Capture of Baghdad (1534) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Baghdad (1534) |
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| Part of Ottoman–Safavid War (1532–55) | |||||||||
 Suleiman's conquests in the 1532–55 Ottoman-Safavid war gave him access to the Persian Gulf. |
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| Belligerents | |||||||||
 Safavid Empire |
 Ottoman Empire |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||||
| Tahmasp I |
Grand Vizier Ibrahim Pasha |
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In December 1534, the city of Baghdad was captured by the Ottoman Empire. This important event happened during a long conflict known as the Ottoman–Safavid War. This war lasted from 1532 to 1555.
The Ottoman forces were led by their powerful ruler, Suleiman the Magnificent. The city of Baghdad was then controlled by the Safavid dynasty, led by Tahmasp I.
Contents
Why Baghdad Was Important
Baghdad was a very important city. It was located on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. These rivers were like major highways for trade. Controlling Baghdad meant controlling trade routes. It also opened up access to the Persian Gulf. This was a big deal for the Ottomans. It helped them expand their power and trade.
How the Ottomans Took Baghdad
The capture of Baghdad happened without a fight. The Safavid government and its army had already left the city. They left Baghdad undefended. This made it easy for Suleiman's forces to walk right in.
What Happened After the Capture
After taking Baghdad, the Ottomans stayed there for the winter. This was in 1534 and 1535. During this time, they worked on rebuilding. They fixed religious shrines for both Sunni and Shia Muslims. They also worked on irrigation systems. These systems helped bring water to farms.
Suleiman the Magnificent eventually returned to his capital, Constantinople. But he left a strong group of soldiers in Baghdad. This group was called a garrison. Their job was to protect the city.
Over the next few decades, the Ottomans made sure they had full control. Baghdad and the surrounding area became part of their empire. However, the city was later recaptured by the Persians in 1623.
See also
- Growth of the Ottoman Empire
- Campaigns of Suleiman the Magnificent
- History of Baghdad
