Liberation of Isfahan
Part of Nader's Campaigns
Maidan i Shah or Royal Square, Isfahan
Royal Square, Isfahan during the eighteenth century
DateNovember 16, 1729
Location
Persia
Result Liberation of Safavid Persia's capital
Tahmasp II is restored to the Persian throne
Belligerents
Safavid loyalists Hotaki dynasty
Commanders and leaders
Nader Ashraf Hotaki

The liberation of Isfahan was a direct result of the Battle of Murche-Khort in which the Persian army under Nader Shah attacked and routed Ashraf Hotak's Afghan army.[1][2] The day after Murche-Khort on November 16, 1729 Nader marched his army into Isfahan where the looting and mob violence that had gripped the city in the chaotic aftermath of Ashraf's departure ceased immediately. Order was restored with many of the Afghans hiding throughout the city being dragged through the streets and massacred without mercy in reprisals. The tomb of Mahmud Hotak was also another target of the mob's rage, being demolished and later becoming home to a public toilet.

Tahmasp II regains the Safavid capital

On December 9, 1729 Nader awaited outside the city gates for the Shah's arrival. Tahmasp II was received in a ceremony in which as soon as he reached Nader's person he "dismounted from his horse in a show of respect whence Nader did likewise rushing forth to dissuade the Shah from his magnanimous deed, however the Shah insisted they walk together and expressed an inability to reward Nader's ceaseless service to him. After a few more minutes of polite conversation the Shah remounted his steed and led the way back into the city with Nader following close behind".

The Shah's return was greeted with much jubilation from the citizens of Isfahan. Tahmasp however was reduced to tears when he witnessed the destitution and abject condition of the once glorious capital of a mighty empire.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Foran, John Francis (1988). Social Structure and Social Change in Iran from 1500 to 1979. University of California, Berkeley. p. 217.
  2. ↑ Research, American Academy for Jewish (1985). Proceedings. p. 12.
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