Capture of Julfa

Capture of Julfa
Part of Afghan Rebellions of 1709–1726
Date16–17 March 1722
Location
Julfa, Iran
Result Hotaki victory
Belligerents
Hotak dynasty Armenian Loyalists
Commanders and leaders
Mahmud Hotak Unknown
Strength
7,000[1] Several hundred armed townsmen
Casualties and losses
Light Heavy
50 Captured

The Capture of Julfa took place on the night of 16–17 March 1722, during the Siege of Isfahan by forces of Mahmud Hotak. Following his victory at the Battle of Gulnabad, Mahmud concentrated his men against the Armenian suburb of Isfahan, Julfa.

Despite being deprived of most of their arms by the Persian authorities, the Armenian townspeople mounted a determined resistance. They attempted to deceive the Afghans by calling each other Persian names to create the impression of a Persian garrison. However, after hours of fighting, Julfa fell to Mahmud's forces.[2][3]

After the capture, the Afghans ransacked houses and imposed an indemnity of 70,000 tomans. About fifty Armenian girls were seized, some retained by Mahmud himself and the rest distributed among Afghan officers. The Armenian population suffered heavily under this occupation, though some captives were later released.[4][3]

The fall of Julfa was immediately followed by the abandonment of nearby Farahābād, which Mahmud occupied without resistance and made his headquarters. Contemporary observers suggested that possession of Farahābād was crucial, since it provided Mahmud with a secure base for the ensuing Siege of Isfahan.[5][6]

References

  1. ^ Petros di Sarkis Gilanentz. The Chronicle of Petros di Sarkis Gilanentz. p. 10.
  2. ^ Lockhart, Laurence (1958). The Fall of the Safavī Dynasty and the Afghan Occupation of Persia. University Press. p. 151.
  3. ^ a b Petros di Sarkis Gilanentz. The Chronicle of Petros di Sarkis Gilanentz. pp. 11–12.
  4. ^ Lockhart, Laurence (1958). The Fall of the Safavī Dynasty and the Afghan Occupation of Persia. University Press. p. 152.
  5. ^ Lockhart, Laurence (1958). The Fall of the Safavī Dynasty and the Afghan Occupation of Persia. University Press. p. 153.
  6. ^ Sykes, Percy (1921). A History Of Persia Vol.2. p. 226.
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