THE BATTLE OF CHALDIRAN: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES

Abstract

The general trajectory of Ottoman-Safavid relations during the 235 years period between 1501 and 1736 outstandingly marked by persisting hostility and military conflict with brief and rare intervals of tranquility. The Battle of Chaldiran that took place in 1514 was the first major Ottoman-Safavid military clash and it was an important event in the history of Islam. The battle tested the military strength of two Muslim powers of the time and ended in favour of the Ottomans. The battle occurred for a good number of reasons and finally it left a long lasting legacy for both the Ottoman empire and for the Safavid state. This article makes a humble attempt to critically present the battle of Chaldiran from a historical point of view. To that purpose, the article first addresses the points of contention that ultimately resulted in the armed clash between the Safavids and the Ottomans at Chaldiran. The article next looks into the devastating consequences of the battle.