Liberation of Isfahan

Royal Square, Isfahan during the eighteenth century

Date	November 16, 1729
Location	Persia
Result	Liberation of the Safavid Empire'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 attacked and routed Ashraf's Afghan army. 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 Hotaki was also another target of the mob's rage, being demolished and later becoming home to a public toilet.

On December 9, 1729 Nader awaited outside the city gates for the Shah's arrival. Tahmasp 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.

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Wikipedia