On September 9th, differing accounts describe the Turkish military's entry into Smyrna (now Izmir). Giles Milton notes the first unit was a cavalry troop, met by Captain Thesiger of HMS King George V. Thesiger mistakenly reported speaking with the 3rd Cavalry Regiment's commander but actually conversed with the 13th Regiment's commander, Lieutenant Colonel Atıf Esenbel, under the 2nd Cavalry Division. The 3rd Regiment, led by Colonel Ferit, was liberating Karşıyaka under the 14th Division. British Prime Minister Lloyd George noted inaccuracies in British war reports.

Lieutenant Ali Rıza Akıncı's cavalry unit encountered a British officer and later a French captain, who warned them of impending arson by Armenians and urged them to occupy the city swiftly. Despite resistance, including an unexploded grenade thrown at them, they advanced, witnessing Greek soldiers surrendering. Grace Williamson and George Horton described the incident differently, noting minimal violence. Captain Şerafettin, wounded by the grenade, reported a civilian with a sword as the assailant.

Lieutenant Akıncı, the first to raise the Turkish flag in Smyrna, and his cavalry were ambushed, resulting in casualties. They were supported by Captain Şerafettin's units, who also faced resistance. On September 10th, Turkish forces detained thousands of Greek soldiers and officers retreating from Aydın.

Shortly after the city's capture, a massive fire broke out, predominantly affecting Armenian and Greek neighborhoods. Some scholars believe it was a deliberate act by Mustafa Kemal's forces, part of an ethnic cleansing strategy. The fire led to significant casualties and the displacement of Greek and Armenian communities, marking the end of their longstanding presence in the area. Jewish and Muslim quarters remained unscathed.