Umur Bey

Aydın ruler

Also known as: Umur I

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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Umur Bey was a ruler of the Aydin Dynasty, a Turkmen principality in western Anatolia that existed from approximately 1308 to 1425. Situated in a prosperous coastal region, the Aydin principality was actively involved in Mediterranean trade.1

Umur Bey, who reigned from 1334 to 1348, organized a fleet and launched expeditions into the Aegean islands, the Balkans, and the Black Sea coasts. He also intervened in Byzantine dynastic disputes, notably assisting John VI Cantacuzenus. His actions led to a crusade against him, organized by Pope Clement VI, which included Venice, Genoa, and the king of Cyprus. Umur Bey lost his fleet and the fortress of İzmir in 1344 and was killed in battle in 1348, marking the beginning of his principality's decline.1

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Aydın Dynasty
His son and successor, Umur Bey (Umur I; reigned 1334–48), organized a fleet and led expeditions to the Aegean islands, the Balkans, and the Black Sea coasts, intervening in dynastic quarrels and assisting John VI Cantacuzenus in the neighbouring Byzantine Empire.
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His son and successor, Umur Bey (Umur I; reigned 1334–48), organized a fleet and led expeditions to the Aegean islands, the Balkans, and the Black Sea coasts, intervening in dynastic quarrels and assisting John VI Cantacuzenus in the neighbouring Byzantine Empire.
Read More