Greek propaganda in Western Anatolia and the works of the Fener Greek Patriarchate (1919-1922)

The Greeks, who lived comfortably as Ottoman subjects for centuries, had a say in the upper echelons of the state while preserving their identity. The European states described the expulsion of the Turks from Europe and Anatolia as the "Eastern Matter". In order to solve the matter, they provoked the elements living in the Ottoman Empire. The Greeks were encouraged to rebel with certain promises. During the War of Independence, they made Greek propaganda in Western Anatolia using modern/scientific methods. According to Megali Idea, after the annexation of Western Anatolia, the "Eastern Roman Empire" stage will be reached. According to Greek propaganda in Western Anatolia, Greece claimed rights in Western Anatolia. The Greek thesis based its claims that the Greeks living in Anatolia were oppressed under Turkish captivity, were subjected to genocide, and that the Greeks were in large numbers to ensure the annexation of the region to Greece, on the Patriarchate's distorted population statistics. Greeks by being brought to Aydın from the islands, Greece and Anatolia on various occasions, it was attempted to have the majority of the population. The Greek propaganda organization, which carried out Greek propaganda in Western Anatolia, mobilized international public opinion against the Turks through the press and publications. Greek propaganda played a role in the Greek occupation policy and tried to break the resistance power of the Turks. Most of the propaganda was about the Turks being pleased with the Greek occupation and administration and the weakness of the Turkish forces. The Greeks were being sent away by the Patriarchate with Greek passports and equipment. The Greek Red Cross was sending weapons and ammunition to the Greeks under the guise of providing medical aid. The armed Greek gangs tried to force the Turks living in the region to leave their places with anarchy. Greeks were tried to be settled in the places vacated by the Turks. The real estates of the Turks, who had no security of life and were in financial difficulties, were purchased by the Greeks and an attempt was made to ensure that the distribution of real estate was in favor of the Greeks. The cruelties of the Greeks had been heard in Europe. The UNCOI, which was assigned by the Paris Conference, found the Greeks guilty in the report it prepared. Greece, unable to hold its own against the Turkish National Movement, withdrew, leaving behind unforgettable suffering. Key Words: Western Anatolia, Greek Propaganda, Greek Cruelty, Patriarchate, Megali Idea.