Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book summarises the historical background of the Greek-Turkish War and the Great Offensive. The social, political and tactical context of the conflict is outlined by touching upon the status quo in Western Anatolia under the Greek occupation, the rise of the Turkish resistance in Anatolia and the course of events during the Great Offensive. The book follows in the footsteps of the soldiers, commanders and civilians in the battlefields of Dumlupinar. It illustrates how the conflict zone's local communities engage with the landscapes, events and material remains of the conflict in the present day. The book investigates post-war formation processes and memorialisation activities in the area of the Great Offensive. It discusses how the state and public have imagined and re-enacted the Great Offensive since 1924, focusing on both past and present Victory Day ceremonies held at the Battlefield of Dumlupinar.