On Wednesday, Greece’s island of Chios is marking a significant historical milestone: the 113th anniversary of its liberation from centuries of Ottoman rule during the First Balkan War in 1912.
While the complete campaign took several weeks, November 12th (according to the old Julian calendar) is recognized as the pivotal day when Greek forces initiated the successful operation to seize control of the island.
The campaign of 1912 on Chios
The liberation of Chios was a vital step in Greece’s broader strategy to secure the islands of the eastern Aegean from the disintegrating Ottoman Empire. The main Greek amphibious force, led by Colonel Nikolaos Delagrammatikas and supported by the Hellenic Navy, commenced its landing on November 24, 1912 (November 11th O.S.).
Despite stiff resistance from the Ottoman garrison, Greek troops quickly secured the town of Chios, effectively ending over 350 years of direct Ottoman administration on November 25, 1912 (November 12th O.S.).
The victory was not immediate. The Ottoman garrison, commanded by Zihne Bey, retreated to the mountainous interior. It took weeks of fierce fighting and subsequent Greek reinforcements before the remaining Turkish forces were finally encircled and forced to surrender on January 3, 1913.
The campaign was a hard-fought military success that permanently ended the island’s isolation from the Greek state.
A legacy of freedom
Today, the people of Chios commemorate the valor of the Hellenic military forces and the local fighters who contributed to the long-awaited union with Greece. The anniversary serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to secure the island’s place within the modern Greek nation.
Related: How Did the Ancient Greeks Settle the Island of Chios?
