Konstantinos Kanaris destroys the Ottoman flagship at Chios, killing Kapudan Pasha Nasuhzade Ali Pasha

Background. The Greek War of Independence saw naval engagements against the Ottoman Empire. Konstantinos Kanaris, a hero of the war, led operations against the Ottoman Navy. The Chios massacre in 1822, where tens of thousands of Greeks were killed or enslaved, was the act for which Kanaris later took revenge by burning the Ottoman flagship off Chios.

The Attack. Kanaris launched a fire ship attack against the Ottoman fleet at Chios. The assault took advantage of the Ottoman fleet celebrating the end of Ramadan. The fireship captained by Kanaris blew up the flagship, killing Kapudan Pasha Nasuhzade Ali Pasha. This action elevated Kanaris to the status of a national hero.

Date Discrepancy. Historical sources provide conflicting dates for the destruction of the flagship. One source states the action occurred on the moonless night of 6–7 June 1822. Another source places the explosion on the night of 18/19 June 1822, coinciding with Ramadan celebrations. This discrepancy requires careful reconciliation.