Battle of Urmia (1604)

The Battle of Urmia was a battle fought in 1604 near Lake Urmia in northwestern Persia (modern-day Iran) as part of the Ottoman–Safavid War (1603–1618). It pitted the Safavid army under the command of Shah Abbas I against the Ottoman army. The battle resulted in a decisive victory for the Safavids.

Following the Safavid recapture of Tabriz in 1603, Abbas I continued his campaign to expel the Ottomans from Persian territories. The Ottoman forces, having suffered a series of setbacks, attempted to make a stand near Urmia. Abbas I skillfully used scorched earth tactics, denying the Ottomans supplies and forage.

The battle itself was relatively short but decisive. The Safavid army, utilizing its superior cavalry and archery, routed the Ottoman forces. The Ottoman defeat at Urmia further weakened their position in Persia and contributed to the overall success of the Safavid campaign to reclaim lost territories. The victory also cemented Shah Abbas I's reputation as a skilled military commander. The battle had significant strategic consequences, allowing the Safavids to consolidate their control over Azerbaijan and advance further westward.