What was the Ottoman Empire's relationship with the Safavid Empire?

What was the Ottoman Empire's relationship with the Safavid Empire?

The Ottoman Empire and the Safavid Empire had a complex and often hostile relationship. They were both major powers in the Middle East during the 16th and 17th centuries, and their rivalry was primarily fueled by religious and territorial conflicts.

The Ottoman Empire was predominantly Sunni Muslim, while the Safavid Empire was Shia Muslim. This religious divide played a significant role in their animosity towards each other. The Ottomans viewed the Safavids as heretics and sought to suppress Shia Islam within their territories.

Territorial disputes were another major source of conflict between the two empires. They frequently clashed over control of territories in present-day Iraq, Azerbaijan, and the Caucasus region. These conflicts resulted in numerous wars and border skirmishes.

Despite their hostilities, there were also periods of peace and cooperation between the Ottoman and Safavid Empires. Treaties were occasionally signed to temporarily resolve their disputes and establish trade relations. However, these periods of peace were often short-lived, and the rivalry between the two empires persisted until the decline of both powers in the 18th century.