First Bullet Monument

First Bullet Monument

Personified with journalist Hasan Tahsin, First Bullet Monument is the ultimate symbol of resistance in Izmir against Greek invasion; this monument is an essential symbol of Konak Square. Greek Efzon Regiment set foot on Izmir on 15 May 1919, and Hasan Tahsin, editor-in-chief of Hukuk-u Beser (Human Rights) newspaper, shot the first bullet against them.

Despite being known by the name Hasan Tahsin, his real name is Osman Nevres. Osman Nevres was born in Thessaloniki in 1888. He studied in Faculty of Political Sciences in Sorbonne University, Paris. He joined Ittihat ve Terakki (Order and Progress) Party during 2nd Constitutional Monarchy period, while also working for Teskilat-i Mahsusa, Ottoman secret service. Having studied universal movements of thought in Paris, Nevres came to Izmir, and started publishing Hukuk-u Beser newspaper.

First Bullet Monument was made by sculptor Turgut Pura using bronze; Sabri Suphandagli, former president of Izmir Journalists Association, led the efforts to organize and finance construction of this monument. Opening ceremony for this monument as held on 15 May 1974; it was attended by Fahri Koruturk, President of Turkey at the time. Initial location of the monument was 20 metres further inland; during implementation of Konak Square Refurbishment Project, it was moved to this new location on 15 May 2003. On two sides of the pedestal, there are reliefs depicting invasion of Izmir, and Turkish cavalry.

Hasan Tahsin's articles can be accessed from Hukuk-u Beser collection in Izmir National Library, or from the book containing the same articles, published in Latin alphabet by Izmir Metropolitan Municipality.