BALANCE OF POWER IN THE AEGEAN SEA: THE STRUGGLE FOR CHIOS BETWEEN THE GENOESE AND THE TURKS

Abstract

This article examines the Genoese-Turkish struggle over Chios in the 14th century and discusses the geopolitical significance of the island. Chios became a strategically important region for both the Genoese and the Turks due to its central position in maritime trade and its proximity to Anatolia. Aydınoğlu Mehmet Bey’s attempt to seize the island in 1319 is considered one of the key moments in the conflict between Latin rule and the Turks. Papal sources and contemporary chronicles indicate that this struggle was perceived not only as a regional power struggle but also as a religious crusade within the Christian world. The article highlights the economic and commercial significance of Chios while analyzing the impact of papal support for the Genoese and the Knights Hospitaller in this conflict. Pope John XXII’s commercial and spiritual privileges granted to the Zaccaria family strengthened the island’s economic power and positioned it as a crucial part of Christian defense within the Latin world. At the same time, the papacy’s prioritization of the defense of Latin colonies suggests that the Turks had come to be perceived as the primary Muslim threat in the Eastern Mediterranean. The process of documenting these battles is also explored by addressing the inconsistencies among papal letters, chronicles, and contemporary narratives, revealing how these sources shaped historical writing. Ultimately, the conflicts over Chios are assessed not merely as a regional power struggle but as a significant example of how Crusader ideology was reflected in naval warfare.