Key Facts
- Dates of main assault
- 8–9 November 1877
- Ottoman casualties at Uzunahmet
- 3,000 killed/wounded, 1,000 prisoners
- Russian casualties at Uzunahmet
- ~1,200
- Aziziye redoubt Ottoman garrison
- ~1,600 routed
- Russian casualties at Aziziye
- 400–600
- Siege lifted
- Truce of 31 January 1878
Strategic Narrative Overview
Russian troops advanced on Erzurum under night cover on 8–9 November, but poor movement control in darkness caused confusion. A detachment of the 153rd Infantry Regiment independently seized the Aziziye redoubt, routing its 1,600-strong garrison, but withdrew due to lack of support, sustaining 400–600 casualties. Unable to breach Erzurum's strong fortifications without siege artillery, and with winter weather closing in, Russian commanders abandoned the assault.
01 / The Origins
During the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, Russian imperial forces advanced into Ottoman Anatolia in the Caucasus theatre, seeking to exploit weaknesses in Ottoman defences. Following a decisive Russian victory at Uzunahmet on 4 November 1877, where Ottoman forces suffered heavy losses and thousands deserted, Russian commanders identified Erzurum as the next strategic objective, believing the demoralized garrison might fall quickly.
03 / The Outcome
The Russians withdrew and redirected their effort toward Kars, which they successfully captured. Ottoman commander Ahmed Muhtar Pasha received reinforcements throughout November but later withdrew to Bayburt after epidemics struck his force. A low-level Russian siege of Erzurum continued until the truce of 31 January 1878. Muhtar Pasha was awarded the title Ghazi for his defence of the city.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent
Ahmed Muhtar Pasha.
Kinetic Engagement Axis
Scroll horizontally to view full axis. Events plotted relatively.