1. Onset and Spread of the Epidemic The major plague epidemic broke out in the spring of 1765. The first victims appeared in Moschonisia. The plague spread to Adramytti, Smyrna and the nearby ports of Çesme and Kuşadası. In particular, in the city of Smyrna the epidemic had catastrophic consequences: all European shops were closed down. The wealthy inhabitants and the subjects of European countries fled to the surrounding suburbs, mainly Burnova and Buca, while the poor moved to the mountains. The squeeze in the city and the high temperature contributed to the spread of the epidemic. In May the epidemic was at its peak, while in June several houses had been abandoned. The great earthquake of July 11 made things worse for those who remained in Smyrna.1 2. Precautionary Measures Nobody was allowed to enter the suburbs unless they had successfully undergone the thorough medical examinations. At the entrance to Buca there was a military sentry box, where medical examinations and disinfection were carried out. During the epidemic, vinegar was widely used, because it was the major disinfectant of the time used for food and various items, mostly coins. According to travellers, the consequences of the epidemic for the Muslims were more catastrophic because they took fewer precautionary measures.2 3. The End of the Epidemic The epidemic stopped between August 10 and 15; the people returned to their houses and resumed their activities. There must have been approximately 20,000 casualties in the city. |