Greek Landing at Smyrna: What Happened
On 15 May 1919, Greek troops landed at Smyrna, modern İzmir, on the western coast of Anatolia, with the approval of Britain, France and the United States. After World War I, the defeated Ottoman Empire was being divided by the victorious Allies, and Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos had argued at the Paris Peace Conference that Greece should receive the Smyrna region because of its large Greek population. The Allies also wanted to prevent Italy from seizing the area. The landing was welcomed with joy by much of the city's Greek population, who saw it as the fulfillment of the Megali Idea, the dream of uniting all Greeks in one state. However, the landing was marred by violence. Shots were fired, and Greek soldiers and local Greeks killed a number of Turkish soldiers and civilians. Aristeidis Stergiadis was appointed High Commissioner of Smyrna and tried to govern fairly, punishing Greek offenders. The occupation provoked strong Turkish resistance and helped fuel the Turkish national movement led by Mustafa Kemal, beginning the Greco-Turkish War of 1919 to 1922.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Greek troops land at Smyrna?
Greek troops landed at Smyrna, modern İzmir, on 15 May 1919, with the approval of Britain, France and the United States.
Why did Greece land at Smyrna?
Venizelos argued at the Paris Peace Conference that Greece should receive the Smyrna region because of its large Greek population. The Allies also wanted to stop Italy seizing it.
How did people react to the Greek landing?
Much of the city's Greek population welcomed the landing with joy, but it was marred by violence in which Turkish soldiers and civilians were killed.
Who governed Smyrna for Greece?
Aristeidis Stergiadis was appointed High Commissioner of Smyrna and tried to govern fairly, including punishing Greek offenders.
How did the landing affect Turkey?
The occupation provoked strong Turkish resistance and helped fuel the national movement of Mustafa Kemal, starting the Greco-Turkish War of 1919 to 1922.
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