September 6-7 Events: Memories and Questions 71 Years Later

71 years have passed since the events of September 6-7, which started on September 6, 1955 and continued until the next day. The attacks in various cities, especially Istanbul, were one of the most important breaking points in Türkiye's recent history. So why did the events of September 6-7 happen, who was in power at that time and how many people lost their lives?

WHAT ARE THE EVENTS OF 6-7 SEPTEMBER?

The events of September 6-7, 1955 were mass attacks and lootings that lasted throughout the night between September 6 and September 7, targeting houses, workplaces, places of worship and institutions belonging to non-Muslim minorities in Türkiye, especially the Greeks in Istanbul. While the events intensified especially in Istanbul, there were also attacks in Izmir.

WHAT HAPPENED ON SEPTEMBER 6, 1955?

The false news that a bomb was thrown at the house where Atatürk was born in Thessaloniki on September 6, 1955, was published as a headline in the Istanbul Ekspres newspaper. The news quickly caused a large crowd to take to the streets in Istanbul. In the events that followed, especially the homes, workplaces, churches and schools of Greek citizens were targeted.

The actions, which were initially seen as protests, quickly got out of control. Especially Greek houses, shops, churches, cemeteries and schools were the targets of attacks. More than 4 thousand shops were looted; Many houses and places of worship were also destroyed.

The events continued until September 7. Martial law was declared in Istanbul and security measures were taken to disperse the crowds and restore public order.

WHO WAS IN POWER DURING THE EVENTS OF 6-7 SEPTEMBER?

During the events of September 6-7, the Democratic Party (DP) was in power in Türkiye. The President was Celal Bayar and the Prime Minister was Adnan Menderes. The Democratic Party took over power from the CHP with the 1950 elections; Menderes also formed the government on May 22, 1950.

HOW MANY PEOPLE DID DIE IN THE EVENTS OF 6-7 SEPTEMBER?

There are different figures regarding the number of deaths. Immediately after the events, the Turkish government announced that 3 people died and 30 people were injured. Subsequent reports and investigations included information that 15 people died.

RESULTS OF THE 6-7 SEPTEMBER EVENTS

The attacks affected the property and businesses of the Greek community in Istanbul, as well as Armenian and Jewish citizens. Following the events, the migration of non-Muslim minorities in Türkiye out of the country accelerated and the multicultural demographic structure of Istanbul changed significantly.