The Asia Minor Catastrophe was the greatest tragedy of Hellenism, worse even than the Fall of Constantinople in 1453. Relentless questions arise such as: Was it right for Venizelos to land troops in Smyrna? How were Turkish civilians treated? What were the true objectives of the military campaign after Venizelos's fall? What role did the Great Powers play? Why did the scales ultimately tip in favor of Kemal? Who is primarily responsible for the disaster that cost hundreds of thousands of lives and uprooted nearly one and a half million people from their land? And one last question: Can impartial answers be given that will truly convey the truth and teach future generations?

With these in mind, Dimitris Fotiadis narrates, analyzes, and interprets the events that led to the catastrophe, beginning with how World War I seemed to pave the way for the risky realization of the Great Idea. Utilizing the minutes of the Trial of the Six, materials from the General Army Staff, and the memoirs of many key figures from Greece and abroad, he follows the diplomatic consultations, political decisions, and military operations to the end, emphasizing the decisive "Battle of Sakarya."

He adds his own, shocking testimony of the horrific things he witnessed and experienced to the historical documents. The result is a clear, informative, and vivid text in the unique style of Fotiadis, complemented by rich illustrations and informative maps, a truly significant work for understanding our modern history.