Atlas of Battles

battle, notable, medieval

Battle of Qatwan

Battle of Qatwan was a battle fought on 9 September 1141 at Samarkand, in what is now Uzbekistan. The recorded result: Qara Khitai (Western Liao) victory.

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Battle of Qatwan between Saljuk and Western Liao (Kara Khitans / Qara-Khitai) in 1141
Battle of Qatwan between Saljuk and Western Liao (Kara Khitans / Qara-Khitai) in 1141. SY, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Fought9 September 1141
WhereSamarkand, Uzbekistan39.800N, 66.900E
OutcomeQara Khitai (Western Liao) victory
BelligerentsQara Khitai (Western Liao); KarluksagainstGreat Seljuk Empire; Kara-Khanids; Kakuyids

Record

Date9 September 1141
PlaceSamarkand, Uzbekistan
39.800N, 66.900E
KindBattle, medieval
Strength20,000–300,000/700,000 (exaggerated Muslim figures)
Commanders
  • Yelü Dashi
  • Ahmed Sanjar
  • Garshasp II
Battle of QatwanBattle of QatwanSiege of SamarkandSiege of SamarkandSiege of SamarkandSiege of SamarkandSiege of SamarkandSiege of SamarkandSiege of SamarkandSiege of SamarkandShahrisabzQarshiJizzaxNavoiKattaqorgonUrgutGuliston100 km39.800N, 66.900E
The recorded site, with the nearest other engagements in the atlas. Present-day coastlines, rivers and borders; towns from Natural Earth.

Nearest engagements

Elsewhere in 1141

Battle of Qatwan is one of 438 engagements of the 12th century in the atlas and one of 40 in present-day Uzbekistan.

Sources

Identity, coordinates, dates and the war from Wikidata Q3950956, released under CC0. Result, belligerents, commanders, strength and casualties from the infobox of the English Wikipedia article Battle of Qatwan, revision 1375171186, read 2026-11-14, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0; the article's text is not reproduced here. Present-day country and state from Natural Earth. Dates before 1582 follow the Julian calendar as recorded.