What happened to the bones from the 1922 Massacre at Smyrna?

  • Thread starter Jobrag
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In summary, during a conversation about the end of the Ottoman Empire and the massacre of Smyrna in 1922, it was mentioned that human bones were shipped to Britain as industrial raw material. This was referenced in a footnote in a book, but further information about the event could not be found. Robert Fisk mentioned the massacre in his latest column for the Independent. It was also mentioned that animal bones are commonly used for fertilizer, but these were specifically human bones. The conversation then shifted to the industrial uses of animal bones, with one person jokingly suggesting that their maiden aunt may have some in her collection.
  • #1
Jobrag
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Some years ago I read a book about the end of the Ottoman Empire; in the chapter about the massacre of Smyrna in 1922, there was a footnote that, some months after the massacre human bones were shipped to Britain. The tone of the note was that the bones were not being brought to the UK to be interred but rather as an industrial raw material. I've since lost the book and have not been able to find out anything more about this gruesome episode. Can anyone throw any more light on it?
 
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  • #2
Robert Fisk in the Independent mentions the massacre in his latest column.
 
  • #3
What are the industrial uses of animal bones?
 
  • #4
Making fertiliser I think. These were human bones.
 
  • #5
Jobrag said:
Making fertiliser I think. These were human bones.
Animal bones are a byproduct of the meat industry. Was there a shortage of animal bones in England that year?
 
  • #6
I bet your maiden aunt has some in her collection.

Fine BONE china is made from ...er...er... :)
 

1. What happened during the 1922 Massacre at Smyrna?

The 1922 Massacre at Smyrna, also known as the Great Fire of Smyrna, was a catastrophic event that took place in the city of Smyrna (now known as Izmir) in modern-day Turkey. It was a result of the Greek army's defeat in the Greco-Turkish War and the subsequent occupation of Smyrna by Turkish forces.

2. How many people were killed during the 1922 Massacre at Smyrna?

The exact number of people killed during the 1922 Massacre at Smyrna is unknown and highly debated. Some estimates range from 10,000 to 100,000, with the majority of victims being Greek and Armenian civilians. However, it is important to note that the death toll may never be accurately determined due to the chaotic nature of the event and the destruction of records.

3. What sparked the 1922 Massacre at Smyrna?

The 1922 Massacre at Smyrna was sparked by the defeat of the Greek army in the Greco-Turkish War and the subsequent occupation of Smyrna by Turkish forces. The tensions between the two groups had been building for years, and this event was the culmination of years of conflict and violence.

4. Were there any international responses to the 1922 Massacre at Smyrna?

Yes, there were international responses to the 1922 Massacre at Smyrna, although they were largely ineffective. The League of Nations formed a commission to investigate the events and provide aid to the victims, but their efforts were hindered by the lack of cooperation from the Turkish government. Some countries also offered asylum to refugees fleeing Smyrna, but there was no significant intervention to stop the massacre.

5. How did the 1922 Massacre at Smyrna impact the region?

The 1922 Massacre at Smyrna had a significant impact on the region, both politically and socially. It marked the end of the Greek presence in Asia Minor and solidified Turkish control over the region. It also had a devastating effect on the Greek and Armenian communities in Smyrna, leading to a significant diaspora and displacement of these groups. The event also had repercussions on international relations and the perception of the Turkish government.

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