Battle of Polog
Battle of Polog | |||||||
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Part of Albanian–Ottoman Wars (1432–1479) | |||||||
16th century engraving by Jost Amman | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
League of Lezhë | Ottoman Empire | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Skanderbeg | Ibrahim Pasha † | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
Unknown | 14,000 | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
300[1] | 3,000-10,000 men killed |
The Battle of Polog was the result of an
Background
Skanderbeg lost Svetigrad in 1448 after a
Prelude
In the spring of 1453, Skanderbeg moved into Macedonia. During the night, Skanderbeg's army marched through a severe storm, hoping to surprise the Turks.[3] Near Tetovo Skanderbeg's force met an opposing Ottoman force of 14,000 men led by Ibrahim Pasha, one of Skanderbeg's old friends during his service in the Ottoman army. Skanderbeg ordered the march to halt and made plans to retreat into the Mokra valley, hoping to entice his opponent into a trap. But Ibrahim did not follow and instead bivouacked on the field of Polog. This maneuver blocked further incursions into Macedonia.[2]
In the Albanian camp, battleplans were being made while the Turkish camp remained quiet.
Battle
Skanderbeg's doubts soon faded and he made plans for an attack on his enemy's camp. On 22 April, despite the storms, Skanderbeg launched a swift cavalry attack which broke into the enemy camp causing disorder and chaos. Skanderbeg confronted Ibrahim and challenged him to a personal duel. Skanderbeg came out victorious and beheaded his opponent. His head was placed on a pike in a manner similar to Władysław III of Poland's execution and upon being informed, the Turkish troops quickly fled.[4]
Aftermath
According to Marin Barleti, the Ottomans lost 10,000 men, while the Albanians lost 300.[5] According to Francione, the Turks left behind 3,000 dead. Skanderbeg's army continued fighting before returning to Debar.[4][3] The same year, the Byzantine Empire fell after the fall of Constantinople.
Notes
References
- Francione, Gennaro (2006) [2003]. Aliaj, Donika (ed.). Skënderbeu, një hero modern : (Hero multimedial) [Skanderbeg, a modern hero (Hero multimedia)] (in Albanian). Translated by Tasim Aliaj. ISBN 99927-38-75-8.
- Franco, Demetrio. Comentario de le cose de' Turchi, et del S. Georgio Scanderbeg, principe d' Epyr. Venice: Altobello Salkato, 1480.