Today in History – 10/11 October

The Armistice of Mudanya is signed

Following the absolute victory of the Turkish War of Independence after the Battle of Dumlupınar, the ceasefire negotiations commenced in Mudanya on Tuesday, October 3, 1922 at 3:15 PM. Commander in Chief Mustafa Kemal had asked İsmet Pasha to preside over the Turkish delegation. Having been promoted to lieutenant general by the Grand National Assembly after his accomplishments at the Great Offensive, İsmet Pasha represented Turkey with this rank at Mudanya.

Greeting each of the representatives of the Allied States at Mudanya as the host, İsmet İnönü took over the proceedings at once. During the proceedings, Commander of the Occupying Forces General Harrington represented the U.K., General Charpy represented France, and General Monbelli represented Italy. As the actual warring side, Greece had appointed Generals Mazarakis and Sariyanis as her delegates. Although the Greek delegates were in Mudanya, they did not partake in the proceedings and the U.K. acted as the spokesperson for the Greeks.

The ceasefire negotiations continued heatedly until October 11th. In constant communication with Mustafa Kemal, İsmet Pasha used the psychological advantage of having won the war and defended the ceasefire demands of the Turkish side uncompromisingly throughout the negotiations. Finally, on October 11, 1922, the armistice was signed.

Not only did the War of Independence ended officially with the Armistice of Mudanya, but İstanbul, the Straits, and Eastern Thrace was saved without battling. The plans of the Allied States to divide Turkish soil thus failed.