Battle of Zallaqa

The Battle of Zallaqa was a significant conflict in 1071 between the Seljuk Turks and the Byzantine Empire near Lake Van in modern-day Turkey. The Seljuks, a rising Turkic power, sought to expand their territory into Byzantine lands. Despite the Byzantines' efforts to defend their eastern provinces, the Seljuks won a decisive victory, which marked the beginning of increased Turkish control in the region. This battle contributed to the decline of Byzantine influence in eastern Anatolia and set the stage for future Turkish dominance in the area.