Capture of Baghdad (1624)

The Capture of Baghdad (1624) refers to the successful siege and conquest of the city of Baghdad by Safavid forces under Shah Abbas I. This event marked a significant shift in the control of Mesopotamia from the Ottoman Empire back to the Safavid Empire.

Prior to 1624, Baghdad had been under Ottoman control since 1534. Shah Abbas I, seeking to reclaim territories lost to the Ottomans, launched a campaign targeting Baghdad in late 1623. He saw an opportunity presented by internal strife and instability within the Ottoman Empire.

The siege of Baghdad began in earnest in early 1624. The Safavid forces, well-equipped and led by experienced commanders, quickly encircled the city. The Ottoman garrison, commanded by the governor Bektaş Khan, put up a spirited defense, but they were ultimately outnumbered and outmatched. The siege lasted for several months, during which time the Safavids bombarded the city walls and gradually weakened the Ottoman defenses.

Finally, in January 1624, the Safavid forces successfully breached the city walls and stormed Baghdad. Fierce fighting ensued within the city, but the Safavids ultimately prevailed. Bektaş Khan was killed during the fighting, and the remaining Ottoman forces surrendered.

The capture of Baghdad was a major victory for Shah Abbas I and the Safavid Empire. It restored Safavid control over a vital strategic and economic center. The event had significant political and religious implications, as it re-established Shi'a influence in the region. The Ottomans would attempt to retake Baghdad in subsequent years, leading to further conflicts between the two empires. The Safavid occupation lasted until 1638 when the Ottomans, under Murad IV, recaptured the city.