Find your treasure... uncover your history.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:21
Walk with me through time and uncover forgotten voices that sat once on the steps
of the present day NATO base here in Izmir, Türkiye.
RESEARCHERS
I’m Susanna Omaç, I am looking for researchers, authors, and those interested in the International College
DESCENDANTS
I am looking for friends and relatives of the people who were involved with the International College…
YMCA
Are you interested in the history of the YMCA and YWCA from the time period of WWI in Izmir…
NATO
I would like to see parts of this history included in the welcoming package for…
ABOUT US
This website is dedicated to the history of the international college of Smyrna, Turkey built by Alexander MacLachlan in 1912. Because my grandfather, S.Ralph Harlow, was the Chaplain as well as a Professor of Sociology at this once prestigious school, this legacy takes on a personal dimension. Since I am right here now and tell the story on location, there is a sense of providence.
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I would like to invite you to come and be a part of bringing a seemingly buried history to life from 1912-1922 here in Turkey. The tremendous and courageous feat taken on by the staff that worked at the College enduring WW1 through to the “Great Fire of Smyrna” is not to be left in ashes but rather redeemed with renewed hope and vision. This website is an invitation to those who share this area of interest.
The amazing stories, some of Biblical proportions, that bring faith and courage are scattered over this land. Now just to enhance this history, the campus here in Smyrna, present day Izmir, is currently still filling the International presence and pursuit of justice with no other than the Allied Land Command of NATO where trained personal from over 25 countries are striving to maintain peace in the world. Come to Turkey and be a part of bringing hidden treasures to light.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matt. 6:21
Alexander MacLachlan
Alexander MacLachlan was well on his way to achieving his dream: a new state-of-the art campus for IC. He had the needed capital, he located the land and even managed to secure the Imperial Firman – permission to shut down the old school and build a new one. Now, there was only one thing left to do: build it.
S. Ralph Harlow
Author of 7 books, creator of plays, poetry, prayers and a famous hymn writer. Harvard Graduate, Chaplain and Head of the Sociology Department at the International College in Izmir ( Smyrna ), Turkey from 1912-1922. YMCA division director. Civil rights activist and Social Gospel defender, Secretary of NAACP, and Professor at Smith College.
The Scottish Alexander MacLachlan and his wife arrived in Izmir and began their dream of the International College with 4 students. The Student body grew to 234 students in 10 years.