Abul Khair Khan vs Murad IV

Abul Khair Khan led Kazakh forces in a series of campaigns against the Dzungar Khanate, which was expanding into Kazakh territories. He achieved several victories, including the recapture of key territories. These campaigns helped defend the Kazakh steppe from Dzungar conquest.

Abul Khair Khan, leader of the Junior Juz, swore allegiance to the Russian Empire to gain protection against the Dzungar Khanate and the Kalmyks. This alliance was formalized through a treaty, making the Junior Juz a Russian protectorate and beginning Russian expansion into the Kazakh steppe.

Abul Khair Khan engaged in a power struggle with the Khan of the Middle Juz, challenging his authority. This internal conflict weakened the Kazakh Khanate and led to further Russian interference in Kazakh affairs. The dispute was eventually mediated by Russian officials.

Murad IV faced a major revolt by the Janissaries, who demanded the execution of several officials. Murad IV initially conceded but later executed the Janissary leaders and purged the corps. He then imposed strict discipline, reducing the Janissaries' political power and restoring order in the capital.

Murad IV issued a decree banning the use of tobacco, coffee, and alcohol throughout the Ottoman Empire. He enforced this ban with harsh penalties, including execution for violators. This measure aimed to restore public morality and discipline, reflecting his authoritarian rule.

Murad IV personally led a massive Ottoman army to recapture Baghdad from the Safavid Empire after a 40-day siege. The city had been lost to the Safavids in 1623. The victory restored Ottoman control over Mesopotamia and was a major military achievement of his reign.

Murad IV's recapture of Baghdad led to the Treaty of Zuhab with the Safavid Empire. This treaty established the permanent border between the Ottoman and Safavid empires, which largely corresponds to the modern Iran-Iraq border. It ended decades of war between the two empires.