The Great Fire of Smyrna ignited against the backdrop of the Greco-Turkish War, a conflict that lasted from 1919 to 1922 as Greece attempted to expand its territory into Anatolia and reclaim lands heavily populated by ethnic Greeks. As Turkish forces advanced on Smyrna, the city was filled with uncertainty and fear. When the fire erupted on September 13, it quickly engulfed entire neighborhoods, fueled by the dry conditions and the city's predominantly wooden architecture. The flames spread with alarming speed, and the local population, which included a significant number of Greeks and Armenians, found themselves trapped between the advancing Turkish army and the devastating fire. Eyewitness accounts describe scenes of horror as desperate refugees fled towards the harbor hoping for rescue while watching their homes and families be consumed by fire.

As the hellish blaze raged on for days, it resulted in the destruction of a significant portion of Smyrna, historically known for its rich cultural tapestry. The fire ultimately underscored the violent upheaval facing the Christian populations of Asia Minor, culminating in mass atrocities and a humanitarian crisis. Contemporary reports estimate that hundreds of thousands of people were killed, displaced, or otherwise affected by the disaster, leading to a massive exodus of Greeks from Anatolia. The international community, particularly the Greek diaspora, watched with horror as the situation unfolded, leading to various rescue efforts to save those caught in the chaos, primarily focusing on helping survivors escape the inferno and violent repercussions of the war.

The Great Fire became a symbol of the end of an era, marking the profound displacement of Greek communities from what had been their ancestral homes for centuries. As the flames died down, the political landscape of the region also transformed, with the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic coming shortly after. The event's legacy continues to resonate in Greek-Turkish relations and has remained a poignant chapter in the historical narrative of the population transfers resulting from the war.