Great Fire of Smyrna: What Happened
In September 1922, days after the Turkish army entered Smyrna, modern İzmir, following the collapse of the Greek army in Anatolia, a great fire destroyed much of the city. Smyrna was one of the richest and most cosmopolitan cities of the eastern Mediterranean, with large Greek, Armenian, Turkish, Jewish and European communities. The fire broke out on 13 September in the Armenian quarter and spread rapidly through the Greek and Armenian districts and the European quarter along the waterfront, while the Turkish and Jewish quarters were largely spared. Who started the fire is still debated, with Greek and Armenian sources and many foreign witnesses blaming Turkish soldiers, and Turkish sources blaming Greeks and Armenians. Hundreds of thousands of people crowded onto the waterfront, trapped between the fire and the sea, while Allied warships in the harbor did little to help at first. Many were killed in the fire and the violence that accompanied it, including the Orthodox Metropolitan Chrysostomos, who was murdered by a mob. Most survivors were eventually evacuated to Greece. The fire marked the end of Greek Smyrna.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Great Fire of Smyrna?
The Great Fire of Smyrna broke out on 13 September 1922, days after Turkish forces entered the city, and destroyed much of it.
Which parts of Smyrna burned?
The fire destroyed the Armenian and Greek quarters and the European quarter along the waterfront, while the Turkish and Jewish quarters were largely spared.
Who started the Great Fire of Smyrna?
It is still debated. Greek and Armenian sources and many foreign witnesses blamed Turkish soldiers, while Turkish sources blamed Greeks and Armenians.
What happened to Metropolitan Chrysostomos?
The Orthodox Metropolitan of Smyrna, Chrysostomos, was murdered by a mob. He is honored as a saint and martyr in the Greek Orthodox Church.
What happened to the people of Smyrna?
Hundreds of thousands crowded onto the waterfront, trapped between the fire and the sea. Many were killed, and most survivors were evacuated to Greece.
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