"The Defense of Plevna" in 1877-1878, known as the 'Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78' or the '93 War,' was a pivotal event in Turkish history. It marked a significant moment in Ottoman history, showcasing the strategic defense of the ailing Ottoman Empire. The defense, led by Osman Pasha, earned global respect for its heroic struggle against the mighty Russian army.
The conflict arose from the tensions caused by Serbian minorities stirring trouble, and the Russians claiming to protect minority rights as a pretext to wage war against the Ottoman Empire. Initially, strategists and British officers advising the Ottomans recommended destroying the crucial Barboşi Bridge over the Sava River to prevent the Russians from entering the region. However, due to internal disputes and peculiar events within the Ottoman army, this suggestion was initially dismissed as espionage.
Later, as the Russians approached, an attempt was made to blow up the bridge, but it was too late, and the Russians crossed easily without delay. Osman Pasha and other Ottoman officers initially aimed to defeat the Serbian rebels in Vidin and then move on to Romania. However, due to infighting and intrigues among the officers, Osman Pasha's attack proposal was rejected by higher-ranking Pashas. The commander at the time, Abdulkerim Nadir Pasha, insisted on Ottoman forces vacating Romania to concentrate around the Danube.
Subsequently, Osman Pasha, with only 20 battalions, attempted to launch a surprise attack on the Russian forces at Niğbolu Castle, conveying his plan directly to Sultan Abdulhamid II. However, due to an unexplained delay, the Sultan's order reached Osman Pasha two days late, resulting in the failure of the intended success.
In response, Osman Pasha withdrew his army to Plevna in Bulgaria, where he believed he could mount a more effective defense. The Russian army, with a numerical advantage, launched an attack on the small Ottoman force. In the First Battle of Plevna, the Ottoman army routed the Russian vanguard, forcing them to retreat. Then, in the Second Battle of Plevna, Osman Pasha's strategic tactics repelled the Russian army, leading to their retreat. In this victory, the Russians suffered over 7000 casualties, while the Ottomans lost around 2000.
In the Third Battle of Plevna, despite Osman Pasha's efforts, various factors including internal conflicts, betrayal by some officers, advanced weaponry of the Russian army, low morale among soldiers, and rumors of Osman Pasha's death from the previous battle, led to the occupation of Plevna by the Russians and the loss of the war.
Despite the fall of Plevna, Osman Pasha's heroism and struggle were respected even by the enemy. The Russians, in a grand ceremony, returned Osman Pasha, whom they had taken to Moscow, back to the Ottoman Empire. Unfortunately, most of the Ottoman soldiers captured in the battle perished, and only a few returned.
Following the fall of Plevna, the Russian army advanced to the outskirts of Istanbul, leading to a ceasefire and the convening of the Berlin Conference. The world recognized and admired this glorious resistance of the Ottomans, resulting in a notable affection and respect for the Ottoman Empire. Consequently, there was a chilly reception and protest against the Russians at the Berlin Conference.
After the war, Osman Pasha's bravery was acknowledged, and he was elevated to the rank of Marshal by Sultan Abdulhamid II.
The Defense of Plevna stands as a significant defense in Ottoman and world history. Despite the Ottoman defeat, it showcased remarkable military prowess, and Osman Pasha's war tactics earned the respect and admiration of both the enemy and the world.
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