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  5. Russian Occupation of Iași (1769)

Russian Occupation of Iași (1769)(1769)

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Sep 1769·Russia victory·occupation·oraș de câmpie·Approximate site
Map Placement

Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.

Iași, capitala Moldovei — ocupație urbană

Coordinate source: latitude.to GPS Iași

Background

At the outbreak of the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774, Russia sent forces through Moldova to attack the Ottoman Empire on its northern flank. The occupation of Iași marked Russia

Campaign: Russo-Turkish War 1768–1774

Forces Engaged

Victor
Russia
Commander: General Pyotr Rumyantsev
Strength: 20,000
Defeated
Ottoman Empire / Moldavian Garrisons
Commander: Forțe ale guvernatorului otoman
Strength: 3,000

The Battle

Historical map or illustration showing the Russian Occupation of Iași (1769) (1769): Portrait of Field Marshal Pyotr Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, who led the Russian occupation of Iași (1769)
Portrait of Field Marshal Pyotr Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky, who led the Russian occupation of Iași (1769) (c. 1775) — Unknown artist (18th c.). Public domain.

Russian forces under Rumyantsev occupied the Moldavian capital Iași in September 1769, inaugurating a Russian military administration that lasted throughout the 1768–1774 War.

The Orlov Revolt, in Greek Ορλωφικά, (also known as the Second Peloponnesian Revolt or the Maritime Revolt) is a precursor to the Greek War of Independence and is the name under which the uprising of the Greeks from the Peloponnese against the Ottoman Empire in 1770 is known. The revolt was prepared and actively supported by the Russian Empire. The outbreak of the revolt was coordinated with the naval expedition led by Alexei Grigorievich Orlov, commander of the Russian imperial fleet during the Russo-Turkish War (1768–1774).

Casualties & Outcome

50
Russia
casualties
200
Ottoman Empire / Moldavian Garrisons
casualties

Approximately 50 Russian casualties, 200 Ottoman/Moldavian casualties — minimal resistance

Russia achieved victory over Ottoman Empire / Moldavian Garrisons.

Russia administered Moldova for five years; the local population suffered requisitions from the Russian army; the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca (1774) returned Moldova to Ottoman suzerainty.

Significance & Legacy

The first prolonged Russian occupation of a major Romanian city; it established a precedent for Russian intervention in Moldavian affairs; local boyars divided between pro-Russian and pro-Ottoman factions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Russian Occupation of Iași (1769)?
The Russian Occupation of Iași (1769) took place in 1769. Sep 1769.
What was the outcome of the Russian Occupation of Iași (1769)?
The Russia were victorious against the Ottoman Empire / Moldavian Garrisons.
What was the significance of the Russian Occupation of Iași (1769)?
The first prolonged Russian occupation of a major Romanian city; it established a precedent for Russian intervention in Moldavian affairs; local boyars divided between pro-Russian and pro-Ottoman factions.

Related Battles

Ottoman Occupation of Bucharest (1769)1769 · Ottoman Empire victoryBattle of Larga1770 · Russia victoryBattle of Cahul1770 · Russia victoryBattle of Stănilești1711 · Ottoman Empire / Crimean Khanate victoryAustrian Occupation of Oltenia1718 · Habsburg Austria victoryMünnich's Campaign in Moldova1737 · Russia victory
View all Russo-Turkish Wars battles →

Sources

  • Christopher Duffy — Russia's Military Way to the West (1981)
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