The burning of Smyrna destroyed much of the port city of Smyrna in September 1922. Eyewitness reports state that the fire began on 13 September 1922 and lasted until it was largely extinguished on 22 September. It began four days after the Turkish military captured the city on 9 September, effectively ending the Greco-Turkish War, more than three years after the Greek landing of troops at Smyrna. Estimated Greek and Armenian deaths resulting from the fire range from 10,000 to 125,000.
Plumes of smoke rising from Smyrna on 14 September 1922
Chief Artillery Inspector "Sarı" Emin Bey, 5th Cavalry Corps Commander Major General Fahrettin (Altay), 1st Army Corps Commander Brigadier General İzzettin (Çalışlar), 8th Infantry Division Commander Brigadier General Kâzım (Sevüktekin), 1st Army Chief of Staff Brigadier General Mehmet Emin (Koral) Pashas in the balcony of the Konak building before the Battle of Paradise (Kızılçullu)- 10th of September 1922
Buildings on fire and people trying to escape
The start of the fire, seen from Bella Vista. 13 September 1922
Smyrna was a Greek city located at a strategic point on the Aegean coast of Anatolia. Due to its advantageous port conditions, its ease of defence, and its good inland connections, Smyrna rose to prominence. Since about 1930, the city's name has been İzmir.
The Agora of Smyrna (columns of the western stoa)
Smyrna among the cities of Ionia and Lydia (c. 50 AD)
The agora of ancient Smyrna
Agora of Smyrna, built during the Hellenistic era at the base of Pagos Hill and totally rebuilt under Marcus Aurelius after the destructive 178 AD earthquake
