A Hero in Italian Sources: Yörük Ali Efe

There are many known, unknown and unnamed heroes of the National Struggle. One of them is Yörük Ali Efe, who differed from other National Forces members with his modesty. Yörük Ali Efe had to deal with the Italians while fighting against the Greeks. Especially Italians closely followed the activities of the Kuvâ-yı Milliye members operating in the occupied regions. One of the people they showed the most interest was Yörük Ali Efe. They met and collaborated on various occasions. In the reports sent by the Italian military officials, they gave information about Yörük Ali Efe and his activities. In the same period, although not much, Italian newspapers also talked about him. However, we found that they gave more information after the victory was won. The most important of them is the article by Filippucci Giustiniani in which he describes his encounter with Yörük Ali Efe. This article was first published in the newspaper Il Messaggero, November 3, 1922. Giustiniani described this meeting in more detail in his memoir, which was published later. In this encounter, Yörük Ali Efe’s logical, critical and rightful words and approaches attracted the attention of the Italian journalist. Efe’s short and sharp comments with the depth of a philosopher increased the Italian journalist’s respect for him. However, the influence of Yörük Ali Efe on Italians was not limited to journalists. Some Italian officers who knew him during the years of the National Struggle also spoke highly of Yörük Ali's heroism years later.

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