1644–1660: Armenia and Azerbaijan

Chapter 3 covers the period between 1644 and 1660, with a focus on the strategic regions of Armenian highlands and Azerbaijan, where the fragile peace between the Ottomans and Safavids was regularly tested. The Ottomans strengthened their eastern frontier by creating military commands and imperial armies in Erzurum and Van, while managing diplomatic tensions with the Safavids. At the same time, local conflicts in these borderlands, often exacerbated by external actors like the Republic of Venice, complicated relations. The Ottomans and Safavids navigated these challenges through diplomatic missions and military actions, maintaining a balance of power despite ongoing tensions. This chapter underscores the importance of diplomacy in addressing regional conflicts while managing broader geopolitical issues.