Milli Mücadele Yıllarında Salihli’nin İşgali ve Kurtuluşu
The Occupation and Liberation of Salihli During the National Struggle

Summary/Abstract: After the signing of the Mondros Armistice by the Ottoman Empire, Greek forces began the invasion of Western Anatolia by the occupation of Izmir on May 15, 1919. In response to this, several organisations such as “Müdafaa-i Hukuk”, “Redd-i İlhak” and “Kuva-yı Milliye”, were established in İzmir andother cities and towns in the areast that were under occupation. During this period, 17th Corps DeputyCommander Bekir Sami Bey and Çerkez Ethem Bey had important roles in the creation of the armedresistance of the “Kuva-yi Milliye” in Salihli, as well as in the defence of the Milne Line in the following days. Salihli was occupied by Greek forces on June 23, 1920 and remained under occupation for2 years, 2 months and 13 days, and was retaken by the Turkish Army on September 5, 1922. Greek forces could not hold on to the Great Offensive launched by the Turkish Army on 26 August 1922 and lost the battle in Dumlupınar. After the defeat, Salihli was the place where Greek forces planned to establish a new fortified position. However, Turkish forces did not allow them to realize this goal, and as a result of the successful battles of the cavalry forces, Salihli was taken back on September 5, 1922. Thus,the road to Izmir was opened to the Turkish Army.

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