation and the American Red Cross. Key figures such as Themistoklis Sofoulis, Andreas Michalakopoulos, and Georgios Kondylis played important roles in the administration of the city.

Turkish Reoccupation

The Turkish reoccupation of Smyrna began on September 9, 1922, when Turkish troops led by Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and Fevzi Çakmak entered the city, marking the end of the Greco-Turkish War (1919–1922). The reoccupation was preceded by the Battle of Dumlupinar, which was fought between the Turkish Army and the Hellenic Army. The reoccupation was also influenced by the Conference of Lausanne, which led to the Treaty of Lausanne and the establishment of modern-day Turkey. Key figures such as İsmet İnönü, Rauf Orbay, and Fethi Okyar played important roles in the reoccupation of the city and the subsequent establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

Aftermath

The aftermath of the occupation of Smyrna was marked by the Exchange of Greek and Turkish Populations, which was carried out under the supervision of the League of Nations and led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people, including Greeks and Turks. The occupation also had a significant impact on the Greek economy and the Turkish economy, as well as on the foreign policy of countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and the United States. The occupation is still remembered today as a significant event in the history of Greece and the history of Turkey, with key figures such as Nikolaos Plastiras, Alexandros Papanastasiou, and Celâl Bayar continuing to shape the narrative of the occupation and its aftermath. Category:Occupation of Smyrna