A significant surge of violence swept through Istanbul as a result of escalating nationalist sentiments and historical grievances. The pogrom commenced after a bomb was reportedly placed at the consulate of Turkey in Thessaloniki, leading to a false narrative that Greek citizens were attacking Turkish property. This incident served as a rallying point for nationalist elements within Turkey who had long viewed the Greek, Jewish, and Armenian populations with suspicion, blaming them for Turkey's economic troubles and social unrest. The violence that followed quickly spiraled out of control, resulting in many riots marked by extreme brutality. Mobs looted and vandalized properties, killed individuals, and assaulted defenseless minority community members, leaving a lasting scar on Istanbul’s multicultural landscape.

The pogrom lasted for several days, with police failing to act effectively against the rioters. The government’s failure to protect its citizens and maintain order led to public outcry in some sectors but was seen by many as tacit support for the mayhem. Thousands of properties were looted, including churches, homes, and Jewish-owned businesses, indicating a systemic targeting of non-Muslim communities. The aftermath of the pogrom resulted in a mass exodus of these communities, many of whom felt unsafe in Turkey and chose to leave for other nations. The long-term effects of these events altered the demographic composition of Istanbul considerably, leading to a diminished presence of these once-vibrant social groups.