Reports on atrocities in the districts of Yalova and Guemlek and in the Ismid Peninsula : $b Presented to Parliament by command of His Majesty — John Shaqi
Reports on atrocities in the districts of Yalova and Guemlek and in the Ismid Peninsula : $b Presented to Parliament by command of His MajestyInter-Allied Commission of Enquiry into Atrocities in Yalova and Guemlek
History
Reports on atrocities in the districts of Yalova and Guemlek and in the Ismid Peninsula : $b Presented to Parliament by command of His Majesty
Inter-Allied Commission of Enquiry into Atrocities in Yalova and Guemlek
Greco-Turkish War, 1921-1922 -- Atrocities
(_e._) In the region of Yalova the commission visited Yalova,
Chinarjik, Inguereh and Koja Dereh. It received the
statements of Greek and Turkish inhabitants of Yalova and
those of the Greek inhabitants of Chinarjik.
The commission did not consider it advisable to visit the Turkish
villages of Ak Keui and Samanli, where there were still some 300
Moslems. As it was not sure of being able to help them immediately, the
commission feared that it might be placed in as difficult a position as
that in which it found itself a few days before at Kutchuk-Kumlar, when
the terror-stricken population spontaneously placed itself under its
protection.
The detailed narrative of the work done each day, as well as of the
statements collected, are attached to the present report.
6. In consequence of the statements received, of the observations made
and facts established on the spot, and of their impressions as a whole,
the members of the commission believe that they can set down the
following statement:—
(_a._) All the Moslem villages of the regions visited—with the
exception of Omer Bey, Yalova, Ak Keui and Samanli—are
abandoned, and were mostly looted and burned by Christian
bands less than two months ago.
(_b._) The population of these villages is at present scattered. Some
of the inhabitants assured their own safety by leaving the
district before the destruction of their village. Others were
either able to flee to the mountains when the bands attacked,
or were, according to statements made, carried off by the
assailants. Some have been massacred.
The fate of the majority of the population which took refuge in
the mountains is unknown. No figures can be given with any
accuracy.
(_c._) It has not been possible actually to verify any of the
atrocities properly so-called (men shut up and burned,
children thrown on the fire, women violated and
disembowelled), mentioned in the reports of the Turkish
authorities. It has, however, been definitely established
that women and defenceless old men were shot or knocked on
the head in the villages of Kapakli and Karaja Ali, sometimes
even in their own houses.
(_d._) The Christian population does not appear to have been disarmed,
and it also appears that the Moslem population was able to
keep hidden weapons.
(_e._) In the localities occupied by Greek troops, the Moslem
population complains of molestation and threats. These facts
should not be regarded as anything else but the application
(occasionally somewhat harsh) of police measures connected
with the state of occupation.
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