Siege of Belgrade (1717)

In 1717, Prince Eugene of Savoy led Habsburg forces to capture Belgrade from the Ottoman Empire. Following the 1716 victory at Petrovaradin, Eugene besieged the city in mid-June. After defeating a large Ottoman relief army under Grand Vizier Halil Pasha, the city fell, ending 196 years of Ottoman rule.

Episodes

Background and detail

Strategic Context. The siege occurred during the Austro-Turkish War (1716–1718). After the Habsburg victory at the Battle of Petrovaradin in 1716, Prince Eugene of Savoy made the conquest of Belgrade his primary objective. Belgrade had been recaptured by the Ottomans in 1690 after being taken in 1688, making it a strategically important fortress.

The Siege and Relief. Eugene marched with approximately 70,000 men, reinforced to about 100,000 by Bavarian and volunteer troops. Imperial forces began besieging Belgrade in mid-June 1717. As the siege progressed, an Ottoman army of about 140,000 under Grand Vizier Halil Pasha approached to relieve the city. Eugene anticipated their plan and ordered a counterattack.

Capture and Aftermath. The Ottoman relief force was defeated after the capture of their 18-gun battery on the Badjina Heights, leading to a full retreat. Belgrade was subsequently transferred to Habsburg Austrian hands, ending 196 years of Ottoman rule. This victory solidified Eugene's legacy and contributed to the peace secured by the Treaty of Passarowitz in 1718.

People involved

Sources

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