Samsun clashes (1920)

The Samsun Clashes were military engagements during the Turkish War of Independence that resulted in a victory for the Turkish forces.

Samsun Clashes
Part of Anglo-Turkish War, Franco-Turkish War and Pontic uprising
Date 1920 Location Samsun Result Turkish victory
Belligerents
Turkish National Movement Ankara Government	United Kingdom Australia New Zealand France Pontic Rebels[1]
Commanders and leaders
Mustafa Kemal Pasha Topal Osman Şefik Avni Pasha	Unknown
Units involved
15th Division[2]
Strength
1 division	200[2] 150[2] 700+[3] Most of the Greeks in Samsun[2]
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

Background

After the Armistice of Mudros, British and French forces invaded Samsun on March 9, 1919. Following the British, the ANZAC forces arrived and were stationed at the site of the present-day Samsun Atatürk Anatolian High School. On February 1, 1920, as residents gathered in front of the Samsun Şehremanet building to protest the occupations, Greek forces, who were celebrating the arrival of American warships and additional land troops at Samsun Port, occupied the Şehremanet building.^[4]

Clashes

Şefik Avni Pasha, who arrived in Samsun on May 7, 1920, assumed command of the 15th Division. The division was rearmed with support from the Grand National Assembly. Once rearmed, the 15th Division engaged in conflicts with British, French, and Pontic forces.

Aftermath

Following the clashes, British and French forces withdrew from Samsun.^[2][3][5] Subsequently, Turkish forces made gains against the Greek rebels.^[6]