Chios Massacre: What Happened
In April 1822, Ottoman forces invaded the island of Chios and carried out one of the most notorious massacres of the Greek War of Independence. Chios was one of the wealthiest islands of the Ottoman Empire and had initially hesitated to join the revolution. In March 1822, however, Greek fighters from the nearby island of Samos landed and encouraged the Chians to rise up. The Ottoman response was ruthless. The Kapudan Pasha, Kara Ali, landed a large force on the island. Over the following months, Ottoman troops killed, enslaved or drove out much of the population. Historians estimate that tens of thousands were killed and tens of thousands more were sold into slavery, while many others fled. Out of a population of around 100,000 or more, only a small fraction remained on the island. The massacre shocked Europe and turned public opinion strongly in favor of the Greeks. The French painter Eugène Delacroix portrayed it in his famous painting The Massacre at Chios, and the French writer Victor Hugo wrote a poem about it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Chios Massacre?
The Chios Massacre was the killing, enslavement and expulsion of much of the population of Chios by Ottoman forces in 1822, during the Greek War of Independence.
Why did the Ottomans attack Chios?
In March 1822, Greek fighters from Samos landed on Chios and encouraged the islanders to rise up. The Ottomans responded with a ruthless invasion.
How many people died in the Chios Massacre?
Historians estimate tens of thousands were killed and tens of thousands more were sold into slavery. Only a small fraction of the population remained on the island.
What is The Massacre at Chios painting?
The Massacre at Chios is a famous painting by the French artist Eugène Delacroix, completed in 1824. It is displayed in the Louvre in Paris.
How did the Chios Massacre affect Europe?
The massacre shocked Europe and turned public opinion strongly in favor of the Greeks. The writer Victor Hugo also wrote a poem about it.
More Events from Greek War of Independence
