The Battle of Manzikert , or Malazgirt ( Turkish : Malazgirt SavaÅ Ä ) was fought between the Byzantine Empire and Seljuq Empire . The Seljuq forces attacked on August 26 , 1071 near Manzikert , ( modern Malazgirt , Turkey ) . The Battle of Manzikert , or Malazgirt SavaÅ Ä ( Turkish ) , was fought between the Byzantine Empire and Seljuq Turks forces led by Alp Arslan on August 26 , 1071 near Manzikert ( modern Malazgirt in MuÅ Province , Turkey ) .