Turkish capture of Smyrna
The Turkish capture of Smyrna was the final phase of the Great Offensive and last battle of the Turkish War of Independence. After the Turkish Army inflicted heavy losses on the Greek Army at Dumlupınar, on 30 August 1922, Greek forces were in continual retreat towards Smyrna as the Turkish Army's westward advance continued. On the eve of the Turkish arrival, Greek forces left the city, and on 8 September, at ten o'clock in the morning, the Greek administration ceased to exist in Smyrna. On 9 September 1922, the Turkish Army entered İzmir from Kemalpaşa to the east.Legacy
9 September is considered a local holiday commemorating the Liberation of İzmir in the İzmir Province, Turkey. Dokuz Eylül University is named in honor of the event. Mustafa Kemal who founded the Republican People's Party chose 9 September 1923 as the establishment date of his party as a reminder of the capture of Smyrna.
