Battle of Balkh (1602)

Following the fall of the Shaybanid dynasty in 1601, a period of political instability arose in Transoxiana. Seeking to capitalize on this, Shah Abbas I of Safavid Iran launched a campaign in April 1602 to conquer the regions south of the Amu Darya, which were under the control of the Khanate of Bukhara (modern-day northern Afghanistan). The Safavid force was substantial, consisting of 120,000 men supported by 300 cannons. Abbas aimed to crush the 80,000-strong army of Baki Muhammad and capture the strategic city of Balkh.

When news of the slaughter of the heretical Karayi people reached the ruler of Iran, Shah Abbas, he personally led a countless army through Merv, Andkhud, and Shibirghan. Ignoring the fortresses and cities of these districts, he entered the Akcha region, sowing the seeds of malice and delusion. Vali Muhammad Khan informed his brother of this. That fearless sovereign, without waiting to mobilize the full forces of Turan, ordered: "Let everyone in our fortunate retinue follow us!" On that very day, with only a few men, he headed toward the "Dome of Islam" (Balkh) with extraordinary speed. Reaching the banks of the Jaihun (Amu Darya) after two days, the Khan said: "The Qizilbash people have entered the borders of the Muslims and seized them. If our faith is true, we shall safely cross this bloodthirsty river; but if truth is on their side, we shall become prey for the crocodile of death." Saying this, he threw himself into the river without a ship or boat. The detachment surrounding the Khan, placing their trust in God, also rushed into the river. By the blessing of the prophetic faith, they crossed this dangerous river so well that not even the stirrups of anyone were soaked. Indeed, who has the power of words to express the superiority of the Muhammadan faith? He brought clouds of dust upon the heads and eyes of those despised Qizilbash, so that the world grew dark. The Sheikh ordered the army of Islam to attack the enemies. Taking blood-spilling swords in their hands, the Uzbeks produced such a slaughter of the Qizilbash that no one was left alive.