HomeAll BattlesHistorical Periods
  1. Home
  2. ›
  3. Russo-Turkish Wars
  4. ›
  5. Russian Occupation of Iași (1769)

Russian Occupation of Iași (1769)(1769)

Explore on Interactive Map
Sep 1769·Russia victory·land·oraș de câmpie

Background

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

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

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.

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 Moldavia for five years; the local population suffered requisitions from the Russian army; the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca (1774) returned Moldavia 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.
Who won 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 Moldavia1737 · Russia victory
View all Russo-Turkish Wars battles →

Sources

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