# Ottomans take Oradea (August 1660)

URL: https://allhistories.com/romania/timeline/1660-ottomans-take-oradea
Location: Oradea, Crișana
Themes: War

In the summer of 1660, as punishment for George II Rákóczi's defiance, an Ottoman army under Köprülü Mehmed Pasha's commander Ali Pasha besieged Oradea (Várad), the great fortress guarding Transylvania's western approaches. The small garrison resisted for about six weeks without relief from the Habsburgs, finally surrendering at the end of August 1660. Oradea became the seat of a new Ottoman province, the Eyalet of Varat, and the Ottomans had already seized Ineu, Lugoj and Caransebeș in 1658. Transylvania was reduced in size, burdened with higher tribute and placed under closer Ottoman supervision, while the Porte installed the compliant Michael Apafi as prince in 1661. Oradea remained Ottoman until Habsburg forces retook it in 1692.

## Why it matters
The loss of Oradea signalled the decline of Transylvanian autonomy and brought Ottoman rule deep into Crișana.

Ruler at the Time: [George Ghica (1659–1660)](https://allhistories.com/romania/rulers/george-ghica-1659-1660)

Voivode of Moldavia: Ștefăniță Lupu
Prince of Transylvania: Ákos Barcsay (1660)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Varat Eyalet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varat_Eyalet)
- [Wikipedia — George II Rákóczi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_II_R%C3%A1k%C3%B3czi)
- [Wikipedia — Michael The Brave & 17Th Century (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_the_Brave)