Capture of Belgrade (1739)

The Capture of Belgrade in 1739 was a significant military event during the Austro-Russian-Turkish War of 1735–1739. It resulted in the Ottoman Empire regaining control of the strategically important city of Belgrade from the Habsburg Monarchy.

Following successes earlier in the war, particularly Austrian victories in 1737 and 1738, the Habsburg forces, under the command of Field Marshal Count Wallis, suffered a decisive defeat at the Battle of Grocka on July 21–22, 1739. This defeat severely weakened the Austrian position in the region.

The Ottoman army, led by Grand Vizier Hacı İvaz Mehmed Pasha, capitalized on this victory. They advanced on Belgrade, laying siege to the city. Faced with a demoralized and depleted garrison, compounded by outbreaks of disease within the city walls, Belgrade surrendered to the Ottoman forces on September 18, 1739.

The recapture of Belgrade was a major strategic victory for the Ottoman Empire. It forced Austria to sign the Treaty of Belgrade, which ceded not only Belgrade but also much of Serbia, Oltenia, and parts of Bosnia back to Ottoman control. The treaty significantly diminished Habsburg influence in the Balkans and re-established the Ottoman Empire as a dominant power in the region. Furthermore, the weakened Austrian position also influenced Russia's negotiations, ultimately leading to the Treaty of Niš, which though favorable to Russia, was less so than it might have been had Austria remained a stronger ally. The Capture of Belgrade in 1739 marked a turning point in the Austro-Ottoman conflicts of the 18th century.