The Role of Armenian Forces in the Defense of Tabriz (September 1724)

This study delves into the hitherto unexplored involvement of Armenian troops in the defense of Tabriz in 1724, drawing on an extensive analysis of historical materials. In 1723-1724, the Ottoman Empire launched invasions into Safavid Iran from several directions. By September 1724, one Ottoman army, led by Abdullah Pasha of Van, advanced towards Tabriz and attempted to storm the city. During the ensuing battle, the Turkish forces were soundly defeated and driven back, suffering approximately 20,000 casualties. European sources emphasize the significant role played by Armenian military units in the decisive victory at the Battle of Tabriz, the sole triumph for Persian forces during the 1724 campaign. Notably, the majority of these units arrived from Karabakh. The Armenian troops were instrumental in virtually annihilating the elite Janissary corps within Abdullah Pasha's army. This article identifies the Armenian detachments involved in the defense of Tabriz, listing their commanders: Parsadan-bek, Melik-Egan, Pilibek Basaurov, David, Abidjan, Aghajan, Akhnazar, Balig, among others.