Journal of Modern Turkish History Studies

Abstract

With the Armistice of Mudros that was signed on 30 October 1918, Greeks found
an opportunity for which they had been waiting for long years. Since the Ottoman Empire’s
armies would be discharged according to the Armistice, a vulnerability of security would
occur in Anatolia. Thus, Greeks would be able to accomplish their purposes in and around
Izmir. Pursuant to article 7 of the Armistice, the Allied Powers were entitled to intervene in
regions where such a vulnerability occurred.
For a long time, Greeks living in Izmir had been prepared via churches, schools
and journalism to be used in fifth column activities. In order to exploit the situation, they
began activities for creating a vulnerability of security by disturbing the public order of Izmir.
Greek organisations and the metropolitan bishop’s church were the biggest supporters of this
process. Greek gangs tried to drive Turkish community away from the region by village raids,
kidnappings, forestalling, etc. especially on the coastline. They also made demonstrations and
rampages in downtown at every opportunity.
The Greek government sent Greek gangs, arms and ammunition to the region under
the name of the Red Cross. Although the Turkish administration in Izmir understood what
was going on from the first days, administrators were replaced continuously by interventions
made from Istanbul. Therefore, it was not possible to make an effective struggle against Greek
organisations.
Drawing on archival documents, the current study addresses the activities carried
out by Greeks in and around Izmir for ensuring an intervention by the Allied Powers in the
process that followed the Armistice of Mudros.