Herzegovinian rebellion
Encyclopedia
The Herzegovina Uprising of 1875-1878 was an uprising led by Christians, firstly in Herzegovina (hence its name) and then in Bosnia. It is the most significant of the rebellions against Ottoman rule
in Herzegovina
. The uprising was precipitated by the harsh treatment under the bey
s and aghas of the Ottoman province of Bosnia
.
The reforms announced by the Turkish Sultan Abdülmecid I
, involving new rights for Christian subjects, a new basis for army conscription, and an end to the much-hated system of tax-farming, were either resisted or ignored by the powerful Bosnian landowners. They frequently resorted to more repressive measures against their Christian subjects. The tax burden on Christian peasants constantly increased. Over 200,000 Christian fugitives was a result of Turkish and Bosnian Muslim atrocities in 1877.
The rebels were aided with weapons and volunteers of Montenegro and Serbia which led to the Serb-Turkish War and Great Eastern Crisis. A result of the uprisings and wars against the Ottoman, was the Berlin Congress in 1878, which gave Montenegro and Serbia independence and territorial expansion, while Austro-Hungary occupied Bosnia and Herzegovina for 30 years, while being de jure under the Ottoman Empire.
, Bosnia Eyalet
, Herzegovina Eyalet
Ottoman general Omar Pasha
decided in March 1852 to disarm the Herzegovinians of their weapons, this sparked an outrage in the region in which local clan
chief Luka Vukalović was holding. The refusal of giving up arms resulted in minor fights between Herzegovinians and Turks, which in turn resulted in an uprising, which Vukalović would lead.
The uprising began in winter 1852/1853, when Grahovo
, Banjani
and Drobnjaci
refused to pay the Turks a debt. As the actions against Montenegro by the Ottomans began, the East Herzegovinian clans fought alongside Montenegrins. Although there weren't major actions in the period of 1853-1857, the uprising never was at peace. Austria evidently interfered in actions of Vukalović, as it would help Montenegro, at the same time French consulates followed the uprising. The uprising was boosted in December 1857, after Knez Danilo had started backing rebels, bitter at the Porte
because of its statements in the Paris Congress in 1856.
After the Battle of Grahovac on May 1st, 1858, when Montenegrin and Herzegovinian rebels defeated the Turks, Knez Danilo titled Vukalović the voivode of Zubac, Kruševica
, Dračevica and Sutorina
, giving him some autonomy.
The Porte agreed on appeasement, it carried out a border with Montenegro, thus recognizing the independence of Montenegro. As the great part of East Herzegovina, except Grahovo, part of Banjani, Drobnjaci, Župa and Nikšič Rudina was left under Ottoman rule, Vukalović continued the uprising. This strongly echoed in Bosnia, in particular the revolts in Bosanska Krajina and Posavina in 1858. Afraid that the uprising would spill over in its territory, Austria increased its tackling of Vukalović, helping in different ways even the Turks.
Vukalović in his requests didn't only deal with economical problems of Herzegovina, but marking the fight for national liberaiton, seeking for Herzegovina to join Montenegro. This character of uprising sparked the interest of the great powers of Europe, whom consulate representatives worked on giving Vukalović to the Ottoman government. Vukalović continued fighting against the Turks, and after the violent death of Knez Danilo in 1860, inspired by the unification of Italy which was led by Garibaldi.
Since 1861, Omer-paša tried in many ways to end the uprising, but he was unsuccessful. But when Montenegro after a defeat to the Turk in August 1862, promised that it wouldn't help the rebel movement in Herzegovina, Vukalović understood this as the people had been strained and then wrote to Omer-paša, who promised amnesty for all rebels. Omer-paša promised Vukalović that he would continue his office as voivode of Zubac, Kruševica, Dračevica and Sutorina, but this was not held, he instead appointed him bimbaša of 500 pandur
s who would secure peace along the borders. When he saw that the Ottomans didn't give their promises of relief on feudal duties and tax cuts, he tried in 1865 to once again start an uprising, but without any help, he was unsuccessful. Vukalović left his birthplace and migrated to Russia, where he died in 1873.
in the uprising, concluding that the uprising is to break out in Spring 1875. The group entered in talks with Nikola I Petrović, but he was not willing to break and risk the unreadiness of Russia in its war with the Ottomans. The preparations continued, and in Bileća
and Trebinje region, serdar Todor Mujičić, Gligor Milićević, Vasilj Svorcan and Sava Jakšić lead the revolt in these regions.
The Ottomans hear of the talks between Nikola I and tries to capture the ringleaders, they however flee into Montenegro in the winter of 1874. In 1875, Austria is drawn in, and with its interests in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they seek from the Ottomans to give the ringleaders amnesty. The pressured Ottomans join in discussion with Austria.
; Prosara and Motajica
, then attack communications and block the cities of the Sava river
, later to take over Banja Luka
. The start of the uprising was envisaged on August 18, 1875. The Ottomans imprisoned priests in Prijedor, which put further pressure on the people, therefore villagers from Dvorište
, Čitluka, Petrinje
, Bačvani
, Pobrđani and Tavija
attack the Turks in Dvorište on August 15th. The uprising sparks wide, and the leader of the uprising is chosen to be Ostoja Kormanoš.
region, then expansion on the rest of Herzegovina. In the meantime, Turks seek hajduk
Pera Tunguz, who on July 5, had attacked a caravan on the Bišini mountain. On July 9, the Turks start a conflict with the armed villagers of Jovan Gutić on the Gradac
hill north of Krekova. This conflict would be known as Nevesinjska puška (Nevesinje gun) and marked the beginning of the uprising in all of Herzegovina. Firstly Nevesinje, Bileća
and Stolac
are involved, then in August, Gacko
and the frontier towards Montenegro. Četa of 50-300 people and bands of 500-2000 people gather and attack Ottoman border posts and Bey
towers.
The Ottomans had 4 battalions of regular army (nizami) with a total of 1800 soldiers, situated in Mostar
, Trebinje
, Nikšić
, Foča
and the border posts, also a larger number of başıbozuk are present all over the province. The Ottoman troops are commanded by Selim-paša who in turn is under Derviš-paša, the commander of Bosnia Eyalet
. After the outbreak of the uprising, the Turks try to gain time by starting negotiations while reinforcements arrive. The rebels wanted lower taxes, which the Turks refused, and the fighting continues. In August, 4000 nizami arrive from Bosnia, and later 4 more battalions by sea through Klek
in Trebinje. The rebels had by July and August destroyed the majority of border posts and besieged Trebinje in August 5. The Turks regained Trebinje by August 30. In the end of August, fights break out in Bosnia, and Serbia
and Montenegro
promise aid, sparking an intensification of the uprising.
Knez Nikola sends Petar Vukotić, while a large number of Montenegrin volunteers arrive at the command of Peko Pavlović. The Serbian government dare not to publicly assist because of international pressure, but secretly sends Mićo Ljubibratić (who took part in the 1852-1862 uprising) among others. There is a conflict between the rebels because of disagreement between the representatives of the Montenegrin and Serbian governments, causing failures in the ongoing uprising.
The aim of the bands was to prevent any greater concentration of Turkish troops on the Drina, on the western frontier of Serbia. As a systemically organized insurrection in Bosnia is of no possibility, the rebels pursue and drive back the Muslim population into their towns. The bands protect and help the exiles hiding in the woods; unarmed men, women, and children, to reach the frontier of Austria or Serbia through safe conduct.
The state of the common Christian people was serious, the number of fugitives exceeded 200,000 by January 1877.
, and Glamoč
.
In August 1877, all Bosnian Muslims men from 15 to 70 were ordered to fight, although there was already 54 battalions, each with 400-700 men.
(notably the April Uprising
in Bulgaria
) setting off what would becomne known as the Great Eastern Crisis. The atrocities of the Ottoman Empire in suppressing unrest in the Balkan provinces eventually led to the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, which ended in Turkish defeat, and the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano in March 1878, followed in July of the same year by the Treaty of Berlin, severely reducing Ottoman territories and power in Europe. The Congress of Berlin
decided that Bosnia and Herzegovina, while remaining nominally under Turkish sovereignty, would be governed by Austria–Hungary. Austria-Hungary was also given the right to occupy those provinces, but did not do so until 1908. That occupation enraged Serbian nationalists and was a catalyst for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Bosnian Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip
.
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman EmpireIt was usually referred to as the "Ottoman Empire", the "Turkish Empire", the "Ottoman Caliphate" or more commonly "Turkey" by its contemporaries...
in Herzegovina
Herzegovina
Herzegovina is the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While there is no official border distinguishing it from the Bosnian region, it is generally accepted that the borders of the region are Croatia to the west, Montenegro to the south, the canton boundaries of the Herzegovina-Neretva...
. The uprising was precipitated by the harsh treatment under the bey
Bey
Bey is a title for chieftain, traditionally applied to the leaders of small tribal groups. Accoding to some sources, the word "Bey" is of Turkish language In historical accounts, many Turkish, other Turkic and Persian leaders are titled Bey, Beg, Bek, Bay, Baig or Beigh. They are all the same word...
s and aghas of the Ottoman province of Bosnia
Bosnia Province, Ottoman Empire
The Bosnia Vilayet was an Ottoman vilayet, mostly based on the territory of the present-day state of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as most of Slavonia, Lika and Dalmatia in present-day Croatia. It bordered Kosovo Vilayet to the south. Before the administrative reform in 1864, it was called the...
.
The reforms announced by the Turkish Sultan Abdülmecid I
Abdülmecid I
Sultan Abdülmecid I, Abdul Mejid I, Abd-ul-Mejid I or Abd Al-Majid I Ghazi was the 31st Sultan of the Ottoman Empire and succeeded his father Mahmud II on July 2, 1839. His reign was notable for the rise of nationalist movements within the empire's territories...
, involving new rights for Christian subjects, a new basis for army conscription, and an end to the much-hated system of tax-farming, were either resisted or ignored by the powerful Bosnian landowners. They frequently resorted to more repressive measures against their Christian subjects. The tax burden on Christian peasants constantly increased. Over 200,000 Christian fugitives was a result of Turkish and Bosnian Muslim atrocities in 1877.
The rebels were aided with weapons and volunteers of Montenegro and Serbia which led to the Serb-Turkish War and Great Eastern Crisis. A result of the uprisings and wars against the Ottoman, was the Berlin Congress in 1878, which gave Montenegro and Serbia independence and territorial expansion, while Austro-Hungary occupied Bosnia and Herzegovina for 30 years, while being de jure under the Ottoman Empire.
Bosnia and Herzegovina under Ottoman rule
See History of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1463–1878)History of Bosnia and Herzegovina (1463–1878)
The arrival of the Ottoman Turks marked a new era in Bosnian history.-Ottoman Rule:The Turks had conquered Slavonia and most of Hungary by 1541. In the next century, most of the Bosnian province wasn't a borderland and developed in relative peace...
, Bosnia Eyalet
Bosnia Eyalet
The Eyalet of Bosnia or Bosnia Beylerbeylik was a eyalet and beylerbeylik of the Ottoman Empire, mostly based on the territory of the present-day state of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as most of Slavonia, Lika, and Dalmatia in present-day Croatia...
, Herzegovina Eyalet
Herzegovina rebellions 1852-1862
Omar Pasha
Omar Pasha Latas was a Ottoman general and governor. He was a Serb convert to Islam, who managed to quickly climb in Ottoman ranks, crush several rebellions throughout the Empire and defeat Russia the Crimean War.-Early life:...
decided in March 1852 to disarm the Herzegovinians of their weapons, this sparked an outrage in the region in which local clan
Serb clans
Serb clans is a general term referring to what are known as plemena and bratstva , traditional geo-political units of the Western Balkans that now richly attest social anthropology and family history . The descendants of the clans are divided by regional and lately, national affiliation...
chief Luka Vukalović was holding. The refusal of giving up arms resulted in minor fights between Herzegovinians and Turks, which in turn resulted in an uprising, which Vukalović would lead.
The uprising began in winter 1852/1853, when Grahovo
Grahovo
Grahovo is a tribe in western Montenegro. It contains the village of Grahovac, which was the sight of the Battle of Grahovac.-History:In the early 17th century, during the Sanjak of Scutari, Grahovo was commanded by Mile Perin....
, Banjani
Banjani
Banjani is an Old Herzegovinian and Montenegrin clan of Aromanian origin, located in Montenegro, of which territory comprises 380 km², west of Nikšić. The territory is the centrum between Nikšić and Bileća, from the top of Njegoš to the Trebišnjica, and to the Bileća lake...
and Drobnjaci
Drobnjaci
Drobnjaci is an Old Herzegovinian clan and region in northern Montenegro . Its unofficial centre is in Boan/Šavnik. The Drobnjaci families are predominantly Serb Orthodox, with a majority declaring as Serbs, the rest as Montenegrins...
refused to pay the Turks a debt. As the actions against Montenegro by the Ottomans began, the East Herzegovinian clans fought alongside Montenegrins. Although there weren't major actions in the period of 1853-1857, the uprising never was at peace. Austria evidently interfered in actions of Vukalović, as it would help Montenegro, at the same time French consulates followed the uprising. The uprising was boosted in December 1857, after Knez Danilo had started backing rebels, bitter at the Porte
Porte
The Sublime Porte, also Ottoman Porte or High Porte , is a synecdoche for the central government of the Ottoman Empire, by reference to the High Gate of the Divan of the Topkapı Palace in Istanbul.The particular term was used in the context of diplomacy by Western states, as their diplomats were...
because of its statements in the Paris Congress in 1856.
After the Battle of Grahovac on May 1st, 1858, when Montenegrin and Herzegovinian rebels defeated the Turks, Knez Danilo titled Vukalović the voivode of Zubac, Kruševica
Kruševica
-Bosnia and Herzegovina:*Kruševica , village near Lukavac*Kruševica , village near Ljubinje-Serbia:*Kruševica in southern Serbia*Kruševica , village near Lazarevac*Kruševica , village near Prokuplje...
, Dračevica and Sutorina
Sutorina
The village of Sutorina and surrounding territory, including a short stretch of the Adriatic coast was named after the little vale of the river Sutorina west of Herceg Novi...
, giving him some autonomy.
The Porte agreed on appeasement, it carried out a border with Montenegro, thus recognizing the independence of Montenegro. As the great part of East Herzegovina, except Grahovo, part of Banjani, Drobnjaci, Župa and Nikšič Rudina was left under Ottoman rule, Vukalović continued the uprising. This strongly echoed in Bosnia, in particular the revolts in Bosanska Krajina and Posavina in 1858. Afraid that the uprising would spill over in its territory, Austria increased its tackling of Vukalović, helping in different ways even the Turks.
Vukalović in his requests didn't only deal with economical problems of Herzegovina, but marking the fight for national liberaiton, seeking for Herzegovina to join Montenegro. This character of uprising sparked the interest of the great powers of Europe, whom consulate representatives worked on giving Vukalović to the Ottoman government. Vukalović continued fighting against the Turks, and after the violent death of Knez Danilo in 1860, inspired by the unification of Italy which was led by Garibaldi.
Since 1861, Omer-paša tried in many ways to end the uprising, but he was unsuccessful. But when Montenegro after a defeat to the Turk in August 1862, promised that it wouldn't help the rebel movement in Herzegovina, Vukalović understood this as the people had been strained and then wrote to Omer-paša, who promised amnesty for all rebels. Omer-paša promised Vukalović that he would continue his office as voivode of Zubac, Kruševica, Dračevica and Sutorina, but this was not held, he instead appointed him bimbaša of 500 pandur
Pandur
Pandur can refer to:* Pandurs, Balkan Slavic guerrilla fighters* Pandur, an armoured personnel carrier:* Pandur I 6x6* Pandur II 8x8* The Sumerian term for long-necked lutes...
s who would secure peace along the borders. When he saw that the Ottomans didn't give their promises of relief on feudal duties and tax cuts, he tried in 1865 to once again start an uprising, but without any help, he was unsuccessful. Vukalović left his birthplace and migrated to Russia, where he died in 1873.
In Herzegovina
The leaders of the people of Herzegovina: Jovan Gutić, Simun Zečević, Ilija Stevanović, Trivko Grubačić, Prodan Rupar and Petar Radović, at the end of August and beginning of September 1874, met and decided to start preparing a rebellion. They conclude with preparing weapons and ammunition, safe-places for people, assistance of MontenegroMontenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
in the uprising, concluding that the uprising is to break out in Spring 1875. The group entered in talks with Nikola I Petrović, but he was not willing to break and risk the unreadiness of Russia in its war with the Ottomans. The preparations continued, and in Bileća
Bileca
Bileća is a town and municipality in the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the entity of Republika Srpska. It is in eastern Herzegovina near the border with Montenegro, north of Trebinje and south of Gacko...
and Trebinje region, serdar Todor Mujičić, Gligor Milićević, Vasilj Svorcan and Sava Jakšić lead the revolt in these regions.
The Ottomans hear of the talks between Nikola I and tries to capture the ringleaders, they however flee into Montenegro in the winter of 1874. In 1875, Austria is drawn in, and with its interests in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they seek from the Ottomans to give the ringleaders amnesty. The pressured Ottomans join in discussion with Austria.
In Bosnia
The preparations start somewhat later than the Herzegovinian and did not manage to coordinate actions of the two regions. In the preparations are Vaso Vidović, Simo and Jovo Bilbija, Spasoje Babić and Vasa Pelagić. The plans began with firstly liberating the villages of KozaraKozara
Kozara is a mountain in western Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the Bosanska Krajina region. It is bounded by the rivers Sava - north, Vrbas - east, Sana - south and Una - west...
; Prosara and Motajica
Motajica
-References:...
, then attack communications and block the cities of the Sava river
Sava River
The Sava is a river in Southeast Europe, a right side tributary of the Danube river at Belgrade. Counting from Zelenci, the source of Sava Dolinka, it is long and drains of surface area. It flows through Slovenia, Croatia, along the northern border of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and through Serbia....
, later to take over Banja Luka
Banja Luka
-History:The name "Banja Luka" was first mentioned in a document dated February 6, 1494, but Banja Luka's history dates back to ancient times. There is a substantial evidence of the Roman presence in the region during the first few centuries A.D., including an old fort "Kastel" in the centre of...
. The start of the uprising was envisaged on August 18, 1875. The Ottomans imprisoned priests in Prijedor, which put further pressure on the people, therefore villagers from Dvorište
Dvorište
Dvorišće is a village in Croatia. Between 1931 and 1991, it was referred to as Dvorište....
, Čitluka, Petrinje
Petrinje
Petrinje is a small village in the Hrpelje-Kozina Municipality in the Littoral region of Slovenia.The local church is dedicated to Saint Sebastian and belongs to the Klanec Parish.-External links:*...
, Bačvani
Bačvani
Bačvani is a village in the municipality of Bosanska Dubica, Bosnia and Herzegovina.-References:...
, Pobrđani and Tavija
Tavija
Tavija is a village in the municipality of Novi Grad, Republika Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina....
attack the Turks in Dvorište on August 15th. The uprising sparks wide, and the leader of the uprising is chosen to be Ostoja Kormanoš.
Nevesinje
The leaders return in 1875 and continue their plans on revolt, the plan seeks liberation of NevesinjeNevesinje
Nevesinje is a town and municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in eastern Herzegovina between Mostar and Gacko. It is administratively part of the Republika Srpska entity.-Geography:...
region, then expansion on the rest of Herzegovina. In the meantime, Turks seek hajduk
Hajduk
Hajduk is a term most commonly referring to outlaws, highwaymen or freedom fighters in the Balkans, Central- and Eastern Europe....
Pera Tunguz, who on July 5, had attacked a caravan on the Bišini mountain. On July 9, the Turks start a conflict with the armed villagers of Jovan Gutić on the Gradac
Gradac
Gradac ; , is the southernmost touristic locality of the Makarska riviera in southern Dalmatia, Croatia, located between Makarska and Ploče. It is about 42 kilometers from Makarska, situated halfway between Split and Dubrovnik....
hill north of Krekova. This conflict would be known as Nevesinjska puška (Nevesinje gun) and marked the beginning of the uprising in all of Herzegovina. Firstly Nevesinje, Bileća
Bileca
Bileća is a town and municipality in the southeast of Bosnia and Herzegovina in the entity of Republika Srpska. It is in eastern Herzegovina near the border with Montenegro, north of Trebinje and south of Gacko...
and Stolac
Stolac
Stolac is a town and municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located in the southern part of Herzegovina. Administratively, it is part of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina....
are involved, then in August, Gacko
Gacko
Gacko is a town and municipality in southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Republika Srpska entity. It is situated in the Foča Region.-Geography:The town is in a short distance from Montenegro...
and the frontier towards Montenegro. Četa of 50-300 people and bands of 500-2000 people gather and attack Ottoman border posts and Bey
Bey
Bey is a title for chieftain, traditionally applied to the leaders of small tribal groups. Accoding to some sources, the word "Bey" is of Turkish language In historical accounts, many Turkish, other Turkic and Persian leaders are titled Bey, Beg, Bek, Bay, Baig or Beigh. They are all the same word...
towers.
The Ottomans had 4 battalions of regular army (nizami) with a total of 1800 soldiers, situated in Mostar
Mostar
Mostar is a city and municipality in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the largest and one of the most important cities in the Herzegovina region and the center of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton of the Federation. Mostar is situated on the Neretva river and is the fifth-largest city in the country...
, Trebinje
Trebinje
Trebinje is the southernmost municipality and town in Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is administratively part of the Republika Srpska entity and is located in southeastern Herzegovina, some from the Adriatic Sea....
, Nikšić
Nikšić
Nikšić is a city in Montenegro . In 2003 the city had a total population about 75,000.Nikšić is located in Nikšić plain, at the foot of Mount Trebjesa. It is the center of the municipality , which is the largest in Montenegro by area...
, Foča
Foca
Foča is a town and municipality in southeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Drina river, in the Foča Region of the Republika Srpska entity.-Early history:...
and the border posts, also a larger number of başıbozuk are present all over the province. The Ottoman troops are commanded by Selim-paša who in turn is under Derviš-paša, the commander of Bosnia Eyalet
Bosnia Eyalet
The Eyalet of Bosnia or Bosnia Beylerbeylik was a eyalet and beylerbeylik of the Ottoman Empire, mostly based on the territory of the present-day state of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as most of Slavonia, Lika, and Dalmatia in present-day Croatia...
. After the outbreak of the uprising, the Turks try to gain time by starting negotiations while reinforcements arrive. The rebels wanted lower taxes, which the Turks refused, and the fighting continues. In August, 4000 nizami arrive from Bosnia, and later 4 more battalions by sea through Klek
Klek
Klek may refer to:* Klek , a village in Serbia, in Zrenjanin municipality* Klek, Croatia, a village in southern Croatia* Klek mountain, Croatia* Klek, Bosnia and Herzegovina, a peninsula in Bosnia and Herzegovina...
in Trebinje. The rebels had by July and August destroyed the majority of border posts and besieged Trebinje in August 5. The Turks regained Trebinje by August 30. In the end of August, fights break out in Bosnia, and Serbia
Serbia
Serbia , officially the Republic of Serbia , is a landlocked country located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, covering the southern part of the Carpathian basin and the central part of the Balkans...
and Montenegro
Montenegro
Montenegro Montenegrin: Crna Gora Црна Гора , meaning "Black Mountain") is a country located in Southeastern Europe. It has a coast on the Adriatic Sea to the south-west and is bordered by Croatia to the west, Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the...
promise aid, sparking an intensification of the uprising.
Knez Nikola sends Petar Vukotić, while a large number of Montenegrin volunteers arrive at the command of Peko Pavlović. The Serbian government dare not to publicly assist because of international pressure, but secretly sends Mićo Ljubibratić (who took part in the 1852-1862 uprising) among others. There is a conflict between the rebels because of disagreement between the representatives of the Montenegrin and Serbian governments, causing failures in the ongoing uprising.
August 1876
According to Herr Fric, the Bosnian rebels were "extremely numerous, and in some cases well armed" and were divided among following troops and bands:- Risovac and Grmeč, in West Bosnia.
- The troops are under the leadership of well known Golub Babić, Marinković, Simo Davidović, Pope Karan, and Trifko Amelić. The Serb colonel Despotović holds the supreme leadership, he has formed 8 battalions out of the scattered bands.
- Vučjak, in East Bosnia.
- The bands are led by Marko Djenadija, Ostoja, Spasojević, Marko Bajalica, Igumen Hadzić, and Pope Stevo. The new camp of Brezovac, not far from Novi, is held by Ostoja Vojnovic. The former camp of Karađorđevići in Ćorkovac is held by Ilija Sević.
- Pastirevo and Kozara, in North Bosnia.
The aim of the bands was to prevent any greater concentration of Turkish troops on the Drina, on the western frontier of Serbia. As a systemically organized insurrection in Bosnia is of no possibility, the rebels pursue and drive back the Muslim population into their towns. The bands protect and help the exiles hiding in the woods; unarmed men, women, and children, to reach the frontier of Austria or Serbia through safe conduct.
The state of the common Christian people was serious, the number of fugitives exceeded 200,000 by January 1877.
1877
The rebels in South Bosnia had cleared the region of Turks, presently under the command of Despotović, between the Austrian frontier and the Turkish fortresses of Kulin Vakup, KljučKljuc
Ključ is a town and municipality by the same name in western Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is located in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, specifically the Una-Sana Canton. The name of the town and the municipality translates to "Key" in Bosnian....
, and Glamoč
Glamoc
Glamoč is a town and municipality of the same name in western Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is in Canton 10, in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina...
.
In August 1877, all Bosnian Muslims men from 15 to 70 were ordered to fight, although there was already 54 battalions, each with 400-700 men.
Aftermath
The unrest rapidly spread among the Christian populations of the other Ottoman provinces in the BalkansBalkans
The Balkans is a geopolitical and cultural region of southeastern Europe...
(notably the April Uprising
April Uprising
The April Uprising was an insurrection organised by the Bulgarians in the Ottoman Empire from April to May 1876, which indirectly resulted in the re-establishment of Bulgaria as an autonomous nation in 1878...
in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
) setting off what would becomne known as the Great Eastern Crisis. The atrocities of the Ottoman Empire in suppressing unrest in the Balkan provinces eventually led to the Russo-Turkish War of 1877-78, which ended in Turkish defeat, and the signing of the Treaty of San Stefano in March 1878, followed in July of the same year by the Treaty of Berlin, severely reducing Ottoman territories and power in Europe. The Congress of Berlin
Congress of Berlin
The Congress of Berlin was a meeting of the European Great Powers' and the Ottoman Empire's leading statesmen in Berlin in 1878. In the wake of the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78, the meeting's aim was to reorganize the countries of the Balkans...
decided that Bosnia and Herzegovina, while remaining nominally under Turkish sovereignty, would be governed by Austria–Hungary. Austria-Hungary was also given the right to occupy those provinces, but did not do so until 1908. That occupation enraged Serbian nationalists and was a catalyst for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand by the Bosnian Serb nationalist Gavrilo Princip
Gavrilo Princip
Gavrilo Princip was the Bosnian Serb who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his wife, Sophie, Duchess of Hohenberg, in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914...
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Sources
- Milorad Ekmecic, Ustanak u Bosni 1875-1878 [Bosnian Uprising 1875-1878], (Sarajevo, 1973).
- G Muir MacKenzie, Adelina P Irby, Travels in the Slavonic Provinces of Turkey-In-Europe (Vols. I and II)
- Arthur Evans, J. Sir., Sir Arthur J Evans, Illyrian Letters: A Revised Selection of Correspondence from the Illyrian Provinces of Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, Dalmatia, Croatia, and Slavonia, 1877, Google Book, ISBN 1602063397, 9781602063396
- Vojna Enciklopedija, Beograd, 1970., knjiga prva, strane 756 do 759.
- У организацији Одбора за његовање традиција ослободилачких ратова Владе Републике Српске: Обиљежена 134. годишњица Невесињске пушке (Serbian)