The Greeks in the Region

During the Independence War, steps were taken to ensure that the Greeks living within the region did not cause any civil turmoil. A portion of the young Grek population was appointed to supply services behind the front, while some others were sent to the town of Buldan in Denizli. On the basis of an agreement signed between the Greek and Turkish governments,

Turks resident in Thrace and the Greeks livinğ in Anatolia were to be exchanged. In the fall of 1922, the first immigrants from Levissi believed that they would come back one day, but the second group the land where they were born.

The Greeks at Kaya tried to sell their household goods to the Turks. Some even wanted to donate their crockery, but the Turks refused on the basis of the belief that "the goods of those in tears would be of no use to those who smile".

While the second group was on the point of departure, a Greek looked back on top of the hill and, gazing at Kaya lamented, "Well, our paradisical Kaya, we may never see you again". Meanwhile, the government arranged for the emission of banknotes and banned the Greeks taking a ong the coins.

After 1923, 80 families arrived from Thessaloniki and settled at Kaya. Some thought the arable land was insufficient and became shepherds, selling their farms and moving to such places as Manisa, Koldere, Izmir, etc.

Deserted by the new settlers, Kaya became a ghost town in contrast to the high standard of commercial, social and cultural life in the past with its houses, schools, library, churches of various sizes, hundreds of workshops, hospitals, and pharmacies.