Gravestones monument to those killed in battle near Khotyn in 1621

The Battle of Khotyn was one of the largest battles of the 17th century, fought between the army of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire. The Commonwealth army was led by Grand Hetman of Lithuania Jan Karol Chodkiewicz, while Sultan Osman II commanded the Ottoman forces. The battle lasted from September 2 to October 9, 1621, and ended with a victory for the Polish-Lithuanian forces. This victory forced the Ottoman Empire to abandon its plans for European expansion.

Causes of the Conflict and the Beginning of the Battle

At the end of the 16th and the beginning of the 17th century, the Polish-Lithuanian magnates actively intervened in the affairs of Moldova, which caused discontent in the Ottoman Empire. The situation was further complicated by Zaporozhian Cossack raids on Ottoman territories. Osman II sought to expand the borders of his empire and conquer the lands of the Commonwealth, which led to an open conflict. In April 1621, the Ottoman army began its campaign, gathering about 160,000 soldiers, including contingents from its vassal states — Tatars, Moldovans, and Wallachians.

The Beginning of the Battle of Khotyn

The Polish-Lithuanian army approached Khotyn at the end of August 1621 and took defensive positions near the fortress. The Cossack army under Petro Sahaidachny joined the Commonwealth forces. The battle began on September 2, when Ottoman forces tried to break into the Cossack camp but faced fierce resistance.

Key Moments of the Battle

Throughout September, the Ottoman army repeatedly stormed the fortifications of the Polish-Lithuanian forces, but each attack ended in failure. One of the most memorable events occurred on September 7, when the Cossacks held their positions against Ottoman cavalry and Janissaries. In mid-September, the Ottoman forces tried to starve the camp into submission, but this strategy also failed.

The Conclusion of the Khotyn Peace Treaty

By the end of September, both armies were exhausted, and negotiations began. On October 9, 1621, the Khotyn Peace Treaty was signed. The border between the Commonwealth and the Ottoman Empire was confirmed along the Dniester River. Despite heavy losses, this victory was celebrated in the Commonwealth and among the Zaporozhian Cossacks.

Excursions

Today, the memorial to those who died in the Battle of Khotyn in 1621 is one of the most famous historical and architectural monuments. You can book an excursion and visit the memorial as part of an excursion from Minsk Novogrudok - Ivye Excursion; Novogrudok - Lida Excursion.