Battle of Dealul Spirii(1848)
Background
The Wallachian Revolution established a provisional government and abolished serfdom, but the Sublime Porte refused recognition. Ottoman armies crossed into Wallachia on September 12, converging on Bucharest.
Campaign: Wallachian Revolution of 1848
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Heroic stand of Bucharest firefighters defending revolutionary institutions at the hill of Spirii.
Lithograph depicting the fight between Bucharest firefighters and the Turkish army under Kerim Pasha at Dealul Spirii on September 13, 1848 The Battle of Dealul Spirii (September 13, 1848, then near Bucharest) was the last armed confrontation fought on Romanian territory between military units of Wallachia (the 2nd Infantry Battalion from the 2nd Line Infantry Regiment, the 7th Company from the 1st Line Infantry Regiment, and the firefighter company led by Captain Pavel Zăgănescu) and an Ottoman army corps.
“"He took a rifle, aimed, and struck dead the Turkish colonel." — Captain Pavel Zăgănescu, recorded by historian Dimitrie Papazoglu
Casualties & Outcome
48 killed, 57 wounded (Romanian); ~158 killed (Ottoman)
Ottoman Garrison achieved victory over Romanian Firefighters.
Ottoman forces restored the old regime. The revolutionary government collapsed but the spirit of 1848 endured in Romanian national memory.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Symbol of Romanian self-sacrifice. Firefighters' Day: September 13.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Dealul Spirii?
- The Battle of Dealul Spirii took place in 1848. Sep 13, 1848.
- Who won the Battle of Dealul Spirii?
- The Ottoman Garrison were victorious against the Romanian Firefighters.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Dealul Spirii?
- Symbol of Romanian self-sacrifice. Firefighters' Day: September 13.