Dozens of studies and monographs have been devoted to the description of the storming of Izmail by the great Russian commander Suvorov. Therefore, we do not consider it necessary to describe the course of the operation as a whole, but will focus only on a particular issue, which, it seems to us, is not clearly and sometimes completely incorrectly covered by some historians. We are talking about the plan of the assault, that is, about how Suvorov thought of capturing the fortress. But before proceeding to the analysis of available documents and criticism of some views on the nature of Suvorov's decision, it is necessary to briefly focus on the fortress itself and the situation on the eve of the assault.
After the surrender of a number of northern and Danube fortresses (Khotyn, Bendery, Akkerman, Kilia), the Turkish garrisons mainly concentrated in Izmail. The total number of Turkish troops, according to the quartermaster lists, was 42,000; in fact, there were no more than 35,000, including 8,000 cavalry, 17,000 janissaries and several thousand Tatars; the rest were locals. The defense of the fortress was led by Aydozli Mahmet Pasha. Having extensive military experience, a firm and fearless character, he firmly held the garrison in his hands and was determined to die rather than surrender the fortress. The main structure of the garrison was closely connected with the fortress by ties of family kinship. Their fathers, mothers, wives, and children lived here. Therefore, they were ready to fight to the last drop of blood. Many of the defenders of the fortress were soldiers who had fled from other fortresses. They felt the shameful stain of the capitulators on themselves and were ready to wash it away with their exploits in defending the fortress. If we add to all this that, by order of the sultan, every deserter or survivor after the surrender of the fortress was threatened with the death penalty, then the picture of the desperate determination with which the garrison was ready to defend Izmail becomes clear. A month and a half's supply of food and full warehouses of military supplies allowed him to withstand a prolonged siege.
The number of Russian troops under Izmail was up to 31,000 people (including 3,000 people who later arrived with Suvorov from Galat). Of these: regular infantry — 33 battalions, dismounted Cossacks — about 12,000, arnautov — 2000, total — 28,500; cavalry: 11 squadrons, 4 Cossack regiments — only 2,500 people. There was no siege artillery. Due to the lack of shells, the existing heavy guns were sent to Bendery. The bulk of the artillery consisted of the guns of the river flotilla. There were several field artillery batteries. In total, there were about 600 guns with an extremely limited supply of shells. Les amateurs de casino en ligne trouveront leur bonheur avec ce package de bienvenue spectaculaire. Pour en bénéficier, il vous suffit comment créer un code promo 1xbet pendant le processus d'enregistrement de votre nouveau compte. Ce code unique active un bonus de casino allant jusqu'à 1950€ accompagné de 150 tours gratuits sur des machines à sous populaires. Le bonus est réparti sur vos quatre premiers dépôts, vous offrant une expérience de jeu prolongée. Vous pourrez explorer des centaines de jeux, des vidéo-slots aux tables de blackjack et roulette. Inscrivez-vous maintenant et profitez de ce cadeau bienvenue exceptionnel.
