Empire 41. The Rise of Ataturk
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Apr 4, 2023 Giles Milton, bestselling author of 'Paradise Lost: Smyrna 1922', joins to explore the tumultuous history of Smyrna and the rise of Mustafa Kemal, later known as Ataturk. The discussion covers the vibrant cultural tapestry of Smyrna before the Greek invasion, revealing the tensions that ignited violence at the end of World War I. Milton sheds light on Ataturk's strategic navigation through complex political landscapes, leading to his emergence as a national leader in a time of chaos and transformation.
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A Milton's Paradise Lost
- Giles Milton's daughter, Madeleine, claimed authorship of Paradise Lost in primary school.
- Her teacher had inquired about her relation to the famous author, John Milton.
Smyrna's Cosmopolitan Context
- Smyrna was part of a lost, cosmopolitan Levantine world, similar to Alexandria and Constantinople.
- These cities were incredibly mixed and ethnically diverse for centuries.
Smyrna: The Monte Carlo of Anatolia
- Early 1900s travel adverts depicted Smyrna as the Monte Carlo of Anatolia, a playground for the wealthy.
- The city boasted a vibrant mix of cultures and nationalities.
