ABSTRACT

A traditional hatred of the Turks as well as the more modern force of nationalism ensured that a significant proportion of the masses and elites of the Balkan nationalities welcomed Russian interference and looked forward to the day when their champion would eventually liberate them. It is therefore of no great surprise that a recurring theme in the history of Russo-Turkish wars should be the formation and use of Balkan irregular units by the Russian army. Whilst the Russian authorities had made certain concessions regarding the use of Balkan irregulars in 1828, the failure of the campaign forced a major review of policy. Many Russian commanders welcomed this move, viewing the use of such irregulars as a solution to two important problems encountered that year. Firstly, to combat Turkish partisan operations in Bulgaria, which caused great damage to Russia's supply network and secondly, to augment the size of the Russian army.