1922 Manisa Büyük Yangını: Harîk-i Hâil

Abstract

Manisa was invaded by the Greeks on May 25, 1919. After three years of Greek occupation, the city was liberated on September 8, 1922. Having lost the war, the Greek army burned and destroyed many settlements. Some cities were burned by private groups. These groups, called the Fire Battalions, played a role, especially in the burning of large settlements. Manisa is one of these cities. Two days before the Greek army left the city, these fire battalions set fire to the city from various parts. A significant part of the people took shelter in the mountains and had to watch the fire from there. The fire was extinguished by the Turkish army on 8 September. Commissions were created to determine the loss of life and property. This study is based on archival documents related to the subject. The aim is to determine the consequences of the fire. Previous publications on the subject contain limited information. This is the first study in which all the documents identified on the subject are evaluated.