PrimeWire

The Battle of Zenta, fought on September 11, 1697, was a pivotal clash between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy, part of the larger conflict known as the Great Turkish War. It took place near the town of Zenta (modern-day Senta, Serbia), along the Tisza River.

Here’s the dramatic setup: the Ottoman army, led by Sultan Mustafa II, was in the middle of crossing the river when it was ambushed by a smaller but highly disciplined Habsburg force under Prince Eugene of Savoy. The Ottomans were caught in a vulnerable position—midway through a river crossing with their forces divided—and chaos ensued.

Key outcomes:

• The Ottomans suffered catastrophic losses, with Western sources estimating up to 30,000 killed, wounded, or drowned, while Ottoman sources claimed around 7,000–8,000 casualties.
• The Habsburgs, by contrast, lost fewer than 500 men.
• The Grand Vizier was killed, and the Ottomans lost their artillery, treasury, and even the imperial seal.

This crushing defeat forced the Ottomans to the negotiating table, leading to the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699, which marked the end of Ottoman dominance in Central Europe and significantly expanded Habsburg territory.