6. Elias Caneti has lived in Rouse until 1911 - in his Memoirs "The saved language", he described with love his native town where he spent the carefree of his childhood. (See part One of the Memoirs)

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Even today, when events of a military history of Russia at all are not property of the general popularity, many, perhaps, will recollect that when that in XIX century Bulgaria was a subject clearing of a turkish yoke. However that Romania and Moldova the trihedral Russian bayonet has brought freedom one half-centuries before, remember very much the few even in these countries. No less than what two other Balkan countries - Greece and Serbia to impressing victories of the Russian weapon and hardness of Russian diplomacy are much obliged by the independence. It happened in 1828-29, in reign of emperor Nikolay I, when Russian armies for the first time have stepped over Danube to bring clearing to the orthodox peoples subordinated to Ottoman empire.
In foreign policy of Russian empire of the Nikolaev period excessive value had blind following to principles alien to national and majestic interests of Russia of the Sacred union of emperors, " the disinterested knight " which Nikolay was by virtue of the sincere errors. In these conditions russian-turkish war of 1828-29 is not only happy exception, but also, perhaps, the largest foreign policy success of the Nikolaev Russia.
Ottoman empire was in the beginning of XIX century that two centuries ago when, Europe trembled before a uncontrollable impact of Turks - osmanli turks. Shaken with struggle of court groupings for a throne, experiencing one financial crisis behind another, it weakened every year and gradually let go reins of government it Christian peoples. From the beginning of a century the Balkans blazed infinite antiturkish performances (statements.) After two revolts Serbia has actually dropped out from under control of the Osmanly "Porta". In 1821 the national-liberation revolt of Greek people caused wide public support across all Europe has flashed. For the benefit of the Greek insurgents and the peace population aristocrats endowed the whole conditions, poor - last pennies: courageous "roobels" equally admired both in palaces, and in hovels! Thousand European volunteers "filelinisties" (including. Hundreds Russians, including supervised one time military forces of revolt of young general A.Ipsilanti) have joined groups Greek patriots. However Osmanli Turkey perfectly understood, that loss of Greece becomes for it the beginning of the end of sovereignty on the Balkans. Turkish armies and hordes (bandits from the local Muslim population) heated freedom of Greece in blood so, what even official Europe has shuddered before their atrocities. In 1827 when the Greek insurgents were already on a step from final defeat (turkish armies have seized Athenes and the main forces Insurgents in Thessaly finished), to prevent a monstrous genocide of Greek people in case of a victory the Turk, the governments of Russia, England and France have developed the joint foreign policy action (share) which can be named unique worthy business of the Sacred union. The incorporated squadron (in structure of which was 4 Russian Linkorn - ships and 4 frigates of the Baltic fleet under a command (team) of admiral Gejdena) blocked in Navarin to a bay the turkish fleet directed from Egypt to Greece with the African and Asian armies onboard to not admit (allow) of landing of troops. Simultaneously the coalition of the European powers has demanded from Othoman's porta of the immediate termination (discontinuance) of retaliatory operations in Greece and the beginnings of negotiations with the insurgenties. By the way, it would be interesting to note, that it was the first in a history of Russia participation in the international peace-making military action .

However the government has staked on force - and force has been resulted by Europe in humility. 8 October1827 the European fleet attacked and after furious battle has completely destroyed turkish fleet in Navarin bay - Egyptian mamelyuks and Anatolians have gone down, and not having tried blood of Greece... The Small Russian squadron has brought in deciding (solving) contribution to a victory. According to the French admiral Derenie , Russian seamen " under fire operated with the clearness seemen possible (probable) only on doctrines, we have exterminated the enemy more, than (Frenchman - m. К.) both British separately, and it is equally greater have sufferred a loss ". The success of the action was full - Greece has been rescued.
The weakening Turkey at that time was included into sphere of influence of the Great Britain and France more and more. From their side the action (share) in Navarin had more likely demonstrative character - force of anger of the European patrons was shown Turks in case of their disobedience. Sultan Mahmud IV, rather far-sighted politics, has managed to understand it and has swallowed bitter Navarin a pill, not complicating the attitude (relation) with London and Paris further. However the role of Russia connected to Greeks by relationship of belief and culture, was other: it took the first step to clearing Christian citizens of osmanli empire of an overseas yoke. And in Istanbul perfectly gave itself in it the report, therefore weakened by war on the Balkans Turkey all the same was solved by the beginning of full-scale operations against Russia. The sultan, according to osmanli tradition of authority being as well the spiritual head) of the citizens - caliph - has solemnly declared in Istanbul jihad " Russian gyuvures " and at huge confluence of Muslim clergy and court has broken off a copy of the Turkish-Russian contract of two-year-old prescription.
In spite of the fact that the army of the Russian empire which has been brought up on traditions of victories of 1812-1814, strong the excellent ordinary and excellent (different) officers (actually everyone the second in front parts was the veteran of napoleonic wars - and it about much spoke!), By the right was considered as the strongest in Europe, Turkey at all was not the insignificant opponent. On change to recently dispersed case yanichers in Turkey in the beginning of XIX century there were the created active armed forces trained in military instructors hired in Europe - too participants of wars of Napoleon.The home guard from all Ottoman empire from Egypt up to Kurdistan put under green banners of an islam of tens thousand born soldiers, undisciplined, but strong ruthlessness and religionism. The general (common) armed forces of Turkey. Which could be developed (unwrapped) in 1828 against Russia, reached 190000 fighters on two theatres of operations - Danube and Caucasian. Having concentrated in the spring of 1828. On territories of Moldova and Walachia (Romania), the main forces of osmanli army carried out (spent) " blitz " of the future theatre of operations, severely suppressing performance (statement) of local orthodox citizens Promouthes - Moldavians and Walachs (Romanian) still remembering about the (let and vassal Turkey) statehood and consequently Russian armies which have cheered up pending. To Russia they traditionally addressed in the thoughts about long-awaited freedom, to Russia they appealed about clearing. The unity of orthodox belief was supplemented with the general (common) legends of military glory: in XVIII century Moldavian Dimitrius Kandemir with the army has supported Peter the Great during time of a Prut campaign against Turkey, unfortunately, the desired clearing which has not brought to the Danube princedoms … " Light comes to us from the east, from Russia ", - confessors of Moldova and Walachia in the sermons before flock spoke those years. It is no wonder, that the Sultan armies behaved with brutality on these Christian grounds in the spring of 1828 how if there the revolt equal on force Greek already blazed.
The basic geopolitic purpose of Russia in this war had been proclaimed restoration of independence of the Danube princedoms - Moldova and Walachia - under the Russian protection. For this purpose it was planned by forces of 4 army cases of the Russian army to lead (carry out) large-scale approach beyond Danube, to pass for the Balkan ridge (It is Old planina = mountaine), to seize Adrianople (this ancient city not without reason named a key from the Istanbul gate "), and therefrom to dictate to the Porta favourable conditions of the world. About clearing of Bulgaro-Macedonia, Bosnia and full replacement of Turkey from the Balkans speeches did not go even in the most courageous plans, and at all because such variant was impracticable from the military point of view - forces would suffice! Being guided by principles of the Sacred union, Nikolay I did not wish to go on any resolute foreign policy actions without the coordination with the monarches from Europe. And they gave OK only to an autonomy of the Danube princedoms, and the turkish sultan was considered (examined) as younger, but quite lawful member of the Monarshist's "shops" - it was awkward I reign to Nikolay too to offend "colleague" … And it is a pity!
For the beginning operations on Danube in Russian Bessarabia have been concentrated 7 infantry and 3 division of Russian army - all up to 100000 active bayonets and sabres at 396 instruments. The commander-in-chief field marshal Vitgenstein, in 1812 covering a direction the deserved veteran of Napoleonic wars has been appointed to Petersburg, - the person not marked by special military talents, but fair old veteran and, that refers to, father the subordinate. On April, 26, 1828 began clearing the Danube princedoms. Crossing Prut, Russian VI-th the case a prompt march has passed all Walachia and already on April, 30 has entered Bucharest met by a solemn peal and exulting crowds of the townspeople, led by clergy and met liberators bread - salt (in Russia and Bulgaria) and old wine (in a local way). By the evening in the case, on memoirs of the participant of events, remained even any sober hour: " There was nothing to be afraid, for in all city should one alive though dead and came across frequently. " Ardent Romanians have destroyed turkish garrison, not having waited introductions of Russian armies. Moldova and Walachia basically have been released (exempted) all for two weeks, and everywhere promotion of the armies reminded a triumphal march under ringing of the bells of churches and salutatory cliques of people. Resistance of the enemy almost were not. The local population has been so inspired with close clearing that rose on revolt is almost universal (almost without exception), and even turkish (these desperate bandits) understood what to battle to the double opponent senselessly - and ran on a southwest, to Dobrudja and Bulgaria. The first real battle has been given by Turks VII-th to the case in area strong to DOBRUDJA fortress Braila which persistently resisted from the middle of May on June, 7, however finally capitulated with 8000 captured and 273 instruments. On May, 27 Russian armies forced Danube on eyes of the Sovereign, the person of the militarian on spirit and the education, wished to be in a time of war with the army. To the beginning of summer Dobrudja has been seized also.
However on it the period of easy victories and triumphal marches for Russian army has ended. Bulgaria in which Turks managed already more than 450 years ahead laid, having created powerful enclaves of the Muslim population and having suppressed will of Christians to struggle. With approach (approximation) of Russian armies mountains became more active «The hayduks" (the Bulgarian robbers of patriotic sense), a lot of the Bulgarian youth has joined numbers (lines) of accessories of Russian army (scouts, horsies, etc.) - But also only. Scale revolt in Bulgaria did not happen: the turkish government has rather successfully inspired local population an idea, that clearing " does not threaten " it (him) even in case of a victory Russian and consequently and to try there is nothing! Turkish defense in Bulgaria, amplified (strengthened) due to receding parts chosen from the Danube princedoms, leaned (based) on three strongly point - the seaside city of Varna, Silistra on the Bottom Danube and Shumla (Shumen) on right flank of Russian approach. The Russian armies weakened due to numerous garrisons, left on the released (exempted) grounds, have failed straight off to seize any of these strong points and have been compelled to proceed (pass) to wearisome for both parties to obsidional actions. However Turks nevertheless were closer to bases of the supply and, besides it, actively used impudent strikes of horse guerrilla groups «Bashibozuks" for constant anxiety of Russian armies and difficulty it of supplies. Position of the field army has seriously worsened after in July in parts epidemics of a typhus and a fever have flashed numbers (lines) of Russian soldiers even it is more severe, than turkish bullets. Arrived in August on theatre of operations Guards and additional infantry cases, no less than generated under the direction of Russian officers Moldavian and Walachian military units (a prototype of the future Romanian army), positions have not changed. Turkish garrisons continued to defend, even more often undertaking deep sorties, and field armies of the opponent reflected all attempts Russian to promote deep into Bulgaria. Commander Vitgenstein seriously considered (examined) prospect of removal from all three items (points) and deviation in friendly Danube princedoms, however sovereign Nikolay who is taking place at the Guards case in Varna, has not allowed to make it. Nikolay, only three years back occupied throne, has shown all strong and fine parties (sides) of the character within this war. Firm as steel, young Sovereign not only transferred all burdens of a camp life level with simple linear officers, but also has managed radically to stop all defeatist moods of the maximum (supreme) command. " Times taken to the enemy to not give! " - he has disposed in authoritative style inherent in him, and battles around Varna, Silistra and Шумлы proceeded also in the autumn.
Fruits of hardness of sovereign became capitulation on September, 29 Varna blocked from a land by Russian armies, and from the sea - the Black Sea fleet (by the way, landed by him near Varna the landing in structure of 6200 fighters with 20 instruments began one of three largest landing operations in a military history of Russia of the pre-revolutionary period). In Varna it has been taken in a captivity 6900 soljers. (no more than half from initial number of turkish garrison - the others or were lost in fights and from illnesses, or have filtered to the through Russian fighting orders) and 140 instruments. This success has been solved to finish long and heavy campaign of 1828. In October exhausted it is not so much fights, how many illnesses, deprivations and guerrilla accidently Russian armies have been compelled to remove Silistra and Shumla and to recede to Danube.

Despite of a unfavourable result of the beginning of war, Sovereign was firm in the intention to finish war. " We should dictate, instead of offer the sultan the world ", - he has declared chancellor K.V.Nesselrode recommending to him " to finish the world unfortunate campaign " is the unique case when Nikolay has not heeded advice (council) of the main adviser in affairs of foreign policy - and thank God was hardly probable not!
Despite of obvious complexities, Russian army has wintered on the friendly grounds of Moldova, Walachia and Dobrudja rather safely. The local population everywhere offered our soldiers sincere hospitality. With the help of Bulgarian "avocates" (patriot - guerrilla) active campaign on gathering the information on forces and plans of resisting turkish armies has been lead (has been carried out). New, more vigorous and flexible commander-in-chief, general Dibich has been appointed to change not responding hopes to field marshal Vitgenstein. In view of reinforcements in Russian field army to the beginning of spring campaign of 1829-th ,95000 bayonets and sabres were totaled at 364 field instruments. Moldavian and Walachian armies acted in a campaign together with Russians, totaled up to 15000 . In view of lessons of the previous campaign the powerful park of obsidional artillery - 88 trunks has been created.
Spring campaign of 1829 was open by the Black Sea fleet which has landed at the Bulgarian coast a landing, with the help of Bulgarian "avocates" seized with seaport Sozopol where the base for Russian armies and equipment in flank to turkish armies has been arranged. On May, 7, again crossing Danube, the main forces of Russian army have again besieged (halted) Silistra and have begun intensive bombardment of city. Attempt of the main field forces of the turkish army headed personally great Vesir (the state chancellor of Ottoman empire, proxy and on military affairs) to deblock this strategic fortress has led to battle at Kyulevcha on May, 30, 1829 which is possible by right to name decisive battle of this war. 29000 Russian and 7000 Moldavians and Walachs under a command (team) a gene.Dibich have put in it deciding (solving) defeat 40000 Turk. About bitterness of fight can speak even that among victims there were 2 Russian generals, one of which was lost in hand-to-hand fight, and the loss of the allies has exceeded 25 %. However turkish armies have been completely crushed with loss up to 5000 , only killed; Vezir has hasty receded in Shumen and it was covered there, more not undertaking active actions up to the end of war. Destroyed by heavy artillery Russian and exhausted (settled) all opportunities to resistance Silistra on June, 19 has surrendered. The way for the Balkan ridge was open.
On June, 2 began a triumphal campaign of Russian armies for mountain circuits column of the OLD Mauntaine, brought to them new glory, and to the commander-in-chief to general Dibich a honourable title. The main forces the Turk have been crushed. The glory of winners flied far ahead of Russian avant guardes, and the demoralized opponent receded without serious resistance. Bulgaria was practically all in Russian hands, and the local population started to trust, that hour of clearing at last has punched … on August, 7 Russian armies, having broken and having disseminated in parts last forces of the sultan, stood under walls of the trembling Adrianople. Next day the city has opened to winners a gate. The key from a gate of Istanbul has fallen in overworked and mighty hands of Russian soldiers, younger brothers and successors awful Port miracles - bogatyrs. Have simultaneously ended with impressing victory of the Russian weapon and operations on the Caucasian theatre which we have dared to leave intentionally outside present article. Turkey has lost for war irrevocably. The sultan begged about the world. It seemed, a little more, and freedom of all Christian citizens of Ottoman empire will cease to be for them unrealizable dream …
In these conditions adherence to principles of the Sacred union rendered Nikolay I nasty service, having covered before them the broadest prospects of slavic unity and an orthodox unification narrow - mystical reasons to solidarity. During war emperor was firm - and has rescued for Russia a military victory. Upon termination of operations he appeared is insufficiently flexible - and has failed to take advantage of its fruits. On conditions made on September, 2, 1829-th in Adrianople the world Greece received independence, Moldova, Walachia and Serbia - a wide autonomy and full self-management within the framework of Ottoman empire. All premilitary plans have been realized in frameworks " resolved (allowed) " by the Sacred union. About destinies of Bulgaria already released by Russian armies, in paragraphs of the peace treaty should words.
In October, 1829 the armies " completely evacuated ", as spoke then (that is have left on an arbitrariness osmanli ), unfortunate Bulgaria. Its people, hardly having tasted freedom, again has plunged into a gloom of osmanli sovereignty - and this gloom has seemed to it (him) even more gloomily. After russian armies, rescueing the most expensive (dear), that at them was - the families, children - ran tens thousand Bulgarians which for cooperation with the Russians ostensibly liberators " expected rough handlings and gloomy turkish "jails". Command of emperor Nikolay Bulgarians it was authorized to lodge in Bessarabia and in Malorussia where the climate and the nature should remind them of the lost native land. Contemporaries recollect, that Moldavians and Walachs so consoled Bulgarian-exiles when those sad caravans lasted through them the states: " anything! " Remembers the word, it ( Russia) to you still will return! It too has not from the first released us … "The liberation has come to them almost in 50 years …