Alexander Adamovich
Belarus- Alexander Mikhaylovich of Tver
- Early Life
- Rebellion in Tver
- Consequences of the Rebellion
- Exile and Return
- Later Life
- Legacy
Alexander Mikhaylovich of Tver
Alexander Mikhaylovich was a Russian and Belarusian Soviet writer, screenwriter, literary critic, and doctor of philological sciences. He was also a member of the Belarusian Academy of Sciences.
Early Life
Alexander's father was the Grand Duke of Tver, Mikhail Yaroslavich. When Mikhail was executed in the Horde in 1320, Alexander and his elder brother, Dmitry, divided their father's inheritance. Alexander then allied himself with Moscow's Prince Yuri Danilovich.
Rebellion in Tver
In 1327, Khan Uzbek's ambassador, Shevkal, arrived in Tver and seized the princely palace, causing widespread violence against the city's Christian population. Rumors spread that Shevkal planned to convert the populace to Islam and seize the throne for himself.
Despite pleas from his people, Alexander initially urged restraint. However, a spontaneous uprising erupted on August 15, targeting the Tatar entourage. Shevkal and all Tatars in Tver were killed.
Consequences of the Rebellion
Khan Uzbek retaliated by sending a punitive expedition led by Ivan Kalita of Moscow. Facing overwhelming odds, Alexander fled to Pskov while his brothers sought refuge in Ladoga. Alexander was declared an outlaw and pursued throughout the Russian lands.
Exile and Return
Alexander spent nearly a decade in exile in Pskov under the protection of the Lithuanian prince, Gediminas. In 1338, representatives from various Russian principalities persuaded Alexander to return to the Horde to seek Uzbek's forgiveness.
Later Life
After obtaining Uzbek's pardon, Alexander was restored to power as Grand Duke of Tver. However, he faced continued opposition from Ivan Kalita and the Moscow principality. In 1340, Alexander was again summoned to the Horde and executed.
Legacy
Alexander Mikhaylovich's reign was marked by turmoil and challenges. His decision not to intervene in the uprising in Tver proved costly, leading to his downfall and the decline of Tver's power. Nonetheless, his name is remembered as a symbol of resistance to foreign oppression during a tumultuous period in Russian history.
