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Battle of Yurchi

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Battle of Yurchi
Part of Basmachi movement
DateJanuary 30 1922
Location
Yurchi
Result
  • Basmachi forces captured Serasiya, Kabadiyan and Dehnau alongside Yurchi.
Belligerents
Basmachi movement Soviet Union
Commanders and leaders
Enver Pasha Unknown

On January 30, 1922, during the Basmachi movement in modern-day Uzbekistan, the Battle of Yurchi was fought. Yurchi and the neighboring towns of Serasiya, Kabadiyan, and Dehnau were taken by Basmachi forces under the leadership of Enver Pasha after they decisively defeated the Soviet Red Army.[1][2][3][4]

Enver Pasha's victory

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Following the recent victory in Dushanbe, Enver Pasha launched an offensive targeting the Uzbek fortress of Yurchi. Throughout the battle, Enver Pasha’s forces disrupted the Red Army's communication lines by raiding their camel-trains.[5] Between 28 January and 22 February, Enver Pasha's forces captured Serasiya, Yurchi, Kabadiyan, Dehnau.[6] 2 days after capture of dushanbe, Enver Pasha has sent a letter to Amanullah Khan;

"To His Majesty Amanullah Khan,

The President of Bukhara’s attempt to disarm enemy soldiers failed due to the intervention of Lakay Ibrahim in favor of

the Bolsheviks. The soldiers, caught between fire from the Lakays outside and the Bolsheviks inside, withdrew from Dushanbe. A sudden change in weather—with strong winds and heavy rain—caused panic among the troops who were left out in the open. In this dire situation, the units became separated from each other and dispersed in different directions. President Osman Bey and Commander Ali Rıza Bey were left alone. Therefore, they sought asylum in the Sublime State (Afghanistan).

After the Republican forces disbanded due to Ibrahim's hostility, he provided aid to the enemy by sending them provisions. The Commander of Darvaz joined us with his forces. Taking advantage of this, I escaped Ibrahim’s control and besieged the enemy; I blocked the supply route. Two days later, the Russians promised to evacuate Dushanbe; I demanded their weapons, but they refused to surrender them.

Two days ago, under cover of night, they evacuated Dushanbe. They are now retreating, fighting a rearguard battle between Yurchi and Baysun. Our mujahideen are pursuing them and inflicting casualties.

I have ordered the Chilligöl mujahideen to besiege the Kabadiyan garrison and cut off their supply lines. I hope it will be recaptured soon.The struggle of the people of Bukhara to liberate their country from the Bolsheviks requires the protection of the Afghan Sublime State. In this matter, I await the royal will to be issued. I respectfully submit that, if a power of attorney is obtained and sent on my behalf by Emir Alim to strengthen my influence among the people of Bukhara, we shall succeed.

With my highest regards,.[7]"

There is another letter saying;

"29 Jumada al-Awwal / 27 Jumada al-Thani 1340

(28 January / 25 February 1922)

On 28 January 1922, the recapture of Dushanbe was accomplished, and the Bolsheviks were expelled from the city. Although the recapture of Dushanbe had been delayed by about two months due to the treachery of Lakay Ibrahim, on the day of liberation, the city's population—including the Lakay tribespeople—celebrated in an atmosphere of great joy, regardless of tribal differences.

After the city was retaken, amid chants of "Long live Enver Pasha, live long!" from the Uzbeks, Enver Pasha and his entourage took up residence in the Government House. However, considering staying there a waste of time, he issued orders to resume the pursuit of the enemy.

On 29 January, they reached Serasiya, and on 30 January, Yurchi, where a temporary headquarters was established. In the meantime, the enemy had fled and taken refuge in Baysun, when news also arrived that Kabadiyan had been recaptured.[8]"

These successes increased Enver Pasha's popularity and recognition across Turkestan.[9][10] The Soviet authorities grew increasingly concerned about Enver Pasha's rising influence and military achievements.[11][12][13][14][15][16]

References

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  1. ^ Bulletin périodique de la presse russe France. Ministère de la guerre (1791–1936) p. 1
  2. ^ Enver Paşa'nın son savaşı - Aydın idil (Enver Pasha's last war) p.169
  3. ^ Enver Paşa Basmacılar isyanı (Enver Pasha and the basmachi movement) - İlyas Kara p. 128
  4. ^ Nabiyev Muhammadali - Science and Innovation International Scientific Journal - The Role of Anwar Pasha in history of turkestan p. 605
  5. ^ Maclean, Fitzroy (1958). A Person From England. London: Bloomsbury Reader. p. 345.
  6. ^ Enver Paşa'nın son savaşı (Enver Pasha's last war) - Aydın idil p. 169
  7. ^ Türk Tarih Kurumu, Enver Paşa Arşivi, B. 1098
  8. ^ Bademci, Ali (2019). Türkistan'da Enver Paşa [Enver Pasha in Turkestan] (in Turkish). Kamer Yayinlari. ISBN 9786056970054.
  9. ^ Wheeler, Geoffrey. "Central Asian Review". Central Asian Review. 7: 244 – via Pahar.
  10. ^ Wheeler, Geoffrey. "Central Asian Review". Central Asian Review. 4: 175 – via Pahar. preference of Indian Muslims the question arose as to who was in fact to command the Indian army once India had won her independence, the almost unanimous answer was heard: Of course, 'Enver Pasha!'.
  11. ^ Yilmaz, Şuhnaz. "An Ottoman warrior abroad: Enver Paşa as an expatriate". Middle Eastern Studies. 35 (4): 58. JSTOR 4284049.
  12. ^ Maclean, Fitzroy (1958). A Person From England. London: Bloomsbury Reader. p. 346. ISBN 978-1448205240. {{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
  13. ^ Aymen de Lageard, Helene (13 September 2007). "The revolt of the basmachi according to red army journals (1920–1922)". Central Asian Survey. 6 (3): 8. doi:10.1080/02634938708400590 – via Taylor & Francis Online.
  14. ^ "Bulletin quotidien de presse étrangère". Gallicia. July 1, 1922.
  15. ^ Gustav, Krist (1939). Alone Through The Forbidden Land. p. 187.
  16. ^ Bey, Muhiddin (November 14, 2011). Bekirağa Bölüğünden Türkistan'a Enver Paşanın Yaveri [From the Bekirağa Division to Turkestan, Enver Pasha’s Aide-de-camp.] (in Turkish). Translated by Gedikli, Yusuf. Paraf Yayınları. p. 21. ISBN 9786055539764.
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