THE BOTTOM OF DARKNESS

 

The Tired Warrior by Kemal Tahir

Translated by Elif Erkmen

Chapter 6

The wind dropped and it started to rain when they were approaching Bandirma Harbour.

Captain Temel Reis was from Kapidagi. He had an eighty-ton boat carrying wood. The boat slowed down and came to a stop. Ship hands wrapped the old sails, brought the small boat to the front, and started rowing. They did all this without waiting for the orders from the Captain of the boat.

Temel Reis was the same throughout the journey. His expression didn’t change. He had a big nose like a bird’s beak and had blond knitted eyebrows. He had a whitish mustache and stiff lips that turned blue. He was controlling the rudder tiller with his bare foot. He was looking straight ahead. He had a red scarf on and he looked like a Pirate who was about to attack the enemy ship. Jamil didn’t want him to see his smile. He covered his mouth with his hand. “Where are the Greek Flags that you were talking about Captain?”

“It was raining so hard they put the flags away so they won’t get wet. Idiots!”

They heard the cargo train whistle, it was going in the tunnel. There were lots of small boats on the harbor that were either being loaded or unloaded. On the hills, there were windmills, houses, and white minarets. Bandirma looked like a place with no worries in the world. It was a nice spring evening. Jamil adjusted his colpack. He had a hunter jacket and pants. His Parabellum was in his belt. He checked if it was showing under his jacket. He checked the commercial documents that Lieutenant Rajab had prepared for him. “They said there was a Veterans Association in Bandirma.”

“Maybe there is.  I don’t know; ask the locals.”

“Who checks the traveling documents? Is it our police?”

“Yes, the Turkish Police check them.”

“Do you know them?”

“Yes, I know a couple of them. Dursun and Ali are from my hometown.  Husnu is from Amasra. They are all from the Black Sea region.”

“I wonder what news they have from Izmir.”

“Yes, we will hear when we get there.”

The clouds were approaching the town, piling up to the north. They reached the harbor in half an hour.     Jamil picked up his small bag and jumped to the shore. “Temel, thank you. Will you see Lieutenant Temel on the way back?

“Yes, of course.”

“Tell him I reached Bandirma safely. He was going to send word to my home.”

“Sure. He will let your family know.”

“Who is going to check my papers?”

“No one is around! There is no need to wait! Go on your way. The Greeks invaded Izmir. Damn the papers!”

Jamil felt like everyone from the stores and the houses were looking at him. He picked up speed. He knew if he turned a couple of corners, he would be on Anatolian soil and he would be a member of the Anatolian community. He wondered if the people on the street were paying attention to him or not. Everyone looked tired and sleepy. He didn’t need any more cigarettes but he stopped by a store and bought a package anyway. He thought about asking the tobacco man if he knew the Veterans Association.

The man was looking at him while counting money, “Are you with Bekir Sami?”

Jamil hesitated, he didn’t answer right away, and he took his time getting his change back over the counter. Then he said, “Yes.”

“God Bless you. We are so happy that you came. When your friends came here it was like new blood to our town. I never cry but last week the Greeks invaded Izmir and I cried. The local Greeks hung Greek flags all over in Bandirma. Then your friends came and took the flags down from the posts. I cried again. You will be saved because of the prayers of the women of my household. God Bless you!” He dried his eyes. He had a white beard and he looked desperate. He had a Rumeli accent.

Jamil put his hand on the shopkeeper’s shoulder and said, “Thank you.” He started to walk then he turned back and asked, “Is there an association for the Retired Officers around here?”

“Yes, go to Hasan’s coffee shop. He is one of your guys here. He is a retired Naval Officer.”

Jamil went out quickly.  The Shopkeeper said, “Turn left from that fountain and go down the hill. You will see the sign on the window. Good Luck! If you like I can come with you in case you can’t find the coffee shop.”

“No, I will find it myself. You have things to do.”

“It is OK. Let me carry your bag.”

“No, please don’t. I have to go there alone. Thank you.”

The man insisted. Jamil understood the importance of this. He was happy. He realized that the people were supporting them. His heart filled with joy.

When he was in the boat earlier he didn’t know what to expect. He felt hopeless because of the chaos of Istanbul. “We thought it was the end of the world!”

Ahirkapi Lighthouse

When he left Istanbul at Ahirkapi harbor, he was so confused he didn’t even have time to think about Neriman. When they passed through the Prince Islands there was light coming from the islands; however, they sailed into deep darkness as the journey progressed. Jamil felt desperate. He felt that this journey would never end safely. Even if he was to reach his destination, he would never return back safely. He feared he wouldn’t be able to find anyone when he reached his destination and he feared he wouldn’t find anyone if and when he would ever return safely back to his home. Christopher Columbus must have felt the same way when he lost hope of finding India.

When he turned left from the corner where the fountain was, he tripped over something and remembered Ismail.  He smiled. He talked to him as if he was there with him. “Long Live Ismail!” Major Ismail Uskup gave him the idea of going to Bandirma and joining the Circassian Rashid Brothers. Ismail gave him a hunter’s jacket, boots, and the colpack.

Ismail had also given Jamil his Parabellum in exchange for his Mouser. He was the one who thought about finding a boat from Ahirkapi to take him to Bandirma. He said, “Go to Anatolia, straight to Kuschu Bashi ranch. If you want action get a horse, put the bandolier across your chest. Find our friend Mad Circassian Rashid. You know how Chakircali was a warlord in the area for fifteen years. You can do it for a hundred years with the Circassian Brothers! Don’t show mercy to the evil people, fire your gun, shoot the bad guys, Muslim or Christian, it’s all the same. See what happens. If I hadn’t lost my leg I wouldn’t stay here for a minute. Go for it, Jamil. Don’t waste time here!”

Jamil realized Ismail was right when he considered the shopkeeper’s welcome. He saw the coffee house with the sign ‘Retired Officers Association’ and went in.  “Hello! I am here to see Hasan.” Three men were playing cards in the corner. There were two lithographs on the wall; the Reshadiye and the Sultan Osman Dreadnoughts that the Ottoman Government ordered but couldn’t get possession of. They were confiscated by Britain.

“Hello. What can I do for you?”

Bekir Sami Gunsav

Jamil was almost going to mention Bekir Sami, but then he thought better of it. “Yes, I came here from Istanbul. They said you can help me. I want to buy wheat, barley, onions, beans, and chickpeas for selling.”

Hasan showed him a place by the desk to sit. He didn’t seem to care about what Jamil had just said. He was thinking about something else.

“Please, have a seat first. Would you like tea or coffee?”

“Coffee please, with a little sugar.”

Hasan made the coffee and brought it to him. As he approached, he asked in a low voice, “You said you came from Istanbul. It is not ship day today.”

“Yes, it is not. My friend had a sailboat. I came by a sailboat. I was informed that it was not easy to find a boat these days.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Hasan thought for a while then asked, “Do you know any dealers here?”

“No.”

“Who gave you my address?”

“A friend.” He drank his coffee.  “He had worked in the Military Depots here.” Jamil hesitated then said, “Major Ismail!”

“Major Ismail! He is a tall handsome blond guy.” He scratched his chin, “deep voice.”

“Yes. That’s the man!”

His expression changed; he wasn’t nervous anymore, and he looked at Jamil friendlier. “Where is he now? Is he in Istanbul?”

“Yes!”

“Good,” Hasan offered him a cigarette, “Tomorrow we will go to a couple of places with you. Get what you need and leave Bandirma quickly. Don’t be too picky with the prices.”

“Why? I thought I’d visit farms and villages so that I can find the produce for a better price.”

“That’s right. But it is not a good time for that!” His voice changed again. He sounded less confident now. “Things are complicated but it is your decision.” He went away with the empty cup. He was taking his time, keeping himself occupied in the kitchen. The card players looked at Jamil. When their eyes met, they turned their heads away quickly. Hasan and his customers seemed not so happy about Bekir Sami’s coming to their town and ordering the Greek Flags off the posts. Jamil thought, “This guy must be a paranoid type, he is nervous. Those kinds of people won’t be happy even if they go to Heaven.”

Hasan came and sat by the cash register. “Where are you staying?”

“I don’t know yet. Maybe I will go to a village instead of staying here.”

“To where?”

“To Emre village, it must be situated halfway between Bandirma and Mihailich.”

“I know that village; it is a Circassian village that belongs to Ali Bey.”

“Is that right?”

“Who are you going to see at Emre Village?”

“I will see Rashid.”

Hasan was interested, “Rashid, Ethem’s older brother.”

“I haven’t met Ethem but I know his other brother Tewfik.”

“Yes, all three of them are Ali’s sons. Do you know Rashid personally?”

“Yes.”

“From where?”

“He is my friend from the Army days.”

“Are you an Officer as well?”

“Yes, I was an Officer.”

“A reserve Officer?”

“No.”

“Rank?”

“Captain.”

“Cavalry or Artillery?”

Jamil laughed, “Why not the Infantry?”

“ ‘Cause I know it is not Infantry.”

“You are right. I was an Artillery Captain.”

Hasan looked like he was sorry for him. He didn’t hide his feelings and smiled. “You got retired and decided to be a businessman. Good. You went to war when everyone was doing business and now when you need to be in action you are starting a business.” He said the last sentence in a low voice as if he was talking to himself. “I don’t think you can find Rashid at the Ranch now. It would be good if you could find him though.”

“Why? Did he go somewhere?”

“Sort of.” He laughed, “I haven’t seen them in the village since the Truce. All three brothers have taken off to the mountains.” He waited a little. “If you know Rashid well you would know the reason. Since the Revolution, those Brothers were involved in all kinds of dirty businesses. The current Government spells trouble for them. They say hundreds of criminal files are waiting for them in the Court Marshall. Did you hear about the latest incident concerning Ethem?”

“No, I don’t know much about him. Is he an Officer as well?”

“No! He is the youngest son and his father loves him very much. Ali used to say that he didn’t want Ethem to leave his sight. He was always with his dad. He called him ‘Chakir’”

“Chakir? He must be a handsome blonde man.  What does he look like?”

Cerkez Ethem- Ethem the Circassian

“He is tall and fit. He is a brave young man, fearless. He served in the Military at Serasker. Eshref Kuscubasi introduced him to Suleiman Askeri during the Great War. He worked for the TM, the Secret Organization for some time and he got involved with some serious things. Do you know Yacoub Jamil?”

Esref Kuscubasi

“Yes, I know of him”

“Ethem and Yacoub Jamil attacked Russians together in Batumi. He returned to Bandirma towards the end of the War. He kidnapped Governor of Izmir Rahmi’s son with a couple of Zaybek fighters.”

“How is that even possible? He is a member of TM and he kidnaps Rahmi Bey’s son? That doesn’t make sense.”

“He is like that. Ethem the Circassian always does something incomprehensible!”

“Was he mad at Rahmi for some reason? I never heard of any Unionist involved in such a thing. It is weird. I don’t know what to think.”

“Yes, he kidnapped Rahmi’s son. It was not because he was mad at him. He did it for money.”

“That’s even worse.”

“He asked for fifty thousand Gold Liras.”

“Did Rahmi give that amount to him?”

“Instead of Rahmi, all the Christian Businessmen in Izmir raised money to save the boy.”

Jamil laughed at this, “Why didn’t you say so? They acted together with Rahmi to collect taxes the Ottoman way!”

“I don’t know about that. The situation is dangerous for them, now. They could end up in the Court Marshall. He prefers to stay in the mountains, riding his horse and patrolling.” He said sarcastically and scratched his chin. “Have you served together with Colonel Bekir Sami at the fronts?”

Jamil hesitated, “Yes, occasionally. Why do you ask?”

“Bekir Sami is looking for Rashid as well. He had sent a horseman to Emre Village this morning. If you know him, you should go and talk to him. See if Rashid is going to come. I doubt it, but you can try! You know Bekir Sami is Circassian as well. For that reason, there is a slight possibility that Rashid might come to see him.”

“Where is Bekir Sami now?”

“He usually goes to the Military Recruitment Office after lunch.”

“Did he come here recently?

“He came two days ago! He was promoted to Deputy Commander of the 17^th Army Corps. Go see him.” He smiled sadly, “I think he will be very happy to see you.”

“Why would he be happy? He doesn’t even know me.”

“You will see. He will be happy and perhaps he will persuade you to join him and leave your business dealings.”

“I don’t think so.”

Hasan looked cross. “Don’t the people of Istanbul get any news?  Didn’t you hear that the Greek Army landed in Izmir?

“Yes, we heard about that.”

“So?”

“We don’t know. Yes, we heard that the Greek Army landed in Izmir but they are saying that it was not a permanent situation.”

“The clashes have already started at Kordonboyu, around Government Buildings and the Barracks. Nadir Pasha and his Army Corps were taken prisoner. Did you know that?”

“Yes, I heard that. The Government is trying to free the Prisoners.”

“Did our brave government stop the Greek Army’s advancement as well?”

“What advancement? I didn’t hear about that!”

Cesme Castle

“You didn’t hear that? They took possession of Urla on May 16th, and Soke on the 17^th. The same day the Italians landed on Chesme! Greeks occupied Torbali on May 20^th. Yesterday it was Menemen soon it will be Manisa!”

“No way!” Jamil leaned forward.” Is that true?”

“Yes, that’s the truth!” He looked at the card players, “Did you think we are really playing card games here? I don’t believe it is a good time to be a merchant now, Captain! Go see Bekir Sami. If you are going to join his Forces, we can sell your business to someone else tomorrow! All the men, women, and children of Izmir are leaving the city. There is no room in the trains; people are on top of one another. I don’t know what people are doing in Istanbul but it is not time to sell beans!”

Jamil felt embarrassed and he asked quietly, “Is there any resistance to the Greeks?”

“Resistance...To resist one has to decide to resist first. The towns that I am talking about were left to the enemy without firing one shot! Not even one rifle shot heard.” He pointed at the suitcase. “If you are not carrying money, leave it with me and find Bekir Sami. As far as I see it, the 17^th Army Corps consists of one deputy Commander, one Captain, and a young Lieutenant fresh out of War Academy! The Commander will be so happy to find a Commander for the Artillery Regiment that doesn’t exist!”

Jamil stood up quickly and saluted the Naval Officer whose rank he didn’t even know. When he stepped out he thought, “I should have asked him the address of the Military Recruitment Office.” He didn’t feel like going back.

Since he graduated from the War Academy, he always went to the Garrison first, whenever he came to a new town. For the first time now he was going to the military Recruitment Office like a Retired Officer. For the first time in his life, he didn’t ask if there was an Officer that he might know at the Garrison that he was going to. He now realized that it was a great comfort to be welcomed by a friend to a new place. He didn’t know what to say to Colonel Bekir Sami as he didn’t know him personally. Jamil felt more uncomfortable as he approached the office.

Captain Selahaddin, who was an aide de camp to Bekir Sami, didn’t recognize Jamil at first.  As Selahaddin was asking who he was, he suddenly stopped, “Oh! It is Jamil.” He opened his arms to greet his old friend from the War Academy. As he was hugging Jamil, he said, “What are you doing here? I am so happy to see you. We need you here. God Bless your heart!” A door opened behind them and they turned to look. To Jamil’s surprise, Lieutenant Farouk came in. Farouk was surprised to see Jamil there as well. “How come you are here Captain? How did you know? Did Maksood send you here?

“Farouk, I didn’t know that you were here.”

Captain Selahaddin asked. “Do you know each other?”

“Yes. Arab was going to let me rot in Istanbul. I thought I better get out of there.”

Selahaddin grabbed his arm and led him to the other room. He introduced him to Bekir
Sami. His voice was trembling with joy, “Sir, look who is in Bandirma. Allow me to introduce my friend Jamil Beshiktash. He came to Bandirma.”

Colonel Bekir Sami smiled. He was a fatherly man but he had a temper. He was very strict. Wherever he was and whatever he was doing under whatever conditions, he wanted everything to be done by the book. Selahaddin realized his mistake and stood to attention.

“Jamil Beshiktash?” He thought for a while. “Where did I hear your name? Oh, I remember. Von Kress told me about you. He called you ‘Jehennem’ in German. Did you go to Germany for training?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Where was the last place that you served?”

“I served in Palestine and then I joined the 7^th Army.”

“Were you with Mustafa Kemal Pasha?”

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk

“Yes.”

Bekir Sami inspected Jamil. “Are you retired?”

“No, Sir.”

“What is your situation?”

Jamil started to tell him what happened in Istanbul.

“Please, take a seat...Tell me from the beginning.”

Jamil finished his story by referring to his friend Ismail. “I talked to Ismail at the Legion. I thought I might go to Anatolia and help. ”Bekir Sami waited for more. Then he realized it was the end of the story, and he smiled. “Good thinking. It is good timing as well. Do you know anyone who can help around here? We can’t be too picky these days. Even wooden soldiers will do. Sergeant, corporal, artillery, reserve, cavalry, or commissioned Officers. Whoever! Since you are friends with Omer the Patriot and Ismail maybe you also know some other TM members that could help us.

“Yes Sir, I was on my way to Rashid’s Circassian village.”

“Good.  I already sent someone to Rashid. I think he will be here soon. If he can’t come over here, then maybe you could…”

“Yes Sir, of course, I will go talk to him.”

“We will be on our way to Balikesir. After talking to Rashid you should come join us. Talk to Selahaddin and distribute the duties among the two of you. We will have a lot of time to talk in the next few days,” He smiled, “If we are not dead!”

Jamil realized that Colonel Bekir Sami was maybe not the greatest Commander but he was brave and trustworthy regardless. Since the second constitutional period, so many of the Officers wanted to be promoted to the higher ranks… at all costs. He wasn’t like them. With his bold head, mustache, and stocky build, he was a fatherly Officer whom the soldiers liked. He was stationed in Iraq and Caucasia. He performed all his duties well. He was well-liked in the army by both his superiors and subordinates.

Jamil went to Selahaddin’s room. He removed his gun from his belt.

“What are you doing, Jamil?”

“I am adjusting my belt.”

“Oh, what do you have there? Let me see that!” When Selahaddin saw the big Parabellum, he whistled, “Wow, it is a Parabellum. As big as a mountain cannon! Very nice. What are you doing?”

“I am thrusting the gun into my belt. Why are you surprised?”

“A gun like that should not be hidden under your jacket.”

“What should I do? Look at my attire.”

“Your attire is just fine. Half Officer, half Bashi-bozouk. The perfect uniform for these days. Don’t you have a bandolier?”

“No.”

“Wait a minute.”

Selahaddin went out. Then he came back with a used Bandolier. “Put this on. Yesterday I noticed this hanging on the wall. Don’t hide your gun under your jacket in a time like this. We will show off so that the enemy will turn green with envy.”

Jamil put the belt on and adjusted it the way he usually did by pulling the gun to the front. He felt relaxed for the first time after so many months. He didn’t feel like he didn’t belong anymore. Bekir Sami was dictating something in the next room. Jamil listened for a while, and then asked Selahaddin without fear of being heard, “What is this Colonel doing here, Selahaddin?”

Selahaddin knew that Jamil wouldn’t respect someone just because of his rank. He respected real values. “Damn it, Jamil, quiet.”

“Why should I be quiet? I am just asking.”

“The Colonel is a good man and he is very capable. Why do you think he was chosen to lead the Army Corps among so many other Generals?”

“I don’t know. Why did they choose him?”

“He might be able to take us out of the difficult situation that we are in. We are disbanded.  We have to start from scratch. We don’t have the means to start something up. It is a complicated and hopeless situation. You saw the desperation in Istanbul yourself. There is no government control anymore in the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The foreigners do as they please. Yet two things give me hope; first, the Greek Army has landed on Izmir, thus they are trying to achieve something that they are not capable of. Second, Mustafa Kemal is going to Samsun as a Military inspector.”

“When there is no army what can Mustafa Kemal do?”

“I don’t know but if there is something to be done there is no other man better than Mustafa Kemal to do the job.”

“A lot of people agree with you in Istanbul but I am not so hopeful.”

“Why?”

“It looks peculiar to me to go to Samsun to save Izmir. If Mustafa Kamal thinks that’s the shortcut, I think he is wrong. He should have stayed in Istanbul or come here like your Colonel.”  Then Jamil smiled. “I am telling you all this and you are listening to me seriously. We don’t know about the politics. Maybe the road to Izmir is really passing through Samsun. Never mind all this and tell me what we are going to do here.”

“The general situation here is not hopeful. The people don’t want to fight anymore. When we explain to them that we have to fight they look at us like we are swearing at their mother. Half of the Reserve Officers are hiding in their homes, and half are struggling to find ways to feed their families. Our guys are mostly sick or handicapped. The able-bodied ones are still dealing with the trauma of the defeat. What is left are a couple of Officers like you and me who are saying, ‘We don’t know about the politics’ and a couple of brave intellectuals. All the rest are deserters and bandits.”

“What about the Unionists?”

“Yes, you can still count on them. They feel responsible for the defeat. As soon as we came here we looked for Rashid the Circassian, and you did the same. Because he is one of us! The downside is we can’t introduce ourselves to the people as Unionists anymore. We have to play games.  We have to deceive people when we need to and we have to be disciplined. Because we don’t have anyone to fight with us. All that are left are the bandits. If we are doing something we are doing it with them. At least initially. Now do you realize why I was so happy when I saw you?”

“What are you talking about? Am I a person who would deal with bandits? Am I a trickster?”

“I wish you were. You are an honest guy. I know you are not a trickster, Jamil. We are going to get the help of the militia. How are we going to deal with them? How are we going to take them under our authority? We need someone authoritative like you. We are going to use the same tricks as Yakub Jamil. But not as naively. Yacoub, may he rest in peace, was more like a bandit than an Officer. It was in him. It wasn’t just a temporary act for him. It suited him. You are born as an Officer. You are not intimidated by your superiors and friendly with your subordinates. These qualities show me that you are a real War Officer. Yes, you need a rifle now. Use this for now. If we can find a better one, then you will upgrade it. And you need a horse, of course.”

“What about the cannons? Is there any hope that we can get cannons?”

“We will worry about them later. What we are going to do now is just become guerillas. Don’t get depressed. I know you. You must have been bored out of your mind during the last few months! You are getting rusty. You are aching for action! It is your game. Here is the arena for it. Do what suits you.” He smiled as if he remembered something. “Do you remember you were showing off with your rifle at Edirne during the 2nd Army’s War Games?”

“Never Mind! We were kids then. When I think of that I get embarrassed. Remember what General Mahmud Shevket told me, ‘Good for you son! You are at the wrong address. You don’t belong to the Army Go to a circus!’ You lowlife! You laughed so much after pushing me forward like that!”

Selahaddin stroked his shoulder. “You are at the right place for the Circus Act.”

“I already forgot those circus tricks. If you are talking about cannons, that’s another story. Look at us now; we will be friends with Zaybeks and show them our skills at shooting!”

“It is a little more serious than you think. We have 48,000 Infantry rifles, more than a million mouser bullets, eight guns with sliding blocks, and seventy-two regular guns, plus four machine guns.”

“We have those weapons?”

“They are stored at Manisa Depot. We need manpower. As we head towards Manisa we will need to recruit soldiers. We have to reach Manisa before the Greeks so that we get the weapons and use them against the enemy. It is a race against time.”

“While we are going there, why don’t our guys in Manisa carry the weapons to somewhere safe?”

“They can’t. The Regiment in Manisa is completely disbanded. The people of Manisa are afraid for their lives. They are not able to protect their belongings, let alone save the army weapons. We have to go there immediately. We have two days at the most.”

“How can we recruit enough soldiers in two days?”

“We will find a way. Look, we found you. It is hard to recruit an Officer like you. We put our hopes in the militia. At least it is easy to find them. All the mountains of our beloved country are full of outlaws now.”

As it was getting dark, the mood of Bekir Sami changed from nervous to downright angry. Selahaddin and Lieutenant Farouk were busy at the Telegram Office giving the news of Bekir Sami’s new post as Deputy Commander of the 17^th Army Corps to the Military Offices in the surrounding areas. At the same time, they were trying to contact Manisa to get the Commander of the Location, Ahmet Zeki to the telegram office there.”

Telegram operators were working diligently day and night but still, it wasn’t easy. The connection was interrupted frequently. To talk to someone locally they sometimes had to go through the farthest offices. They were asking for help from all over the place. Even though there were neither any battles nor any violent incidents in any part of the country the communication was difficult. Everything else seemed to be in order. The enemy soldiers acted politely in the towns and the cities that they entered after landing on Izmir. They were saluting Turkish Officers and showing respect to the Turkish Flag; so that they could convince people that The Greek Army was friendly towards the local communities.

The Turkish communities, on the other hand, were still in shock because of the news of the Greek invasion of Izmir. It was unbelievable. They were motionless. For that reason, there was no panic yet. They were not immigrating to other cities nor were they going to the train stations en masses. People didn’t leave their homes yet. They hadn’t yet loaded their carriages and animals with all the possessions that they could carry along.

Manisa

Telegram Operators couldn’t contact Manisa; however, they were able to receive some important news. “Seferihisar and Chesme troops were disbanded upon hearing the news of Greek Occupation. Soldiers laid down their arms and fled. No news from Menemen since yesterday. The local Greek guerillas lead the way to the Greek Army while advancing to Menemen through two different roads on May 21^st. The Greek Army’s commander was Major Chakolos. I have just learned his name. We are being informed that there have not been any armed conflicts in Menemen yet. Local Greeks and prominent citizens of the town are jubilant. They welcomed the enemy army at the entrance of the town with a huge Greek flag The 17th Army Corps 5^th weapon depot which was located in Menemen surrendered to the enemy and they took possession of a sizable amount of ammunition and weapons. In recent news: the English offered the Greeks all the territory from Ayvalik to Kushadasi...50 -60 km of land...Another rumor:  The entire Province of Aydin will be given to the Greeks as well! God help us! An officer just came from Izmir. He said the Greek army had been landing on Izmir for the last seven days nonstop. He estimates that the total number of soldiers is one hundred thousand. He heard that one Gendarmerie regiment would also land at Izmir. I am sending this message for your information but we haven’t been able to get confirmation yet. I heard this from a friend in Kushadasi which is under Italian occupation: The Greek commanders ordered all the Turkish Officers out of the city with their families on May 20^th. We are worried about their safety, gang robberies, or, God Forbid, something even worse could happen.”

Selahaddin was giving these messages to Bekir Sami and trying to reach Manisa at the same time. The only answer he was getting from the operators was: “Sir, we can’t reach Manisa yet. Don’t worry, we are trying.”  Selahaddin asked the operators to send Deputy Commander Bekir Sami’s following announcement to all the centers that they can reach; “The Greeks are bragging that they have found the weapon depots and ammunition which were surrendered to them without any resistance. This is a shame for our nation. We don’t have a single bullet or a single gun that we can afford to give to the enemy. All the Officers, all the government employees, and the public have a responsibility to carry all the guns they can  further inland so that they can be used against the enemy whenever it is possible to do so. No Army personnel will surrender his weapons to the enemy and no one will allow themselves to be taken prisoner. Share this announcement with all the units.”

The Army Corps is so badly disbanded that the operators can’t find anyone higher rank than a Captain to be summoned to the Telegram Office to talk to the deputy Commander.  Jamil was working as an aide de camp. When he entered the Office, Bekir Sami asked him, “Did you get in touch with Ahmet Zeki in Manisa?

“No, Sir. There is no news.”

“Tell the operators to call them until they can find them and let them know that if they are not reporting to duty they will be executed.”

“Yes, the operators are sending that message as well.”

“Good! I promise I will hang anyone who doesn’t take this seriously. Have you heard from Rashid?”

“He is not here yet.”

“Why is he taking so long? What do you think? Is it the messenger? Couldn’t he find him? Or is it him? Is he not willing to come?”

“I don’t know.”

Bekir Sami gave Jamil the document that he had just written. “Make five copies of this and have them posted   to various places in the town, please.” Jamil was smiling as he was reading the telegram. He felt relieved as soon as he learned about Minister of War, Shevket Turgud’s orders. “Go to Manisa right away and gather the troops who are retreating inland and form new units. Don’t engage in combat unless it is the last resort.” This order was clear to Jamil. It meant ‘fight if you have to’. The last line of the order read ‘I as well as Chief of Staff Jevded expect this service from you.’ The only thing that those two Generals can expect from us is to fight and defend our country. Jamil preferred to interpret the message this way under the circumstances.

Bekir Sami was going to talk to the congregation after the prayers at the Bandirma Mosque. Jamil wrote the speech:

Dear Bandirma Residents,

We have to fight with the infidels. It is the order of God. As you know, our Prophet fought against the infidels. He had his tooth removed at the Battle of Badr, because of an arrow. Since our country is under occupation, the Muslims should unite and resist! We have to forget about our own battles. It is time for brotherhood. There is no use in surrendering to fear. If we resist in the name of religion we can fight against seven kings, never mind the Greek King. Maybe the previous Government was guilty of entering the Great War, but the Greeks have invaded Izmir now. They don’t have a right to do that. They are attacking us for no reason. We have a choice now; either to surrender; let the country be invaded and lose our honor, our belongings, and even our lives or we fight back. I know that the people of Bandirma are brave. That’s why I accepted the position as the Deputy Commander of the 17^th Army Corps in a difficult time like this. Today someone at the mosque stood up and asked, ‘There are no weapons, and there are no soldiers. How are we supposed to fight back? We heard the Greeks won’t go further than the Izmir borders’.  What does that mean? The person saying this must be either against us or he must be ignorant. Let me read you the latest news: ‘The Greeks are advancing towards the hinterland.  Right now they are about to invade Menemen.” We have been unable to reach Manisa for the last two hours. The enemy is advancing straight towards us. I will lead the Regiment tomorrow. I trust my men and my weapons. However; the Army can’t do this battle alone. The people have to support our troops. Everyone has to take up arms. The people who support our troops by carrying the food and the weapons to the fronts are equally blessed as the soldiers who are fighting. The telegrams that I am getting are giving us news that the local Greek militia are invading the towns and villages; they rape our women and kill innocent children with their bayonets. What are we supposed to do? Are we going to fight the Greek Army that is advancing towards us or are we going to fight with the guerilla attacking our villages behind us? We need your help to defend the villages against the guerillas. If you don’t want Bandirma to be invaded as well, we have to go to the enemy and stop them before they reach here. Let’s encourage one another. Let’s not make any discouraging comments. If you discourage the soldiers it will be a sin.”

Jamil finished writing the speech and decided to give the bulletins to Hasan for distribution. He went there when Hasan was about to close the coffee shop. He saw Jamil and noticed the gun on his holster. Hasan was happy. “I think Bekir Sami talked you out of doing business. That’s good. I thought you were going to stay to fight. That’s very good. It is not the right time to start a business. I was going to bring your suitcase… About your sailboat. Do you want me to find someone to rent it?”

Jamil smiled, “I don’t really have a sailboat; I wasn’t here to do business but I didn’t tell you why I came to Bandirma at first.”

“Oh! I see! Let’s have some coffee.”

“Thank you.”

“Have you eaten?”

“We are going to dine with the Commander. We received a dinner invitation for tonight.”

“I know. I heard you were invited by Emin. I saw him walking past here with Hayri. They were going to meet Bekir Sami.

“Yes. They are with the Commander.”

“Good, then we will go to Emin’s party after we are finished here. Let’s have our coffee first.”

“The Commander asked for your help with something.”

“Anything he wants...”

Jamil showed him the papers. “These announcements… He wants them to be posted in various places around the town. Can you find someone to do that? If it is necessary we can pay.”

“No need to pay. I will find someone.”

Hasan put the papers in his pocket. He didn’t even read them. While he was preparing coffee he asked, “Did you hear from Rashid?”

“Not yet.”

“He will come. That’s if nothing happened to the messenger!”

“Was he in danger?”

“Yes, he was. But he is a smart guy, I am sure he avoids dangerous situations.”

“There is a rumor that Rashid won’t come.”

“Even if he can’t come, he will send someone that he trusts. He is not a man to hide in a situation like this.”

“Is there anyone else that we can trust around here?”

“Like who?”

“Sharp shooters, brave men anyone who can help.”

“Do you mean the honest people or the bandits?”

“The honest people are already on our side.”

“I see what you mean now.  Ahmet Anzavour, Shah Ismail, Hasan, and Shevket, they are all Circassians. They don’t get along with Rashid, so they avoid running into him. There is also Kara Hasan with his friend Suphi at Biga.”

“Do they have a sizable force?”

“He has two hundred men.”

“Are they cavalry or infantry?

“They are bandits. If they find horses they ride them. Kara Hasan Gang...There is also a Kurdish Sergeant Mehmet who is with them. He is a violent man but he is smart. He is the brains of the operations.  One of his eyes is green the other black. It is not a good omen. Let me see who else is there. There is Acrobat Hakki at Karacabey, Tahir in Kayalar, Safer in Biga, and Riza in Balikesir. There are lots of Zaybeks as well. They are all deserters, robbers, dishonest men.” He shook his head. “What can we do with them?”

“We will have to cooperate with them until the honest citizens decide to fight as well.”

“That’s right,” Hasan poured the coffee, “Yes we need them.” He offered his cigarettes to Jamil. “Have you ever had any experience with those types?”

“No. There are some bad apples amongst the soldiers, but they can’t do any tricks when they are in the Army.”

“I am a Naval Officer. I was a deck Captain. In the Abdulhamid era, we weren’t allowed to do much training. There is only one way to deal with dishonest men: It is sheer authority. They only respect you if you are strict. You should discipline them like an animal trainer. You need to kill the ring leader and the others will obey you upon seeing the whip.”

 

Late at night Hafiz Hasan came to let them know that Rashid Bey was sick. When he heard the news Bekir Sami left the dinner table and went back to the Military Office at once. Hafiz Hasan was Rashid’s brother-in-law. He looked like a trustworthy person and he spoke well. He had a short beard and a serious look.

“Rashid is sorry that he couldn’t come personally. He apologizes,” Hasan explained.

“Has Rashid read former Minister of Navy Rauf’s letter?” Bekir Sami inquired.

Rauf Orbay

“Yes, he read the letter. Rashid, Tewfik, Ethem, all the Emre village and surrounding areas are waiting for your orders, Sir. Whatever the military needs, you can tell me, and we will provide it. If you will be in the area in the next couple of days, Rashid will visit you.”

“We have to leave soon. We are going to Balikesir tomorrow. I talked to Gendarmerie Captain Abdullah and Governor Seyfeddin. We are going to provide you arms from the Military Depot. How many horsemen can you provide for the beginning?”

“You have to talk to Rashid about that!”

“Yes, but you might have an idea…”

“Initially we can gather 250 men…”

“How long will it take for you to gather 250 horsemen?”

“We have to ask Rashid.”

“Well, he is not here. Tell me your estimate. How many days will you take?”

“I don’t know, it is hard to tell.”

“That’s important though. We have to know! Time is of the essence. Two days?”

“We can’t be certain. How about every day we provide 30-40 men and as they gather…”

“Yes! If they can’t be rounded up immediately then we have to wait for them to join. We don’t have any other option under the circumstances.  We can’t wait for 250 men to come here.  We don’t have time to lose. I have an idea. What about if we ask for the help of the armed militia around Bandirma? Tell Rashid it would be better if we took the militia on our side rather than leave them behind so we could be sure there is no danger behind us.”

“Yes. That’s important.”

“I know what you are thinking. You are worried that the militia won’t listen to the army orders and maybe they won’t trust Rashid. We have to forget about past former disagreements. Let’s try to recruit as many men as possible. The day after tomorrow at least 200 horsemen should reach Balikesir. Would you tell him all this or do you want me to write a note for you?”

“I will tell him what you said.”

“I need 200 horsemen for the day after tomorrow. I don’t want any excuses.  Even if it is the last day on earth I want them still to come. I am making my plans based on them. Tell him the situation is very grave and every hour, every minute, is important. Do you think you can go back tonight?

“Yes, of course.”

“Your horses must be tired.”

“I will change the horses.”

“Good.” Bekir Sami told Selahaddin to write an order to Bandirma to give Rashid and his representatives all the arms and ammunition that they needed. Then he asked. “Is Farouk still trying Manisa?”

“Yes, Sir!”

“You take turns all night and keep trying. When you reach them, wake me up.” Then he stood up and shook Hasan’s hand. “Thank you, Sir. Give my regards to Rashid, Tewfik, and Ethem. I will write to Istanbul about this meeting.  General Rauf will be so happy. Have a safe trip home.”

Bekir Sami woke up before dawn; even though he went to bed very late the night before. He learned that Captain Selahaddin and Lieutenant Farouk tried to call Manisa all night. There was still no news. He decided to go to Manisa at once so he sent a man to the Train Station.

 As time passed he felt sadness. He didn’t eat anything. There was no news from the train station but he left for the station anyway. No one knew at the Station when the next train was leaving; or when it would reach Balikesir. Bekir Sami went to the Station Chief’s office. His eyebrows were knitted and he was angry. The Chief was Italian. He understood that it was a serious situation. He ordered another car to be attached to the Locomotive.

The 17^th Army Deputy Commander was on his way to Balikesir on May 23^rd. He was going there to make contact with the Army Base in Manisa. That car was carrying a Colonel, two Captains, and one Lieutenant. Not only that, in effect that railway car was carrying the 17^th Army!

The trains were still running on wood-burning steam engines; that’s why they could only reach Balikesir in the evening. The personnel were local Greeks and they already put on Greek Uniforms. The Station was full of Greek flags of different sizes. When the train came to a stop, a tall stout black-bearded man who was wearing a black colpack approached the window excitedly, “Is Bekir Sami Bey in the train…Deputy Commander of 17^th Army Corps? I am a journalist. The newspaper is ‘Izmir’e Dogru’. My name is Haji Muhiddin. I have important news for you!”

“Is that right? Were you able to connect to Manisa by telegram?”

“My news is about Manisa”

“We are listening!”

Haji Muhiddin gave them the worst of the news: The Greeks invaded Manisa two hours ago!

Colonel Bekir Sami Bey was picking at his mustache as he was thinking. They haven’t been able to connect with Manisa since yesterday. The distance between Izmir and Manisa was about sixty kilometers and it meant a three-hour long train ride. “Did you hear about any battles around Izmir?”

“No, Colonel! There is neither any news of fighting nor any news of Turks leaving the city.”

“How is the situation on the other Stations that we are going to pass through?”

“What are you asking specifically?”

“I am asking about both the Turkish and Greek communities. Are there any fights? We saw a lot of Greek Flags in all the Stations as we were passing through, but we haven’t seen any fights between the communities.”

“It is the same here. The Turkish notables took refuge with their Greek and Jewish friends. The others are just keeping silent.”

“Are there any preparations for resistance?”

“Not yet! Before they landed at Izmir we received a telegram saying that this might happen soon and asking everyone from all corners of the country to send protest telegrams. Upon hearing the news we met at the Library to discuss the matter. We have elected seven people to the board. The Christians told us that they were not going to protest the invasion. So we didn’t mention that we would be armed in case the enemy advanced inland. The next day we met at the Mosque for the Mawlid celebrations and we elected more members to the board. So we have forty members now. Every one of those forty members promised to find at least ten armed men. We hope to gather four hundred people for the next meeting.”

“Then what happened?”

Haji Muhiddin’s eyes were downcast. “Not even four people showed up! People are wary and the Government in Istanbul is discouraging resistance. We only have twelve people with us from the original forty members.”

“Didn’t they even try to gather people? What happened? Maybe they tried but no one came.”

“There is some confusion.  Some say we have to gather people right away. Some say we need to wait and see.”

“You shouldn’t have waited. Didn’t you know that the Greek villages are armed?

“Yes, we heard that! Some are worried that if we gather armed men here that would provoke the Greeks. We have sent three people to Istanbul to let them know about the situation here and ask the Government what to do.”

“Have they returned yet?”

“Yes, they have.”

“What did they say in Istanbul to them?”

“You know Istanbul better than me. They tried to avoid the representatives. But the Minister of Interior Affairs Ali Kamal told them that even if the Government sent orders to the people not to resist, still that shouldn’t be obeyed. People will have to resist anyway. He said the Istanbul Government was under pressure from the Occupied Forces. He said self-defense is every nation’s Holy right. If they ask then we should simply say that we were rebelling against the Istanbul Government as well. On the other hand, the Liberty Party Officials are saying that we shouldn’t rebel. And the Government doesn’t want resistance and they are saying that the Sultan doesn’t want conflict.”

Sultan Mehmet Resad

“Do you know any trustworthy people in Manisa? Can you give us their names?”

“Oh! It is dangerous for you to go to Manisa right now, Sir!”

“What should we do then?”

“Stay in Akhisar. Don’t go any further. It seems Akhisar is still safe for the time being. I just communicated with Halit Karaosmanoglu by telegram.”

Akhisar

“Who is Halit?”

“He is a bashi bozouk, he is the leader of irregular soldiers and he is very brave. People listen to him. He won’t give up easily. If you wish you can talk to him as well.”

“Who else can we talk to?”

“There is an Artillery Captain called Rasim at Akhisar.”

Bekir Sami looked at Jamil’s face as if to ask if he knew the man. Jamil thought for a while squinting his eyes, “I can’t remember any Rasim. Maybe I will remember him when I see him.”

“Yes…Who else?”

“I think Halit and Captain Rasim may help you find other people.”

“Give me some information on the 18^th Regiment located here. They told me they only have 500 to 600 rifles.”

“I don’t think so, Sir! Not even that. I heard that most of the soldiers fled. The ones who stayed are not so reliable either. They didn’t have enough Officers to begin with. Some Officers with good connections in Istanbul went there as soon as the Truce was declared.”

“Weapons?”

“Most of the weapons had been surrendered to the English and French forces in Lapseky. I don’t think there are more than 4 machine guns and two cannons.”

“Thank you, Muhiddin.  If I need to talk to you where can I find you?”

“Call the newspaper Izmir’e Dogru whenever you need me. If I am not at the building there should be another journalist on call.”

“All right then. We are continuing our trip now. Please keep calling the base in Manisa and call Halit to tell him to meet us at Akhisar!”

Bekir Sami thought for a while to make sure he didn’t forget anything. “Do you know Rashid the Circassian? He is a former Captain and a Unionist.”

“Yes, I know him.”

“I talked to him before. He and his brother Ethem will send some horsemen, units of thirty men. Tell your friends here to meet them on the road and tell them to go to Akhisar to join us.”

“For sure. We will send out watchmen to wait for them right away.”

Suleyman Askeri

Bekir Sami shook his hand. “I trust you Muhiddin. May God protect you and our nation.” That was the farewell blessing that Suleiman Askeri used to say. Bekir Sami’s generation used to say that. Haji Muhiddin was standing at attention and saluting them. Jamil thought that was a trying period for everyone. The soldiers turn to bashi bozouks and the bashi –bozouks turn to soldiers. “God help us!”

Balikesir

Behind Haji Muhiddin there were Greek Flags with the huge cross on them. When they left Balikesir they didn’t have any idea what tomorrow would bring to them. The night fell. The locomotive was climbing uphill, grumbling with fatigue. The sparks from the wood fire from the steam engine were going in the wind. The passengers were even more depressed with the heat and humidity inside the service car. No one had enough energy to talk; they only had dark clouds ahead of them. They were hearing thunderstorms in the distance. The lightning became more frequent as they approached their destination. Lieutenant Farouk laid a napkin in front of the Commander and served some cheese and cherries for dinner.

Bekir Sami was looking tired and spent as if he was at a funeral. His trousers needed ironing and his boots needed polishing. He had shaved in the morning but still, he didn’t look sharp. Enver Pasha insisted that the Officers' clothes had to be clean and repaired, even under fire after he had rejuvenated the army by retiring old Generals. Bekir Sami didn’t have that look anymore. He didn’t feel like eating after a couple of bites, he just drank some water from his water bottle and retired for the night. Then he requested a cigarette from Jamil and asked, “Don’t you have a rifle?”

“No sir! We couldn’t find a suitable one in Bandirma.”

“Yes.  The first order of business in Bandirma is to find rifles for each one of us. We need horses as well.” He looked outside at the sparkles in the dark. “It looks like we are turning into militia, Jamil.”

“We must do what we have to do!”

“Have you ever worked for The Special Organisation, TM?

“No.”

“I understand you have been together with Halil Pasha recently. Have you visited him in Bekiraga Prison?”

“I haven’t visited him in Bekiraga; however I have been receiving some news about him.”

“What is the accusation concerning him?”

“It is not clear yet. I think they accuse him of War Crimes.”

“It is nonsense. Can we help the prisoners in Bekiraga?”

“Yes, I think it is possible.” Jamil thought about adding that help was on its way because all the Officers at the Military Prison were Unionists, but he decided against it. So he repeated, “Yes, I think it is possible.”

“What for? They tried to get Dr. Rashid Bey out of prison but to no avail.” He adjusted his astrakhan colpack with golden trim on the top as if he was getting ready to inspect the troops. “Our generation had to deal with a lot of difficulties. Have you met Governor Rashid?”

“No, I haven’t.”

“He was handsome. He was a smart Circassian man.” Bekir Sami was about to say something. Then he noticed that the train had stopped so he stayed silent. “Could you check to see if there are any foreign flags around the Station?”

Jamil looked outside. He said, “Yes Sir, there are.”

“Please ask someone when we are going to reach Akhisar.”

“Yes, Sir.”

He asked a man approaching with a small lantern and came back: “Sir! They don’t know for sure but it will take a couple of hours.”

“It will be midnight. We have lots of time. Is Farouk in the Locomotive?”

“Yes.”

“He must be very hot in there. You and Selahaddin take turns to give him a break. We don’t know what is waiting for us at Akhisar. He smiled sadly. “It is very unfortunate that Manisa fell. That’s so sad. We shouldn’t have wasted time in Bandirma. If the Army commander Ahmet Zeki couldn’t carry the wedged cannons and machine guns inland; it is even worse.”

“I am sure they did carry them. They must not have waited for the orders for that. If he didn’t save the weapons then we will find something else. Don’t worry!”

Bekir Sami pulled his mustache and looked at Jamil’s face. Then he turned to Selahaddin who jumped in the wagon. Selahaddin told them that they were at Beyce, the one before Soma. They tried the conductor’s telegram instrument but couldn’t reach Manisa. The Greek Station Master didn’t know that Manisa had fallen. Maybe he didn’t want to tell them. The crossing was closed so they had to wait for at least ten minutes.

“Why is it closed?”

“The workers' wagon is passing, Sir.”

“Is that right?”

“Yes, that’s right. I told them what would happen to them; if they lied to us.”

“Good.”

Jamil went to the Locomotive to give Farouk a break. The machinist was a foreigner so they thought they better keep an eye on him. The Locomotive was ten times hotter than the other cars. It smelled of burned wood and burned mechanical oils. The mechanic didn’t like to talk much and he wasn’t friendly. After the worker's wagon passed through the junction, they continued their journey. They went through five stops and couldn’t hear any good news from Manisa. Some confirmed the bad news; some looked at them as if they were hearing about Manisa for the first time in their lives.