We condemn the movie ‘’Smyrna’’

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Ray Nutt, CEO
Fathom Events
[email protected]

Dear Mr. Nutt,

We are writing to you in relation to the movie “Smyrna”, which we understand will be screened on December 8, 2022 at multiple theaters across the U.S. during an organization by Fathom Events. The Turkish-American community is deeply disturbed and offended by the fact that this production, which is portraying an unsubstantiated and erroneous account of historical events, is afforded such a vast platform by your company. We would like to take this opportunity to set the record straight concerning its subject matter. 

We condemn the movie ‘’Smyrna’’ which is full of black propaganda. The Turkish War of Independence was conducted between 1919 and 1922, against those who coveted Anatolia, our homeland. Led by the Great Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, it resulted in a rightful victory of independence and freedom as well as paved the way for the proclamation of the modern Turkish Republic. 

It also challenged the imperialistic ambitions of the era, which envisioned Greece waging an invasion and occupation of the Turkish homeland, starting in İzmir, referred to as “Smyrna” by the said production. During this course of events, Greece committed most heinous atrocities against humanity in Turkish territories. The occupying Greek forces resorted to brutal and savage methods in Anatolia, including but not limited to perpetrating massacres of the Turks.

We do not intend to open up a debate on history. However, if there needs to be a quick reminder, in the face of the horrors caused by the Greek occupation in Anatolia, Greece’s war-time allies had to investigate its crimes against humanity by establishing an Investigation Commission. Furthermore, Greece’s vicious acts were registered as contrary to the law of war in the 59th Article of the Lausanne Peace Treaty of 1923. The liability of the tragic events of the time falls on the Greek side— not on the Turks, as attempted to be depicted in “Smyrna”. This production, as a whole, is devoid of any historical credibility. In the records and archives, there is no historical evidence that fire was caused due to the act of Turkish side. Also, as it can be seen from the works of Turkish history specialist, such as Bernard Lewis, Donald Webster and Lord Kinross, there was never an intention from Turkish authorities to commit such anBarbaric crime.

We are concerned by the negative implications of the continuation misleading, irresponsible black propaganda on peace and cooperation between communities. The influential medium of art has the sacrosanct responsibility to help lay the ground for cooperation and solidarity in our Nation, most especially between the communities forming it. Never should it incite hatred and animosity. Enabling those who wish to manipulate this medium to amplify their black propaganda through demagoguery cannot serve that end. We kindly call youfor common sense and ask you to refrain from contributing this black propaganda.

We earnestly hope that you will consider the dissemination of future projects with greater scrutiny and sensitivity. 

Sincerely, 

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11935566/