Aydın During the National Struggle

During the negotiations on the future of Anatolia at the Paris Conference, it was decided to leave the land to Greece, which had previously been agreed to be left to the Italians, despite the objections of the Italians. After the occupation of İzmir, Venizelos ordered his troops in İzmir to occupy the cities of Aydın, Manisa and Ayvalık. Turkish military power in and around Aydın was inadequate. A significant portion of the soldiers in the 57th Brigade in Aydın had deserted. Mr. Mehmet Şefik (Aker), the Commander of the Brigade, withdrew to Çine, believing that resistance would not be possible under the current circumstances. Aydın was left defenseless after the withdrawal of the Brigade to Çine. As expected, Greek forces occupied Aydın on May 27, 1919. With the initiatives of Mehmet Şefik Bey, efforts were made to establish the Kuvâ-yı Milliye in Aydın and to start the national resistance. Despite the disappointments, the Kuvâ-yı Milliye was quickly organized as Heyet-i Milliyeler. The Kuvâ-yı Milliye detachments captured Aydın on June 28th. However, upon the dispersal of the gang members participating in the operation, Aydın was again captured by the Greeks on July 3. The atrocities experienced in the first days of the occupation in Aydın continued relentlessly until it was liberated on September 7, 1922. However, national spirit increased in Aydın and in a short time, the Turks of Aydın organized themselves and formed local resistance forces. Although the gangs made great contributions to the struggle in Aydın, they became harmful in time due to their undisciplined behavior. Since it was understood that the desired success could not be achieved with them against the regular army of the enemy, it was decided to disband the gangs and have them join the regular army. Some Efes such as Demirci Mehmet Efe and Yörük Ali Efe opposed this decision and were disbanded after unsuccessful attempts at rebellion. It is seen that the people of Aydın made great contributions to the National Struggle led by Mustafa Kemal Pasha in Anatolia as well as the struggle there.

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