Polish–Ottoman War of 1672–1676

Ottoman forces invaded the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in 1672 with support from Crimean Tatars and Cossack allies. The fortress of Kamianets-Podilskyi fell after a short siege, and the Treaty of Buchach required the Commonwealth to surrender territory and accept a humiliating tribute.

Crown hetman John Sobieski reorganised resistance and defeated an Ottoman army at Khotyn in 1673. Further campaigning continued after he was elected king, but neither side achieved a complete victory. The Treaty of Żurawno in 1676 ended the war while leaving much of Podolia under Ottoman control.

The conflict is the central historical setting of Fire in the Steppe, especially the defence and fall of Kamianets-Podilskyi. It supports fiction about frontier fortresses, Polish hussars, Ottoman campaigns, Crimean Tatar warfare and the military rise of John III Sobieski.