Forward Detachment of Lieutenant General Iosif V. Gurko in Eski-Zagra in July 1877 (As Remembered by the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878 Participants)

Abstract

This article reveals the circumstances of the presence of the Forward detachment of Lieu- tenant General Iosif V. Gurko in the city of Eski-Zagra (now Stara-Zagora) (July 10–19, 1877) and recreates a multifaceted panorama of contacts between soldiers, offi cers, and the city’s inhabitants. The article is based on published sources (many facts from which are fi rst introduced here). The Forward detachment, which included the Bulgarian militia, was solemnly met in Eski-Zagra. Russian offi cers contributed to the organization of the city council, police, gendarmerie, and hospitals. For their part, the Bulgarians provided broad assistance to the Russians (in baked bread preparation, sale of food to the troops and fodder for the cavalry, as well as the delivery of information about the Turkish troops). The city managed to suppress the outbreaks of mutual hatred between Christians and Muslims, but in the surrounding district the Bulgarians slaughtered and plundered the Muslim population, burning houses and villages. The defeat at Plevna did not allow the command of the Danube army to send reinforcements to General Gurko. A small detachment left in Eski-Zagra had to fi ght the superior forces of Suleiman Pasha and retreat to Kazanlak. During the battle, armed citizens stayed behind the Russian reserves and, at critical moments, despite their previous statements, chose to escape and not to support their compatriot militiamen. A terrible fate — the revenge of Muslims — was expected by the residents — Bulgarians and wounded soldiers who could not manage to leave the city. Russian offi cers, noting the positive qualities of the Bulgarian character, predicted an enviable future for the nation after its release from power of the Turks.