An Analysis of the Safavid and Ottoman Wars in the Van Region

One of the constant challenges of the upper reaches of the Euphrates River and western Greater Armenia throughout history has been the existence of military tensions between neighboring political powers over how to gain control of the Van strategic region. These challenges entered a new phase during the Safavid and Ottoman rule, and religious and political disputes between them created another confrontation in that area, which continued with ups and downs during the years 907-1049 AH. The present descriptive and analytical study, using historical sources, seeks to illuminate the question of the policy and goals pursued by the abovementioned powers in the Van region, which led to the emergence of long military conflicts between them. Research findings show that different motives have historically, politically, militarily, religiously, ethnically, and economically contributed to the ongoing conflict between the two governments. The Safavids, relying on religion, military power, and diplomacy, however, were not able to defend Van and the surrounding cities against their powerful rival, the Ottomans. As a result, they were finally forced to accept defeat on the basis of a formal agreement with the Ottomans and agree to Van's permanent separation from the historical territory of Iran.