Russia's second failed siege of Erivan in the Russo-Persian War demonstrated the limits of Russian military power in the Caucasus and led to Gudovich's dismissal.
Key Facts
- Duration
- Six weeks (October–November 1808)
- Russian casualties
- 3,000 casualties
- Russian deaths
- ~1,000 deaths
- Russian commander
- Field Marshal Ivan Gudovich
- Outcome
- Iranian defensive victory; Russian withdrawal
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
During the ongoing Russo-Persian War of 1804–1813, Russian forces under Field Marshal Ivan Gudovich launched a late-season military campaign against the Iranian-held fortress city of Erivan. The campaign was poorly planned and timed, echoing a similar unsuccessful Russian attempt in 1804.
From October to November 1808, Russian forces besieged the fortress of Erivan for approximately six weeks. Iranian defenders successfully repelled the assault, forcing the Russians to abandon the siege. The Russians sustained around 3,000 casualties, including nearly 1,000 deaths, without achieving their objective.
The failure deeply angered Tsar Alexander I, who publicly condemned Gudovich's leadership and forced him into retirement. Gudovich's claim that French officers had aided the Iranians was dismissed by his superiors. The defeat underscored Russian difficulties in projecting military power in the Caucasus region.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Ivan Gudovich.
Side B
1 belligerent