The Ottoman attempt to retake Bucharest was repelled by a smaller Russian force, preserving Russian control of Wallachia during the Russo-Turkish War.
Key Facts
- Date
- 20 October 1771
- Conflict
- Russo-Turkish War
- Ottoman objective
- Recapture Bucharest from Russian forces
- Russian force size
- Limited number of soldiers in Wallachia
- Outcome
- Ottoman defeat and retreat
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In the summer of 1771, Russia launched an offensive against Ottoman positions along the Danube, attacking Giurgiu, but the offensive failed. This setback allowed the Ottomans to regain the initiative, and by autumn their forces along the Danube were prepared to invade Wallachia, where Russian troops were few in number.
On 20 October 1771, Ottoman forces advanced into Wallachia with the aim of retaking Bucharest from its Russian occupiers. Despite holding numerical advantage, the Ottomans engaged the outnumbered Russian garrison in battle at Bucharest. The Russians successfully defended the city, repelling the Ottoman assault.
The Ottoman forces were defeated and compelled to retreat following the battle. Russian control over Bucharest and Wallachia was maintained, and the Ottoman attempt to reverse Russian gains in the region was unsuccessful, leaving the broader strategic situation along the Danube in Russia's favor.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent