Battle of Sudak

Battle of Sudak
Part of campaigns of Kayqubad the Great
Campaigns of Sultan Kayqubad
Date 1221/1222[1][2] Location Sudak Result Seljuk victory
Belligerents
Sultanate of Rum	Kievan Rus’ Cuman-Kipchaks
Commanders and leaders
Kayqubad the Great Husam al-Din Choban	Unknown

The Battle of Sudak took place in 1221 or 1222 when Rus-Kipchak forces under Rus’ leadership attempted to capture the city from the Seljuks of Rum.

According to the historian Ibn Bibi, three Muslim merchants complained to the Seljuk Sultan, Kayqubad I, that they had been mistreated and that their properties had been taken by the people of Sudak. The Sultan resolved into military action and appointed the governor of Sinop, Husam al-Din Choban, to lead a military campaign against Sudak.^[3]

Arriving at Sudak, Husam al-Din found the city anxious to come to terms. The people declared themselves as loyal to the Sultan and offered to pay tribute. However, it was a ruse, as they attempted to collect time while a combined Rus-Kipchak army came to their aid. Husam, however, refused these terms and began landing his troops and holding a banquet.^[4] The next morning, he was surprised by the newly arrived army. The Seljuks successfully fought off the attack with fierce struggle.^[5][6][7]

After this defeat, the Russians sent an envoy to Husam declaring loyalty. He agreed on the condition that the Rus would pay tribute. He also sent slaves and booty back to Anatolia. Husam then marched to the city itself and was successfully captured after a fierce fight. The Seljuks imposed the Islamic law. A mosque was built and Muslim scholars were appointed. Husam then returned to Anatolia, leaving a garrison in the city.^[8]