Battle of Rahova(1877)
Approximate site. The pin marks a locally accepted site or a nearby anchor point, not a survey-grade position.
Oryahovo (Rahova), Vratsa Province, Bulgaria
Coordinate source: latitude.to Oryakhovo 43.7333, 23.9667
Background
Grand Duke Nikolai requested Romanian action around Rahova to relieve pressure on the Plevna siege. The capture demonstrated Romania
Campaign: Russo-Turkish War 1877-78
Forces Engaged
![Historical photograph relating to the Battle of Rahova (1877): Bucharest from "[Cassell's Illustrated History of the Russo-Turkish War, etc.]".](https://api.europeana.eu/thumbnail/v2/url.json?uri=https%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.staticflickr.com%2F5524%2F11306973176_11af634eea_o.jpg&type=IMAGE)
The Battle
Romanian forces captured the Danube fortress of Rahova — first major objective taken solely by Romanians.
The Romanian War of Independence is the name used in Romanian historiography for the Principality of Romania's participation in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878. Following this war, the country gained independence from the Ottoman Empire, alongside Serbia and Montenegro. On [date], Romania and the Russian Empire signed a treaty in Bucharest allowing Russian troops to cross the country's territory on their way to the Balkans, provided Romania's territorial integrity was respected. Initially, until late 1877, Russia did not wish for Romania's involvement in the war, not wanting it to participate in peace treaties for the division of territories. However, the Russians encountered strong resistance, suffering heavy losses in repeated assaults and unable to advance beyond the 40,000 soldiers led by Osman Pasha, who had stationed themselves in the fortress of Plevna. In Romania, military mobilization was declared.
Casualties & Outcome
~500 killed and wounded (Romanian); ~800 killed, wounded, captured (Ottoman); gunboat Podgorița sunk
Romania achieved victory over Ottoman Empire.
The peace treaty between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire was signed in San Stefano on March 3, 1878. As a result of this treaty, the Principality of Bulgaria was created, and the independence of Montenegro, Serbia, and Romania was recognized. Romania was required to cede the three counties in southern Moldova (Cahul, Ismail, Bolgrad). The Russian Empire did not show willingness to respect the promises made in the convention signed on April 4, 1877, by the Russian consul Dimitri Stuart (with the approval of Tsar Alexander II) and the Romanian foreign minister at that time, Mihail Kogălniceanu.
Significance & Legacy
First fortress taken independently by the Romanian army.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was the Battle of Rahova?
- The Battle of Rahova took place in 1877. Nov 9, 1877.
- What was the outcome of the Battle of Rahova?
- The Romania were victorious against the Ottoman Empire.
- What was the significance of the Battle of Rahova?
- First fortress taken independently by the Romanian army.