Battle of Trabzon
| Battle of Trabzon | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Laz rebellion (1832–1834) | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| Tuzcuoğlu rebels | Ottoman forces | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Tahir Ağa Tuzcuoğlu | Osman Pasha | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 12,000 | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Heavy but less | Estimated 1,000–2,000+ | ||||||
The Battle of Trabzon, also known as the March at Trabzon, took place in January 1833 during the Tuzcuoğlu Rebellion. This battle was a key conflict in the wider rebellion against Ottoman rule in the Trabzon Eyalet, which is modern-day northeastern Turkey. The Tuzcuoğlu rebels, led by Tahir Ağa Tuzcuoğlu, achieved a significant victory over the Ottoman forces commanded by Osman Pasha.
Background
The Tuzcuoğlu Rebellion emerged from the discontent among local feudal lords and the populace in the Trabzon Eyalet due to the harsh policies and high taxes imposed by the Ottoman administration. Osman Hazinedaroğlu, the governor of Trabzon, had significantly increased taxes and revoked previously granted privileges to the local feudal lords, which led to widespread dissatisfaction and economic hardship. The rebellion, led by the Tuzcuoğlu family from Rize, sought to restore local autonomy and resist Ottoman control.
Battle
In January 1833, the Tuzcuoğlu rebels, numbering approximately 12,000, advanced towards Trabzon with the aim of capturing the city and challenging Ottoman authority. The Ottoman forces, under the command of Osman Pasha, attempted to prevent this advance but were ultimately defeated in the battle. The exact size of the Ottoman forces remains unclear, but the engagement resulted in substantial casualties for the Ottomans, estimated between 1,000 and 2,000.
The battle saw fierce fighting, with the Tuzcuoğlu rebels employing strategic maneuvers to outflank and overcome the Ottoman defenders. The victory allowed the rebels to temporarily gain control over the eastern Pontic region. Following the battle, the Ottomans attempted to counter the Tuzcuoğlu forces at Değirmendere but were unsuccessful in halting their advance.
Aftermath
The victory at Trabzon was a significant setback for the Ottoman administration, as it allowed the Tuzcuoğlu rebels to consolidate their control over the eastern Pontic region. Despite the success at Trabzon, the Ottomans eventually regrouped and launched further military campaigns to suppress the rebellion. The conflict continued to impact the region until the final suppression of the rebellion later in 1834.
References
- Akçura, Yusuf. "The Tuzcuoğlu Rebellion and the Ottoman Response," *Middle Eastern Studies*, vol. 55, no. 4, 2019, pp. 523-540.
- Bryer, A. "The Last Laz Risings and the Downfall of the Pontic Derebeys, 1812-1840," *Bedi kartlisa*, vol. XXVI, 1969, pp. 191–210. Available at: [OpenLibrary](http://openlibrary.ge/handle/123456789/748).
- Sinclair, T. A. "Eastern Turkey: An Architectural & Archaeological Survey, Volume II." 1957.