Smyrna: The 1922 Turkish entry and the fall of the Greek front

On August 27, 1922, the Turkish army entered Smyrna, marking a pivotal and violent moment in the collapse of the Greek front. The event led to widespread destruction and a massive humanitarian crisis as thousands of civilians attempted to flee via the coastline.

Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Smyrna, a prominent religious and political figure who had advocated for the protection of the Christian population, chose to remain in the city despite warnings from foreign diplomats. His refusal to leave coincided with the city's fall and the subsequent outbreak of devastating fires.

Historical accounts describe a scene of immense chaos and suffering. Estimates suggest that approximately 100,000 people were killed, while hundreds of thousands more were either crowded along the shores seeking passage or forcibly displaced into the interior.