TRENDEAtlas of the Sultans · Wars, battles and treaties
Siege · 1331
The Siege of Nicaea, or Siege of Iznik, by the forces of Orhan I from 1328 to 1331, resulted in the conquest of the key Eastern Roman (Byzantine) city of Nicaea (nowadays İznik) by the Ottomans. It played an important role in the expansion of the Ottoman state.
| Date | 1328 to 1331 |
|---|---|
| Location | Nicaea, (modern-day İznik, Bursa, Turkey) |
| Result | Ottoman victory |
| Belligerents | Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire | Ottoman Beylik |
|---|---|---|
| Commanders | Unknown | Orhan Ghazi |
| Strength | Unknown | Unknown |
| Casualties | Unknown | Unknown |
For a short period, the town became the capital of the expanding Ottoman Emirate, The large church of Hagia Sophia in the center of the town was converted into the Orhan Mosque, and a medrese (theological school) and hamam (bathhouse) were built nearby. The inhabitants of Nicaea were quickly and willingly incorporated into the growing Ottoman state, and many of them had already embraced Islam by 1340. Patriarch John XIV of Constantinople wrote a message to the people of Nicea shortly after the city was seized. His letter says that "The invaders endeavored to impose their impure religion on the populace, at all costs, intending to make the inhabitants followers of Muhammad".
Took place during the reign of Orhan (1324–1362). Orhan
Open the reign of Orhan on the mapText: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0), adapted for the atlas.