Siege of Belgrade (1717)
Encyclopedia
The siege of Belgrade in 1717 occurred during the Austro-Venetian-Ottoman war which took place from 1714 to 1718 and after the Austrian victory of Petrovaradin. The siege ended on 17 August, 1717 with the conquest of the stronghold by Austrian troops under the command of Prince Eugene of Savoy
.
. The city is located exactly at the confluence of the Sava river and the Danube
. The fortress, located on an arm of the Sava can be attacked from the south. The strategic value of this position lies in its walls which can resist both attacks from the south-east and those from the north-west and this makes it a key to the Balkans for both the Austrians and the Ottoman Empire
. In 1688 Belgrade has been wrested from the Turks after a siege
, but two years later, Turkey
has recaptured it. Prince Eugene was seriously wounded during the siege and now strongly supports the need for a river flotilla on the Danube as it deems essential for the conquest of Belgrade. He is successful with the support of the emperor.
The mission of the fleet of the Danube, is to provide assistance and support to the imperial army. The crew of the fleet is carried out hastily recruited in the Netherlands.
The allies of Austria are Russia
, which is limited to a prudent line of defense, and Poland
, both still militarily engaged in the Great Northern War
against Sweden
of Charles XII
. It must be added the states of Holy Roman Empire
, which only provides a modest cash contribution. Upon leaving, the Bavaria
joined the side of Austria.
and between, with his troops in Futtak
. Even before the troops are assembled, the 21, Eugene began his march to Belgrade, with about 70,000 men which must be added 6,000 Bavarian and other Austrian troops stationed in the Banat
who is joined to a body of Futtak 100,000 men. In addition, the Danube fleet consists of about fifty boats of various types and ten naval vessels armed with light artillery. Eugene wants to reach the city and begin the siege as soon as possible before the possible entry of Turkish troops. The biggest problem is that the fortress can not be attacked from the south, and ProGrasS can only take place after crossing the Danube and the Sava. He chose the direct route, crossing the Sava river, although this side, the defense of the fortress is the strongest. On the advice of his general, he chose to back across the Danube, the Ottomans not imagining an enemy chooses to cross the river at a point off. The Austrian army managed to cross almost intact between the 15 and June 16. Eugene up the guns while the Imperial troops begin the excavation of trenches in front of the fortress and rear of the army. Prince Eugene is informed that an Ottoman army of liberation 150,000 men running from Belgrade. She arrives on July 28 but takes no action against the assailants and also began to dig trenches.
Now, the besieged and besiegers became the original plan of Prince Eugene is upset, the Ottoman army, which does not attack, she left the Austrian army to wear it will fail to capture the city. Eugene's troops are caught by the fortress and an army of enemy men. Because of losses, the exchange of cannon fire, malaria, Eugene sees his strength diminishing slowly.
A night attack at this time is new and the Turks were taken by surprise. After the first hours of fighting, while the sun rises, the Turks have predicted an opening in the center of the Austrian attack and they enter into force before an attack against the Austrian cavalry, led by Eugene de Savoie itself, not only pushing but it takes the trenches which casts the turmoil in the Ottoman camp, causing the flight of soldiers to 10 hours, the battle is won by the Austrians. The garrison surrendered in Belgrade after the defeat of the army in exchange for saving leads to exit the city. Ottoman losses are approximately 20,000 men and a large amount of equipment, ammunition and artillery.
(July 2 1718) is signed by Austria which obtains at the expense of the Ottoman Empire
, the Banat
, Belgrade, the Serbia
north, the Wallachia
and other neighboring areas. The Empire reached its maximum expansion and the Balkans. Belgrade remains a territory under the domination of Austria for over twenty years, but the 22 July 1739, the Austrian army, commanded by the Field Marshal
George Oliver Wallis
was defeated near Belgrade, at the Battle of Grocka
by the Turkish army led by a by İvaz Mehmet Pasha
. As a result of the Treaty of Belgrade
(September 1739), the city and all the territories acquired at the Treaty of Passarowitz except Banat
were returned to Turkish rule.
(see Capture of Belgrade (1739)
)
Prince Eugene of Savoy
Prince Eugene of Savoy , was one of the most successful military commanders in modern European history, rising to the highest offices of state at the Imperial court in Vienna. Born in Paris to aristocratic Italian parents, Eugene grew up around the French court of King Louis XIV...
.
Prologue
After the success of his 1716 campaigns, Eugene of Savoy has one main objective: the conquest of the fortress of BelgradeBelgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
. The city is located exactly at the confluence of the Sava river and the Danube
Danube
The Danube is a river in the Central Europe and the Europe's second longest river after the Volga. It is classified as an international waterway....
. The fortress, located on an arm of the Sava can be attacked from the south. The strategic value of this position lies in its walls which can resist both attacks from the south-east and those from the north-west and this makes it a key to the Balkans for both the Austrians and the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
. In 1688 Belgrade has been wrested from the Turks after a siege
Siege of Belgrade (1688)
The Siege of Belgrade in 1688 was the fourth siege of that city, taking place during the Great Turkish War.Belgrade was at that time a part of the Ottoman Empire, and had been for 167 years. The Ottoman Empire was at war with the Holy League, the forces of which were led by the elector of Bavaria,...
, but two years later, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
has recaptured it. Prince Eugene was seriously wounded during the siege and now strongly supports the need for a river flotilla on the Danube as it deems essential for the conquest of Belgrade. He is successful with the support of the emperor.
The mission of the fleet of the Danube, is to provide assistance and support to the imperial army. The crew of the fleet is carried out hastily recruited in the Netherlands.
The allies of Austria are Russia
Russia
Russia or , officially known as both Russia and the Russian Federation , is a country in northern Eurasia. It is a federal semi-presidential republic, comprising 83 federal subjects...
, which is limited to a prudent line of defense, and Poland
Poland
Poland , officially the Republic of Poland , is a country in Central Europe bordered by Germany to the west; the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south; Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania to the east; and the Baltic Sea and Kaliningrad Oblast, a Russian exclave, to the north...
, both still militarily engaged in the Great Northern War
Great Northern War
The Great Northern War was a conflict in which a coalition led by the Tsardom of Russia successfully contested the supremacy of the Swedish Empire in northern Central Europe and Eastern Europe. The initial leaders of the anti-Swedish alliance were Peter I the Great of Russia, Frederick IV of...
against Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
of Charles XII
Charles XII of Sweden
Charles XII also Carl of Sweden, , Latinized to Carolus Rex, Turkish: Demirbaş Şarl, also known as Charles the Habitué was the King of the Swedish Empire from 1697 to 1718...
. It must be added the states of Holy Roman Empire
Holy Roman Empire
The Holy Roman Empire was a realm that existed from 962 to 1806 in Central Europe.It was ruled by the Holy Roman Emperor. Its character changed during the Middle Ages and the Early Modern period, when the power of the emperor gradually weakened in favour of the princes...
, which only provides a modest cash contribution. Upon leaving, the Bavaria
Bavaria
Bavaria, formally the Free State of Bavaria is a state of Germany, located in the southeast of Germany. With an area of , it is the largest state by area, forming almost 20% of the total land area of Germany...
joined the side of Austria.
Preparations
The 13 May 1717 Prince Eugene left ViennaVienna
Vienna is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Austria and one of the nine states of Austria. Vienna is Austria's primary city, with a population of about 1.723 million , and is by far the largest city in Austria, as well as its cultural, economic, and political centre...
and between, with his troops in Futtak
Futog
Futog is a town in Serbia, in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina. It is part of the metropolitan area of Novi Sad.-Name:The name Futog derives from Old Church Slavonic term for “on the mouth” - vo utok ....
. Even before the troops are assembled, the 21, Eugene began his march to Belgrade, with about 70,000 men which must be added 6,000 Bavarian and other Austrian troops stationed in the Banat
Banat
The Banat is a geographical and historical region in Central Europe currently divided between three countries: the eastern part lies in western Romania , the western part in northeastern Serbia , and a small...
who is joined to a body of Futtak 100,000 men. In addition, the Danube fleet consists of about fifty boats of various types and ten naval vessels armed with light artillery. Eugene wants to reach the city and begin the siege as soon as possible before the possible entry of Turkish troops. The biggest problem is that the fortress can not be attacked from the south, and ProGrasS can only take place after crossing the Danube and the Sava. He chose the direct route, crossing the Sava river, although this side, the defense of the fortress is the strongest. On the advice of his general, he chose to back across the Danube, the Ottomans not imagining an enemy chooses to cross the river at a point off. The Austrian army managed to cross almost intact between the 15 and June 16. Eugene up the guns while the Imperial troops begin the excavation of trenches in front of the fortress and rear of the army. Prince Eugene is informed that an Ottoman army of liberation 150,000 men running from Belgrade. She arrives on July 28 but takes no action against the assailants and also began to dig trenches.
Now, the besieged and besiegers became the original plan of Prince Eugene is upset, the Ottoman army, which does not attack, she left the Austrian army to wear it will fail to capture the city. Eugene's troops are caught by the fortress and an army of enemy men. Because of losses, the exchange of cannon fire, malaria, Eugene sees his strength diminishing slowly.
The final battle
The situation becomes dangerous because the Turks all the time they want to let the enemy wear in a long siege. While the situation is rather worrying for the imperial troops, the 14 August, Belgrade is suddenly shaken by a powerful explosion: a mortar struck the store of explosive powders of the fortress and 3,000 defenders were killed in the explosion. With this, the Prince Eugene orders the next day, the attack of the Ottomans: at midnight on August 16 the attack begins with the infantry in the center and cavalry on the wings. Apart from those for the defense of trenches in front of the fortress, all are involved in the attack.A night attack at this time is new and the Turks were taken by surprise. After the first hours of fighting, while the sun rises, the Turks have predicted an opening in the center of the Austrian attack and they enter into force before an attack against the Austrian cavalry, led by Eugene de Savoie itself, not only pushing but it takes the trenches which casts the turmoil in the Ottoman camp, causing the flight of soldiers to 10 hours, the battle is won by the Austrians. The garrison surrendered in Belgrade after the defeat of the army in exchange for saving leads to exit the city. Ottoman losses are approximately 20,000 men and a large amount of equipment, ammunition and artillery.
Implications
Belgrade falls into the hands of the Austrians, and a year later, the Peace PassarowitzTreaty of Passarowitz
The Treaty of Passarowitz or Treaty of Požarevac was the peace treaty signed in Požarevac , a town in Ottoman Empire , on 21 July 1718 between the Ottoman Empire on one side and the Habsburg Monarchy of Austria and the Republic of Venice on the other.During the years 1714-1718, the Ottomans had...
(July 2 1718) is signed by Austria which obtains at the expense of the Ottoman Empire
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
, the Banat
Banat
The Banat is a geographical and historical region in Central Europe currently divided between three countries: the eastern part lies in western Romania , the western part in northeastern Serbia , and a small...
, Belgrade, the Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
north, the Wallachia
Wallachia
Wallachia or Walachia is a historical and geographical region of Romania. It is situated north of the Danube and south of the Southern Carpathians...
and other neighboring areas. The Empire reached its maximum expansion and the Balkans. Belgrade remains a territory under the domination of Austria for over twenty years, but the 22 July 1739, the Austrian army, commanded by the Field Marshal
Field Marshal
Field Marshal is a military rank. Traditionally, it is the highest military rank in an army.-Etymology:The origin of the rank of field marshal dates to the early Middle Ages, originally meaning the keeper of the king's horses , from the time of the early Frankish kings.-Usage and hierarchical...
George Oliver Wallis
George Olivier, count of Wallis
George Olivier, Count of Wallis was a field marshal of Irish descent in the service of the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies and last regent of the Habsburg Kingdom of Serbia . Born into an Irish family, he distinguished himself in Sicily by his capture of Messina. He then...
was defeated near Belgrade, at the Battle of Grocka
Battle of Grocka
The Battle of Grocka, also known as Battle of Krotzka, was fought between Austria and the Ottoman Empire on July 21–22, 1739, in Grocka, Belgrade. The Turks were victorious and took the city of Belgrade. The battle was part of the Ottoman-Habsburg wars.-Battle:The Austrians had direct orders from...
by the Turkish army led by a by İvaz Mehmet Pasha
İvaz Mehmet Pasha
İvaz Mehmed Pasha or Hacı İvaz Mehmed Pasha was an 18th-century Ottoman grand vizier .- Early life :His family was among the group of families known as Evlad'ı Fatihan, i.e., descendants of the early Turkish fighters in Rumeli, the European portion of the empire. Upon the recommendation of his...
. As a result of the Treaty of Belgrade
Treaty of Belgrade
The Treaty of Belgrade was the peace treaty signed on September 18, 1739 in Belgrade, Habsburg Kingdom of Serbia , by the Ottoman Empire on one side and the Habsburg Monarchy on the other....
(September 1739), the city and all the territories acquired at the Treaty of Passarowitz except Banat
Banat
The Banat is a geographical and historical region in Central Europe currently divided between three countries: the eastern part lies in western Romania , the western part in northeastern Serbia , and a small...
were returned to Turkish rule.
(see Capture of Belgrade (1739)
Capture of Belgrade (1739)
Capture of Belgrade refers to recapture of Belgrade by the Ottoman Empire in 1739.- Background :According to the Treaty of Pruth signed in 1711 between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire, the Russians had stipulated to stop interfering in the affairs of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth...
)