Battle Of Kars, Repulse Of The Russians Sept. 29 1855

Description

This engraving depicts the Battle of Kars on September 29, 1855, the most important land battle on the Caucasus (eastern) front of the Crimean War (1853–1856). It was one of the most successful defenses of the Ottoman army against the Russians and is considered one of the turning points of the war, both tactically and in terms of its impact on international opinion. The city and castle of Kars were the most important defensive point on the eastern side of the Ottoman Empire, and by capturing it the Russians wanted to increase pressure on Istanbul and eastern Anatolia. A Russian army of approximately 50,000 men under the command of General Nikolay Muravyov laid siege to Kars in June 1855. The city and castle were defended by a garrison of 17,000 men under the command of Ahmed Muhtar Pasha and the British officer General William Fenwick Williams (who received the title of “Baron of Kars” after the war). During the siege, the castle faced serious logistical difficulties: food, medicine and ammunition shortages were at an all-time high. General Williams organized the locals and established trenches, reserves and artillery positions around the castle. On the morning of September 29, 1855, the Russians launched an all-out attack. This attack lasted for 6 hours and the Ottoman defense resisted successfully on all fronts. Especially Yusuf Pasha, Mehmet Emin Pasha and the Hungarian engineer Kmety Pasha (Ismail Pasha) were among the prominent heroes. The Russians were forced to retreat after suffering approximately 8,000 casualties. In the background of the engraving, the city of Kars is depicted in detail with its mosques and castle buildings. The smoke rising from the city and the cannon fire reflect the intensity of the siege. In the centre of the engraving, Russian troops attack the Turkish defences but are repelled. Turkish soldiers defend from the trenches, while cannon fire and cavalry manoeuvres are strikingly depicted. The large explosion in the centre shows either the explosion of a cannon shell or the successful return fire of the Ottoman defence.