Member-only story

Omer Pasha Latas: Marshal to the Sultan, Hero of the Crimean War

Tom Hayes

·7.6k Followers· Follow

Published in Omer Pasha Latas: Marshal To The Sultan

5 min read

277 View Claps

38 Respond

Save

Listen

Omer Pasha Latas: Marshal to the Sultan

by Ivo Andric

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1270 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	304 pages

Omer Pasha Latas, also known as Michael Latas, was a Croatian-born Ottoman general and statesman who rose to prominence during the Crimean War. Born into a humble family in 1806, Latas embarked on a remarkable military career that spanned over four decades, earning him the title of Marshal to the Sultan and the respect of both his comrades and adversaries.

Early Life and Military Career

Michael Latas was born to a Croatian family in the village of Plaški, part of the Military Frontier of the Austrian Empire. At a young age, he joined the Austrian army and served in several campaigns against the Ottoman Turks. During the Serbian Revolution of 1804-1815, Latas fought against the Serbian rebels, earning recognition for his bravery and leadership skills.

In 1833, Latas deserted the Austrian army and fled to the Ottoman Empire. He converted to Islam and adopted the name Omer Pasha. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Ottoman military, impressing his superiors with his strategic thinking and tactical prowess.

The Crimean War

Latas's military career reached its zenith during the Crimean War (1853-1856). He commanded the Ottoman army during the Siege of Silistria in 1854, where he successfully defended the fortress against a much larger Russian force. His victory at Silistria earned him the nickname "Lion of the Danube." Latas also played a key role in the Battle of Eupatoria in 1855, where he defeated a Russian army under the command of Prince Alexander Menshikov.

Latas's victories in the Crimean War made him a national hero in the Ottoman Empire. He was awarded the Order of the Medjidie and promoted to the rank of Marshal. Latas's reputation as a skilled military commander extended beyond the Ottoman Empire. He was widely admired by European generals, including the British Lord Raglan and the French Marshal Claude Pelissier.

Later Career and Legacy

After the Crimean War, Latas continued to serve as a military commander and administrator. He was appointed Governor-General of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1857 and oversaw a period of reform and modernization in the province. Latas also played a role in the Ottoman-Montenegrin War of 1861-1862.

In 1864, Latas was appointed to the Ottoman Council of State. He died in Istanbul in 1871 at the age of 65. Omer Pasha Latas is remembered as one of the most prominent military figures in Ottoman history. His victories in the Crimean War and his contributions to the modernization of the Ottoman army cemented his place as a national hero. His legacy as a skilled commander and a loyal servant of the Ottoman Empire continues to inspire and fascinate to this day.

Omer Pasha Latas in Popular Culture

The life and career of Omer Pasha Latas have been the subject of numerous books, articles, and historical documentaries. He is often depicted as a heroic figure who dedicated his life to the defense of the Ottoman Empire. In 2013, a Turkish television series titled "Omer Pasha" was released, which chronicled Latas's rise from humble beginnings to becoming Marshal to the Sultan.

Omer Pasha Latas was an extraordinary military commander and statesman who played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the Ottoman Empire. His victories in the Crimean War and his contributions to the modernization of the Ottoman army earned him the respect and admiration of both his comrades and adversaries. Latas's legacy as a skilled commander and a loyal servant of the Ottoman Empire continues to inspire and fascinate to this day.

Omer Pasha Latas: Marshal to the Sultan

by Ivo Andric

4.3 out of 5