Book Review: Battle of Chaldiran by Ferman Kerimzade – A Historical Novel
Ferman Kerimzade, an Azerbaijani author, delivers a compelling historical novel titled Battle of Chaldiran (Çaldıran Döyüşü). This work traces the journey of Shah Ismail Hatai (Ismail I), who ascended the throne in Tabriz at the age of 14, founded the Safavid Empire, and led his forces to the pivotal Battle of Chaldiran against Yavuz Sultan Selim. The novel vividly portrays the establishment and growth of the Safavid state, the political and cultural landscape of the era, Shah Ismail’s multifaceted personality, and the socio-political conditions of 16th-century Azerbaijan. Let’s dive into a detailed review of this significant historical novel.
Overview of Battle of Chaldiran by Ferman Kerimzade
Engaging Opening and Narrative Style
Battle of Chaldiran captures the reader’s attention from the very first page with a striking introduction. The story begins before Shah Ismail’s coronation, as he works to establish a state amidst ongoing conflicts. A warrior named Kaçak Murad, presumed dead in battle, awakens in his grave and struggles to free himself from the earth. This dramatic opening is highly effective in hooking the reader. Interestingly, Murad reappears in the novel’s final scenes, standing alongside Shah Ismail after the Battle of Chaldiran, creating a narrative bookend that ties the story together.
The novel is written in a fluid and engaging style, adeptly conveying the political, social, and cultural dynamics of the period. Readers witness Shah Ismail’s ascent to power in a turbulent political environment, his efforts to establish and strengthen the Safavid state, and his military campaigns. From annexing Shirvan to the Safavid Empire to launching expeditions to Baghdad, Shah Ismail later turns eastward to confront the Shaybanid Khanate in Central Asia before facing Yavuz Sultan Selim in the climactic Battle of Chaldiran.
Shah Ismail’s Character and Legacy
The novel delves deeply into Shah Ismail’s complex persona. Beginning as a sheikh, Ismail becomes Shah of Tabriz at 14, founding the Safavid Empire. Beyond his role as a ruler, he is portrayed as a poet who composed works in Azerbaijani Turkish, emphasizing his cultural contributions. The novel highlights his reverence for art, poetry, and scholars, showcasing his multifaceted identity as a sheikh, shah, and poet. This portrayal underscores his significance as a prominent Turkish statesman who shaped the region’s history.
Strengths of the Novel
Kerimzade excels in depicting the socio-cultural fabric of early 16th-century Azerbaijan. The novel’s vivid descriptions and historical context make it a valuable resource for understanding the Safavid Empire’s formative years. Its engaging prose and focus on both high-level politics and ordinary lives provide a well-rounded narrative that appeals to history enthusiasts and casual readers alike.
Critiques of the Novel
Despite its strengths, the novel has some shortcomings. One notable issue is its lack of impartiality. Kerimzade openly favors Shah Ismail, portraying him as a revered figure addressed as “our pir, our shah, our guide, the master of time.” In contrast, Yavuz Sultan Selim is depicted negatively, characterized by arrogance, ambition, and indulgence in alcohol, serving as a foil to Shah Ismail. A more balanced portrayal would have enhanced the novel’s credibility as a historical work.
Additionally, some historical inaccuracies stand out. For instance, the novel includes a fictional account of Sultan Selim marching on Istanbul with his army to seize power, losing to his father Sultan Bayezid, and fleeing to Crimea. These events are not supported by historical records and appear as creative additions to the narrative. While these inaccuracies are minor and occupy only a small portion of the novel, they warrant mention.
Plot Summary of Battle of Chaldiran
The Rise of Shah Ismail and the Safavid Empire
The novel opens with Shah Ismail’s coronation in Tabriz and the founding of the Safavid Empire, which emerges from the fragmented remnants of the Akkoyunlu state. The text paints a vivid picture of the challenges Ismail faced:
“There were countless tasks awaiting him on horseback: in the west, a powerful ruler like Sultan Bayezid loomed. Shirvan was not yet subdued. Alvand Mirza sat in Diyarbakir, biding his time for a new opportunity. Murad Mirza held Shiraz, Isfahan, and Baghdad. Only in Transoxiana was there relative calm, where Babur, a descendant of Timur, sought to capture Samarkand and Bukhara. There was no formidable ruler there yet. In Khorasan, Husayn Bayqara was very strong.” (p. 13)
“All of them were enemies, all supporters of Murad Mirza and Alvand Mirza. Only Azerbaijan was loyal to Shah Ismail. When Alvand Mirza and Murad Mirza divided the country … the division of the Akkoyunlu state by these two princes came to mind.”
In this fragmented and volatile environment, Shah Ismail lays the foundation for a Safavid state that would endure for approximately 235 years. His rise to power is fraught with hardship, including years spent in hiding, imprisonment, and attempts on his life during childhood. The novel also references Murad Mirza (known as Sultan Murad, the last Akkoyunlu ruler), who reflects on his defeat by Shah Ismail:
“Murad Mirza’s hair stood on end; he felt that no army could withstand this cry. He was the son of Sultan Yaqub, who had imprisoned Shah Ismail and his sister Alamshahbeyim for years, trying to eradicate Sheikh Haydar’s lineage. He had failed. And now, that same lineage was taking its revenge. They had seized power and claimed the throne. The last ruler of that lineage now drew his sword against Murad Mirza. This was the fury, the hatred. What could stand against such hatred?” (p. 30)
Supporting Characters and Social Insights
The novel introduces key historical figures such as Husayn Bey Lala, Vizier Zakariyya Kachachi Tabrizi, Dada Bey, Khan Muhammad Ustajlu, and Qara Piri Bey Qajar, enriching the historical context. Beyond the elite, the novel explores the lives of ordinary people through characters like Murad Bey, whose dramatic journey begins with his emergence from a grave. His story—encompassing marriage, fatherhood, wartime separation, and the tragic loss of his wife—adds emotional depth and highlights the societal impact of the era’s conflicts.
Another notable character is Ashiq Qurbani, a significant figure in Azerbaijani literature. A poet and musician who lived during Shah Ismail’s reign and resided in his court, Qurbani’s subplot involves his quest to find a girl he saw in a dream, leading him to Ganja and a series of intriguing events. This subplot enriches the novel’s exploration of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.
Safavid-Ottoman Relations in the Novel
Tensions Between Two Turkish Empires
At the Safavid Empire’s inception, the Ottoman Empire was ruled by Sultan Bayezid, followed by Sultan Selim. Initially, relations between the two Turkish states were amicable, but tensions escalated as the Safavids grew stronger. The novel describes how Safavid sheikhs spread Shiism in Anatolia, sparking sectarian conflicts and rebellions. A religious leader organizing a revolt in Anatolia is quoted:
“A white horseman emerged from a cave in the mountains. His face was veiled, and a white feather adorned the red Qizilbash crown on his head. People knelt and raised their hands to the sky. Shahqulu also knelt, extending his hands toward the horseman. ‘O our perfect guide, O master of time, you are in both Shamakhi and Erzurum. Bless us. We march to Kutahya. The Sunnis who stand in our way will either convert to Shiism or be sent to hell.’” (p. 202)
The novel’s portrayal of Sultan Selim emphasizes his negative traits:
“He ran his hands through his mustache. His black, bushy mustache extended to his ears. He had thick eyebrows and a large nose. His eyes were dark. In appearance and stature, he resembled his mother’s side, the Dulkadir tribe, more than his father or his ancestor Osman Gazi’s lineage. The Dulkadir tribe was more akin to Azerbaijani Turks than Ottomans. But Prince Selim neither acknowledged nor considered this.” (p. 140)
Shah Ismail’s Political Maneuvers
 |
| Illustraion from the first edition, 1987 |
Diplomacy and Strategy
The novel illustrates Shah Ismail’s political acumen, particularly in dealing with the Dulkadir tribe, a Turkmen group split between Ottoman and Safavid territories. To win their loyalty, Ismail employs strategic measures:
“I have considered this as well. Salman Bey is no more. From this day, I appoint Sari Shixi Bey Dulkadiri as the great, wise, and elder leader of the Dulkadir tribe and grant him the title of Sultan Khalil. Additionally, since the Dulkadir tribe’s hearth is deemed unfit, I bestow Shiraz upon them as their new hearth.” (p. 103)
The audience gasped in awe. This was a great honor for the Dulkadir tribe, whose leaders had never risen above the title of bey. Now, Sultan Khalil would lead them. A sultan, all of a sudden?! There was a reason for this. The Ottoman sultan had not even granted Alauddawla the title of pasha, leaving him as a mere bey. Let those in Ottoman lands see how greatly the Dulkadir tribe is honored here. If they have Elbistan and Marash, we have Shiraz.
This move also ensured the Dulkadir tribe’s separation from Alauddawla’s influence, showcasing Shah Ismail’s foresight. Husayn Bey Lala marveled at his strategic brilliance.
Harsh Political Realities
However, the novel also depicts the harsh realities of politics. After a failed rebellion in Anatolia, those who sought refuge with Shah Ismail are executed. The novel explains:
“He had to send a message to Sultan Bayezid through his envoy, stating that the rebellion leaders who sought refuge with me have been executed. Yes, to maintain relations between states, you must cloak every action in a suitable guise. There is no other way. Such is the fate of a ruler.” (p. 273)
A Poignant Political Insight
One of the novel’s most striking quotes comes from Badiuzzaman Mirza, a figure who fled the Shaybanid Khan and sought refuge with Shah Ismail. Realizing he is entangled in political machinations, he reflects:
“Politics is not for people; people are for politics.”
“Badiuzzaman Mirza’s heart trembled. Anything could happen here. To improve relations, they might send him as a prisoner to the Shaybanid Khan’s court—or his severed head. Because politics is not for people; people are for politics. Everyone can be sacrificed to it. No one is safe. When the envoy arrives, where will they place him? Much depends on that. But when Shah Ismail ordered their weapons taken and the envoy brought alone, his heart calmed slightly.”
Tabriz in the Novel
Tabriz, the Safavid capital for many years, is vividly described through the perspective of a European painter named Fransisko:
“Fransisko took his paintbrush and began exploring Tabriz anew. What should he paint, where should he start? This city boasts 320 magnificent mosques, the oldest being the Zubaida Khatun Mosque. Legend has it that Zubaida Khatun, the wife of Harun al-Rashid, fell ill during pregnancy and traveled widely, finding Tabriz’s air and water to be the healthiest. It is said that the city began to flourish with her arrival. The mosque’s minaret soars to the heavens, its dome adorned with sky-blue tiles. The minaret is decorated with such intricate patterns that it seems not human hands but angelic gazes crafted them.
Tabriz’s 1,060 neighborhoods house 1,070 splendid palaces. Which should he paint? There are 200 caravanserais, each a work of art. The painter wandered until he reached Qizildagh in the west. On a clear day, the view stretched far. From here, Tabriz appeared as if in the palm of one’s hand. The six rivers flowing through the city sparkled like molten silver. The city was enveloped in gardens. In the south, far in the distance, a lake glimmered—Lake Urmia.” (p. 174-175)
Conclusion: A Window into Safavid History
Battle of Chaldiran is the second book in Ferman Kerimzade’s series about Shah Ismail, following Khudafarin Bridge, which covers the period before his coronation. Together, these novels form a comprehensive exploration of Shah Ismail’s life and legacy.
In conclusion, Battle of Chaldiran is a captivating historical novel that sheds light on the founding of the Safavid Empire and the socio-political landscape of early 16th-century Azerbaijan. While the title suggests a focus on the Battle of Chaldiran, the battle itself occupies only a few pages at the end. Instead, the novel meticulously details the events leading up to the conflict, exploring the historical dynamics between two Turkish empires. Despite some biases and minor inaccuracies, its engaging narrative and rich historical context make it a must-read for those interested in Azerbaijani and Safavid history.
 |
| Cover of the first edition, 1987 |
Book Details
Ferman Kerimzade
Battle of Chaldiran (Çaldıran Döyüşü)
Publication: Yazıçı
Baku, 1987
301 pages
