The Heroic Resistance of Ödemiş Zeybeks Against Greek Occupation

Ödemiş is a district located in the south of Izmir and stands out with its historical and cultural riches. The district also played an important role during the War of Independence. Ödemiş Zeybeks are heroes who fought against the Greek occupation from the first days of the War of Independence and made significant contributions to winning the national struggle.

Ödemiş zeybeks are people who have been active in the region since the 18th century and are highly respected among the people. Zeybeks were people who generally lived in the mountains at that time and rebelled against injustice, against the order and the law, and fought for their rights. In accordance with this tradition, Ödemiş Zeybeks provided justice and protection to the people while fighting against the Greek occupation.

They took action in the first days of the War of Independence, upon the occupation of Ödemiş by the Greeks on June 1, 1919. Zeybeks organized various attacks against the Greek occupation forces and organized and supported the resistance of the people. Zeybeks, who played an important role in the liberation of Ödemiş, made great efforts to repel the Greek occupation forces from the region.

Some of the most well-known Ödemiş zeybeks are: Çakırcalı Mehmet Efe, Gökçen Hüseyin Efe, Hacı İlyas Efe, Arslan Efe, Kara Hasan Efe and Deli Ömer Efe.

The heroism of these gentlemen in the War of Independence is still told as a legend among the public and passed on to new generations.

Here are some important attacks made by Ödemiş zeybeks and the role they played in the liberation of Ödemiş:

• June 2, 1919: After Ödemiş was occupied by the Greeks, Zeybeks under the command of Gökçen Hüseyin Efe and Hacı İlyas Efe attacked and repelled the Greek troops in Hacıilyas village of Ödemiş. This attack was the first step of Ödemiş's struggle for liberation.

• 11 August 1919: Zeybeks under the command of Gökçen Hüseyin Efe attacked the Greek troops in Pamukçu village of Ödemiş and defeated them. This attack prevented the Greek occupation forces from advancing into the inner parts of Ödemiş.

• September 12, 1920: Zeybeks under the command of Gökçen Hüseyin Efe attacked the Greek troops in Birgi district of Ödemiş and repelled them. This attack was an important stage on the road to the liberation of Ödemiş.

Ödemiş was liberated from Greek occupation on September 15, 1922. The struggle of the Zeybeks from the beginning to the end of the occupation is of great importance.

It is known that Gökçen Hüseyin Efe, one of the most powerful and famous zeybeks, was martyred in 1922 during his struggle for the liberation of Ödemiş. It is known that Arslan Efe was martyred again in 1923, after the liberation of Ödemiş, during his fight against the Greek occupation forces.