Defense of Pleven by the Ottoman Army

Historical Significance and Background

The Defense of Plevna by the Ottoman Army is a significant defensive operation carried out by the Ottoman Empire in Plevna during the 1877-1878 Ottoman-Russian War. This event is one of the most striking and important resistances of the war.

The war that took place between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire in 1877 is also known as the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878. This war emerged as a conflict due to ethnic clashes, territorial claims, and religious differences in the Balkans. The Russian Empire entered the war to weaken the Ottoman Empire and increase its influence in the Balkans.

Prior to the defense of Plevna, the Russian army was rapidly advancing in the Balkans. The Ottoman army, on the other hand, had suffered many defeats and was weakened morally. In this context, the defense of Plevna was of great importance for the Ottoman Empire and a critical turning point for the country's future.

Development of the Event

The Beginning of the Defense of Plevna

The defense of Plevna began on July 11, 1877. Plevna was located north of the Struma River, in a strategic location between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire. The Ottoman army tried to stop the Russian advance by defending this city.

Strengthening the Defense Line

The Ottoman army worked intensively for the defense of Plevna. Defense lines were strengthened, trenches were dug, and trenches were built. In addition, the troops under the command of Osman Pasha, an important morale source for Turkish soldiers, were sent as reinforcements to Plevna.

Russian Attacks and Ottoman Resistance

The Russian army began attacking Plevna in August. However, the Ottoman army showed strong resistance and managed to stop the Russian advance. The Ottoman forces under the leadership of Osman Pasha repelled the Russian attacks and continued to defend the city.

Capture of Belgrade Redoubt

During the defense of Plevna, the Ottoman army achieved a significant success. On August 30, 1877, Ottoman forces captured the Belgrade Redoubt belonging to the Russians. This victory boosted the morale of the Ottoman soldiers and further strengthened the defense line.

Withdrawal of the Ottoman Army from Plevna

Unfortunately, the Ottoman army was forced to withdraw from Plevna on December 10, 1877. The Russian army managed to overcome the Ottoman defense and captured Plevna. This was a major defeat and morale loss for the Ottoman Empire.

Consequences and Effects

The defense of Plevna by the Ottoman Army had both short-term and long-term consequences. In the short term, the morale loss of the Ottoman Empire and the fall of Plevna strengthened Russia's influence in the Balkans. Additionally, the weakening of the Ottoman Empire in the war increased the interests of other European states in Ottoman territories.

In the long term, the defense of Plevna revived the spirit of resistance and national consciousness of the Ottoman Empire. This resistance led to the strengthening of nationalist movements and the emergence of independence movements in the Balkans during the late period of the Ottoman Empire.

Osman Pasha and his soldiers became historical figures and important symbols for the Turkish people with their heroic acts during the defense. Additionally, the defense of Plevna served as an inspiration for other ethnic groups living in the Balkans to resist against the Ottoman Empire.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present Day

The defense of Plevna by the Ottoman Army holds great historical significance. This resistance is a turning point in the period of weakness and collapse of the Ottoman Empire. Furthermore, it led to the decline of the Ottoman Empire's influence in the Balkans and the strengthening of independence movements in the region.

Today, the defense of Plevna has become an important symbol for Turkish society. Osman Pasha and his soldiers are remembered as great examples of heroism in Turkish history. This resistance revives the national consciousness and patriotism of the Turkish people.

Additionally, the defense of Plevna serves as an important example in terms of warfare strategies and military tactics. The resistance shown by the Ottoman army against the Russian army despite limited resources is being studied by military historians and strategists.

The defense of Plevna is an important event in the final period of the Ottoman Empire and has taken its place in history. This resistance continues to hold its value as a national symbol for the Turkish society despite the process of collapse of the Ottoman Empire.