Smyrna Centennial Commemoration organized at Illinois Holocaust Museum
The Smyrna Centennial Remembrance Conference 1922-2022 was held in person at the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie and via Zoom online on September 18. The Illinois Holocaust Museum and the Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center (AMPHRC) offered an afternoon of discussion and presentations by renowned scholars and educators as they addressed one of the most tragic and major events in modern Greek history.
Titled The Great Fire of Smyrna, the Genocide of Greeks in Asia Minor 100th Anniversary Commemoration, the event featured insights from the distinguished speakers as well as testimony from eyewitnesses in a video clip from the AMPHRC-produced documentary film Lethal Nationalism and in statements read by descendants of survivors of the Catastrophe.
The speakers included: George Shirinian, author and Executive Director of the Zoryan Institute; Dr. Constantine Hatzidimitriou, Adjunct Assistant Professor at St. John’s University and City University of New York; Dr. Paul Bartrop, Emeritus Professor, Florida Gulf Coast University; and Kelley Szany, Senior Vice President of Education and Exhibitions, Illinois Holocaust Museum and Co-Chair, Illinois Holocaust & Genocide Commission.
In his presentation, Shirinian highlighted the history of cosmopolitan Smyrna before the Catastrophe, the prosperity, diversity, and tolerance that made it a “jewel” and so different from other cities, but also a target for the extreme Turkish nationalists. He noted that we must “never forget this trauma to the Greek and Armenian people.”
Dr. Hatzidimitriou spoke movingly as his mother and family survived the burning of Smyrna in 1922, the “monumental tragedy” and how a century later, the Turkish leaders continue to deny the Genocide and blame the victims. He also noted the evidence of a U.S. cover-up, what he referred to as “Smyrna-gate,” as trade interests led some officials to minimize the seriousness of the situation in reports. Meanwhile, others, such as George Horton and Asa Jennings, took it upon themselves to help save lives.
Dr. Bartrop from Australia mentioned how thousands of Australians were lining up 100 years ago this week at recruiting offices to fight against Turkey after hearing the reports of what was happening in Smyrna. He spoke about the Allies and Greece after World War I and the circumstances that led to the burning of Smyrna.
Szany noted that this commemoration is “one way to keep the history alive 100 years after the atrocities were committed” and “our duty is to reflect on lessons learned.”
It is “not enough to curse the darkness… [we must] illuminate the future… affirm our responsibility to humanity, to teach others and be custodians of this memory we share… pledge others to Never Forget,” she said.
Broadcast journalist and media executive John E. Davis, member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois Holocaust Museum and member of the Executive Board of the AMPHRC, served as Master of Ceremonies for the event, noting the need to “take a stand for humanity” and raise awareness of the Genocide of the Greeks of Asia Minor to prevent further atrocities. “The Museum stands with the Greek community,” he said, to “light the torch of truth to the world.”
His Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago, in his remarks, mentioned that his family came from Asia Minor, was forced to flee their home, and took the first boat they could to find refuge in Greece. He said: “Today… is one of the rare occasions when there are no words to express what’s in our hearts, when we are most authentic when we simply stand in silence before a mystery that is beyond our comprehension, beyond our capacity to process, beyond words… Our words fail to capture the depth and horror of this event and yet we absolutely must speak about it, we absolutely must study the historical sources, the personal accounts and the concrete facts with scholarly integrity in order to never forget and never allow falsehoods to further desecrate the dignity of those who suffered. In other words, we are called to be silent and we are called to speak the truth today, 100 years after the Great Fire was perpetrated.”
Among those present, Consul General of Greece in Chicago Manos Koubarakis gave a brief history of the Catastrophe, noting that the 1.5 million refugees who sought to rebuild their lives in Greece propelled the economy forward in the interwar period, contributing in various ways, economically, socially, and culturally, to the country. He noted one of the lessons is that Hellenism must act in solidarity and unity.
Davis also mentioned the Tokei Maru, a Japanese merchant vessel, whose captain ordered his crew to dump valuable cargo so that they could rescue people from the Catastrophe, saving over 800 lives. He applauded the Japanese government and people, inviting a representative of the Consulate General of Japan in Chicago who thanked the Greek people for remembering the heroic humanitarian effort of the Japanese captain and crew.
The Republic of Armenia’s Honorary Consul in Chicago Oscar S. Tatosian was also present and in his remarks noted the visit of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi to Armenia and the current ceasefire with Azerbaijan.
For thousands of years, Smyrna was the wealthiest of cities located today on Turkey’s Aegean coast, an elegant, cosmopolitan city where Greeks, Armenians, Turks, Jews, and others lived and worked together – a city known for religious tolerance.
The Great Fire of Smyrna (Smyrna Catastrophe) started on September 13, 1922, after the Turkish armed forces entered Smyrna, a deliberate act by the Turkish government to destroy or expel the Greeks and any other Christian population. The entire Greek and Armenian quarters of the city were destroyed, forcing the population to flee and seek shelter in Greece and elsewhere. Historians believe that the number of victims was in the tens of thousands, while the number of refugees was over a million. Thousands of Greek and Armenian men were subsequently deported into the interior of Anatolia, where many died in harsh and brutal conditions. After the Smyrna Catastrophe the Hellenic city founded over 3,000 years before, a jewel of the Eastern Mediterranean, ceased to have a Hellenic community.
Partner organizations for the event include The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Chicago, National Hellenic Museum, University of Chicago Center for Hellenic Studies, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – Pontic Studies, Hellenic American Leadership Council, Armenian National Committee of Illinois, Assyrian American Civic Club of Chicago, ENOSIS – The Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of Illinois, Hellenic American Women’s Council, Hellenic Link Midwest, PanPontian Federation of USA and Canada, Pontian Greek Society of Chicago, Pontian Youth Association of USA and Canada, and UCLA SNF Hellenic Center.
More information about the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is available online: https://www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/.
Learn more about AMPHRC online: https://hellenicresearchcenter.org.
Read more at thenationalherald.com
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Gidonb
- 1) Greek president organizes reception for 50th anniversary of restoration of democracy
- 2) St. Irene Chrysovalantou Astoria marks its Annual Festival from July 25-28
- 3) Events for 50-years from democracy restoration in Greece start at the Presidential Mansion
- 4) US Embassy event marking July 4th: Embracing inclusion and accessibility
25/07 23:18
Greek banks and EIB join forces to enhance access to finance for mid-cap firms
25/07 23:10
Hotel occupancy in Athens reaches 75.5% during the first half of 2024
25/07 23:01
25/07 21:07
Fifty-two municipalities throughout Greece embrace digital transformation
25/07 14:22
Bank of Greece: Loans and deposits by households and institutions rise in June
24/07 23:04
St. Irene Chrysovalantou Astoria marks its Annual Festival from July 25-28
24/07 22:46
Greek Finance Ministry enforces beach regulations after 4,500 citizen complaints
24/07 21:13
Greek president organizes reception for 50th anniversary of restoration of democracy
24/07 19:53
Guards at e-ticketed ancient sites, museums announcing work stoppage Thursday
24/07 16:08
Minister: Disbursement of €2.3 billion from the loan part of the Recovery Fund
22/07 23:29
Cyprus displays in Nicosia once-looted antiquities dating back thousands of years
22/07 23:25
Greek high school students clinch 6 medals at International Math Olympiad
22/07 21:37
Greek Climate Crisis Minister meets with visiting British Minister of State for Europe
22/07 21:33
Hellenic Parliament indowntown Athens undergoes energy upgrades
22/07 18:19
Book of condolences for Nguyen Phu Trong to open at Vietnamese embassy in Athens
21/07 18:05
Sharp hike in the viral load of SARS-CoV2 in the Greek city of Thessaloniki
21/07 15:29
Events for 50-years from democracy restoration in Greece start at the Presidential Mansion
21/07 14:14
Deputy Tourism Minister: Greece can emerge as a protagonist in diving tourism
21/07 13:24
19/07 00:18
UN Tourism and TUI Care Foundation jointly support African artisans in rural areas
16/07 14:47
16/07 11:55
Very high risk of fire for nine regional units across Greece on Tuesday
15/07 23:28
AADE implements mandatory digital export notification system beginning September
15/07 23:26
Hellenic Land Cadastre to be the first Greek state service to implement AI tools
15/07 21:06
US Embassy event marking July 4th: Embracing inclusion and accessibility
15/07 19:13
Athens Municipality opens air-conditioned halls during heatwave
14/07 14:39
National Tourism Organization and Netflix ink cooperation memo to promote Greece
13/07 23:31
OECD report: Greece makes significant strides in competition strengthening
10/07 22:53
Greek-American congressmen meet Greek Prime Minister in Washington DC
10/07 22:50
Greek National Gallery's 'Democracy' looks at Southern European history and art
10/07 21:56
10/07 19:59
Cypriot President visits Athens for event on 50th anniversary of Turkish invasion
10/07 15:44
09/07 22:28
The SFGFF comes to Athens in cooperation with Feelgood Entertainment
09/07 20:34
09/07 18:30
Deal for development of Sani-Kassandra property in Chalkidiki is inked
09/07 14:57
Golf & Maritime for a Good Cause at the 10th Greek Maritime Golf Event
09/07 11:56
The Ultimate Sports Event of Santorini Experience Coming to Santorini on October 3-6
08/07 22:53
Capital Link Invest in Greece webinar series continues on July 9 and 16
08/07 22:25
08/07 20:43
New data on the burial site of Lord Byron's illegitimate daughter Allegra
08/07 15:37
German ambassador: 'To live and work in Greece has always been my dream'
05/07 22:14
Greek port of Piraeus approves distribution of highest dividend in its history
04/07 23:09
Culture Minister inaugurates renovated theater at Dion in Central Macedonia
04/07 19:17
The 43rd Thessaloniki Book Festival opens at the waterfront Friday until July 21
04/07 17:20
Piraeus Port greenlights distribution of highest dividend in its history
03/07 00:24
03/07 00:02
Hotrec reveals digital trends in tourism: Hotels, Booking.com and DMA
01/07 19:28
Higher June temperatures in Greece compared to 2010–2019 average
01/07 19:13
More firefighting aircraft to reinforce firefighting efforts in Greek island of Kos
01/07 17:26
SNF extends support for the Greek National Opera in Athens with an €11 million grant
01/07 12:31
Amendment extending duration of measures against high prices tabled in Greek Parliament
28/06 19:18
Mount Pelion steam tourist train resumes daily service beginning July 1
27/06 14:36
Minister: Mycoast app received 8,911 complaints of illegal activities on beaches
26/06 22:56
Significance of OECD anti-bribery report for Greece's good image highlighted
25/06 19:08
FTI insolvency: Operational business of hotels remains unaffected
25/06 16:19
FinMin urges Greek banks to emulate European counterparts regarding commission charges
25/06 12:12
AEGEAN elected "Best Regional Airline in Europe" at the World Airline Awards 2024
25/06 10:16
Platform for Greece's 'Thessaly & Evros Pass 2024' opens on Tuesday
23/06 14:52
State Minister: Greece is the 8th cheapest country in the European Union
22/06 22:49
Bank of Greece: Travel receipts increased by 22.0% during January-April 2024
22/06 18:11
Greek Tourism Ministry and embassies cooperate to address sector issues
22/06 18:05
Wyndham inked deal with Oikos for the first Ramada Residences in Greece
21/06 17:57
Event organized to present 'The Ilisian' - the new name of the former Athens Hilton
19/06 23:47
Greek state ten-year bond auction concluded with yield at 3.56%
19/06 23:41
Shipping Minister: Greece supports EU's efforts to modernise maritime safety rules
19/06 22:32
Culture minister reviews NSRF projects on the Greek island of Lesvos
19/06 19:41
US Ambassador to Athens applauds Greece’s comeback and investors interest
19/06 11:44
Minister: Reforms must follow investments to boost regional competitiveness
18/06 18:15
ARF 2024: US Ambassador to Athens on Greece's economic miracle
18/06 16:33
Capital Region AHEPA organizes 5th Annual Golf Outing in New York
18/06 14:58
18/06 14:24
Greek Minister refers to multiple benefits from the restoration of the Athens Riviera
18/06 13:35
Regional Governor of Attica: Greeks living abroad are the most important ambassadors
17/06 19:02
Conference focuses on Sifnos and sustainable development on Greek islands
17/06 18:56
Council of State discusses relocation of Mount Parnitha casino to Marousi again
17/06 18:56
Ministers and Super League chief talk digital tickets for upcoming soccer matches
17/06 15:59
Forecast: Very high risk of fire in two Greek regions including Attica
17/06 13:42
Passenger traffic in Greek ports records an increase of 11.1% during Q4 2023
14/06 22:58
14/06 22:03
14/06 17:58
Athens and Thessaloniki added 250 new electric buses to their urban transport networks
13/06 22:43
National Theater to perform Aristophanes at ancient Greek theaters over the summer
12/06 11:48
Athens Acropolis site closed down from 12:00 to 17:00 due to high temperatures
12/06 00:01
'Poor Things' costumes exhbition at Benaki Museum in downtown Athens
11/06 15:53
Schools in Athens to stay closed on Wednesday and Thursday due to heatwave
11/06 00:10
Greek Port Authority to acquire 11 boats for transfer of patients from remote islands
11/06 00:03
Greece's Interior Ministry issues directions for remote work during heatwave
10/06 23:45
Digital app for travellers to Greece 'mAIGreece' goes live on Monday
10/06 22:28
Greek Interior Ministry issues directions for remote work during heatwave on Tuesday-Thursday
10/06 19:38
Traffic restored on new Greek national highway leading to Corinth after truck explosion
10/06 14:42
09/06 22:47
High prices of consumer goods in Greek supermarkets are on a downward trend
09/06 11:18
UK Tourism 2024: Greece named top destination in the world with best value for money
08/06 00:22
Insolvency: FTI Touristik GmbH cancels all trips up to and including 05 July 2024
07/06 02:54
ERTFLIX International takes part in the Los Angeles Greek Film Festival
07/06 02:42
NBG: Greek tourism to break record in 2024 with 35 million arrivals and €22 billion in revenue
06/06 20:50
Greece elected to UN Security Council for 2025-26 in a 'historic day'
06/06 13:57
Hellenic National Archaeological Museum presents "The last Aphrodites" exhibition
05/06 22:00
FTI provisional insolvency admin strives for fastest possible solutions for clients
Hotel occupancy in Athens reaches 75.5% during the first half of 2024
Greek banks and EIB join forces to enhance access to finance for mid-cap firms
St. Irene Chrysovalantou Astoria marks its Annual Festival from July 25-28
Bank of Greece: Loans and deposits by households and institutions rise in June
Greek Finance Ministry enforces beach regulations after 4,500 citizen complaints
Fifty-two municipalities throughout Greece embrace digital transformation
Guards at e-ticketed ancient sites, museums announcing work stoppage Thursday
Minister: Disbursement of €2.3 billion from the loan part of the Recovery Fund
Greek president organizes reception for 50th anniversary of restoration of democracy
High risk of fire for Attica, Viotia and Evia regions in Greece on Thursday
Greece and Turkey agree to implement or reactivate CBM activity in 2024
FM: Procedures underway to repatriate 149 Greeks in Israel and Palestinian territories
Greek Tourism minister meets with Swiss, Albanian ambassadors in Athens
Media report: Cheap airfares aren’t coming back according to airline execs
Minister: Greece will continue to demand the return of the Parthenon Marbles
PM at Axia discussion: Greece offering great investment opportunities in 2023
Bill lifting restrictions for Greeks voting from abroad greenlighted by majority vote
Greek authorities simplify storage process for vehicles with foreign license plates
Hellenic-American Cultural Foundation presents lecture with US University President
Greek capital of Athens among top-10 most beautiful cities for the second time