Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout(1877)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Opanets village on northwestern Plevna siege perimeter
Coordinate source: Historical accounts of Plevna siege perimeter
Background
By December 1877, Osman Pasha's garrison had been encircled for three months. Rations fell to 4 oz of bread daily. With relief impossible, Osman resolved on a desperate mass breakout toward Opanets.
Campaign: Siege of Plevna 1877
Forces Engaged
The Battle
Osman Pasha's final breakout attempt. Ottoman forces briefly broke through before a counterattack. Osman wounded, surrendered his sword to Col. Cerchez.
The Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout was fought on Dec 10, 1877 as part of the Siege of Plevna 1877. Romania / Russia forces, commanded by Col. Mihail Cerchez (Romanian sector), engaged Ottoman Empire forces under Osman Nuri Pasha. Romania / Russia fielded 30,000 troops against Ottoman Empire's 30,000. The Romania / Russia force comprised 20,000 infantry and 0 artillery. The engagement was fought on fortified terrain, employing breakout / counterattack. It was a land engagement fought in winter. The defender adopted a fortified posture while the attacker employed frontal assault. The battle resulted in a Romania / Russia victory. Casualties were estimated at 2,000 for Romania / Russia and 6,000 for Ottoman Empire. Notable Romania / Russia officers included Eduard Todleben (General of Engineers, Directed siege containment).
“"Together with my army I surrender myself into the hands of the young and brave Romanian army." — Osman Nuri Pasha to Colonel Mihail Cerchez, December 10, 1877
Casualties & Outcome
~1,700–2,000 killed and wounded (Allied); ~5,000–6,000 killed and wounded, 43,338 surrendered (Ottoman)
Romania / Russia achieved victory over Ottoman Empire.
Osman Pasha captured. 44,000 Ottoman troops surrendered. The road to Constantinople lay open.
Historical Record
Significance & Legacy
Fall of Plevna — decisive turning point of the entire Russo-Turkish War.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout?
- The Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout took place in 1877. Dec 10, 1877.
- What was the outcome of the Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout?
- The Romania / Russia were victorious against the Ottoman Empire.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Opanez — Osman Pasha's Breakout?
- Fall of Plevna — decisive turning point of the entire Russo-Turkish War.