The POTUS Timeline
Crisis Response

Destruction of Smyrna (Izmir) and ensuing refugee crisis

On September 13–14, 1922, Turkish forces recaptured Smyrna (Izmir) and a massive fire destroyed much of the city, producing widespread civilian casualties and a large wave of refugees and displaced persons.

The catastrophe created an urgent humanitarian crisis that drew U.S. diplomatic attention and relief efforts and had major effects on American policy and public opinion regarding the collapse of the Ottoman successor order and population transfers in the region.

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