Taranges prepared for the battle by setting traps and organizing ambushes. The Seljuk and Byzantine armies met on Friday, 26 August 1071 at Manzikert on the Murat River, north of Lake Van, beginning the Battle of Manzikert. The Cuman mercenaries among the Byzantine forces immediately defected to the Turkic side.
Taranges readied for the conflict by establishing snares and arranging ambushes. The Seljuk and Byzantine forces clashed on Friday, 26 August 1071 at Manzikert on the Murat River, north of Lake Van, initiating the Battle of Manzikert. The Cuman mercenaries within the Byzantine ranks promptly switched allegiance to the Turkic side.