Battle of Balanjar (730s)

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Battle of Balanjar (c. 732)

The battle happened near the Khazar city of Balanjar during the Second Arab–Khazar War. The Umayyad Caliphate, led by Maslamah ibn Abd al-Malik, won a decisive victory and drove the fighting toward Samandar.

Campaign and sieges:
- Maslamah moved into the region and besieged the Hizan castle in Shirvan. When the locals refused to submit, the siege grew harsher, the castle was destroyed, and those who had promised security but broke it were killed.
- He then made tributary deals with the emirs of Cibal and turned toward the city of Derbend, which he also besieged.
- To force Derbend’s fall, he tried bombardment with stones and iron projectiles, which failed. He then used a harsher tactic, slaughtering cattle and dumping their remains into the waters feeding the castle, turning the water muddy and unfit for use. The Khazars fled.

Advance and turning point:
- Maslamah pressed on toward Belencer. The Khazar Khan gathered a large army in response. The Umayyad leaders planned for a big battle, with Marwan b. Muhammad commanding the right wing.
- A key moment came when a Khazar who had converted to Islam revealed the location of the Khazar ruler Hakan. Maslamah sent Sübeyt en-Nahrânî with about 1,000 horsemen to strike at Hakan at night. Hakan survived, but his army scattered.

Outcome:
- The Umayyad forces won the battle. Khazar losses were heavy, while Umayyad losses were light. Maslamah continued his advance beyond Balanjar toward other Khazar lands.