On 4 December 1534, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, a ruler of unparalleled ambition and strategic acumen, successfully occupied Baghdad, marking a transformative moment in the region's history.
This conquest, achieved during his campaign against the Safavid Empire, not only expanded the Ottoman dominion but also solidified its influence over the Mesopotamian heartland.
By bringing Baghdad under Ottoman control, Suleiman safeguarded vital trade routes, enhanced the empire's religious and political standing, and underscored his role as a defender of Sunni Islam amidst the Shia Safavid power.
The city's capture exemplified Suleiman’s vision of a vast, united Ottoman realm, blending military might with diplomatic finesse.