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Abaza-MohammedTurkish pasha of Abkhazian origin.
Country:
 Turkey |
Content:
- Abaza Pasha: An Abkhazian Commander in the Ottoman Army
- Battle of Khotyn
- Battle of Ryapaya Mohyla and Battle of Larga
- Battle of Kagul and Siege of Izmail
- Governor of Silistria and Capture
- Execution
Abaza Pasha: An Abkhazian Commander in the Ottoman Army
Early Life and Military CareerAbaza Pasha was an Abkhazian-born Turkish pasha who served during the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, he governed the Turkish province of Marash in Asia Minor. In 1769, he was appointed commandant of the fortress of Bender.
Battle of Khotyn
During the Khotyn Campaign of 1769, Abaza Pasha commanded the Turkish cavalry and played a significant role in the fighting. Despite heavy losses inflicted by the Russian army under Prince A. M. Golitsyn, the Ottoman forces managed to hold their ground, preventing the fall of Khotyn.
Battle of Ryapaya Mohyla and Battle of Larga
In 1770, after the defeat at Khotyn, Abaza Pasha commanded a detachment sent to assist the Crimean Khan Kapllan Giray at the Battle of Ryapaya Mohyla. However, the Russian army under General-Anshef P. A. Rumyantsev decisively defeated the Ottoman forces. Subsequently, Abaza Pasha's unit was part of the 80,000-strong Tatar-Turkish army that was routed in the Battle of Larga.
Battle of Kagul and Siege of Izmail
On August 1, Abaza Pasha commanded a wing of the Ottoman army under Grand Vizier Halil Pasha at the Battle of Kagul. The Turks were utterly defeated, and Abaza Pasha played a role in defending the fortress of Izmail alongside Abd al- Pasha and Aga Kapikıranı. However, he later surrendered the fortress to the Russian general Prince N. V. Repnin without a fight.
Governor of Silistria and Capture
Subsequent to his role in the Battle of Kagul, Abaza Pasha was appointed governor of Silistria. In 1771, he was assigned to command the Turkish fortress of Yenikale on the Kerch Peninsula. However, the fortress fell to the Russian general Borzov without resistance, forcing Abaza Pasha to flee to Sinop via Caffa.
Execution
In 1771, Abaza Pasha was executed as one of the scapegoats for the Ottoman Empire's military setbacks in the Russo-Turkish War.
