Seljuk raids on Asia Minor

Timeline

1. 1081–1088Nicaea · BithyniaSeljuk leader Sulayman ibn Qutulmish exploited Byzantine internal disorder and the Norman war to establish a base in northwestern Asia Minor, expanding his sphere of influence centered on Nicaea.
2. 1088Eastern Aegean coast · IoniaSeljuk cavalry and pirate fleets raided towns on the eastern Aegean coast, plundering farmland and trade routes; Byzantine local garrisons could not resist, and the coastal defense system was severely damaged.
3. 1088–1089Smyrna · IoniaSeljuk forces captured the key Aegean city of Smyrna, gaining an important port and naval base and further threatening Byzantine rule in western Asia Minor.
4. 1088–1090Western coast of Asia Minor · AnatoliaThe Turkic general Chakas declared himself 'emperor' near Smyrna, rivaling Sulayman's power; the Byzantine eastern themes existed in name only. Alexios, tied down by Balkan wars, was unable to recover the lost territories.