Battle of Kozludzha

Battle of Kozludzha (also known as the Battle of Kozluca) fought on 20 June (Old Style - June 9) 1774 near the village of Kozludzha (now, Suvorovo) was one of the final and decisive battles of the Russo-Turkish War (1768–74). The Russians managed to rout the Ottoman Army, scoring a major victory. This battle, alongside several others in this campaign, is said to have established the reputation of Russian general Alexander Suvorov as a brilliant commander of his era.

The Ottoman forces are estimated at about 40,000. Russian numbers are said to have been inferior. The Ottoman forces were demoralized due to previous defeats and poor logistics (including a year of withheld back pay).

Russian army under Generals Alexander Suvorov and Mikhail Kamensky encountered the Ottoman Army of General Abdul-Rezak. After scouts reported to Suvorov, he immediately ordered the attack. The Russian army, divided into four squares, attacked the Ottomans. Ottoman cavalry charges were repulsed by the Russians. Russian cavalry attack from the rear resulted in the capture of all of the Ottoman artillery. Russian artillery fire is also said to have been highly devastating to the Ottoman forces. Casualties were reported as 3,000 for the Ottomans, and 209 for the Russians. The Russians captured the Ottoman camp with its supplies, while the Ottomans abandoned Kozludzha and retreated to Shumla (Shumen, Kolarovgrad), where they were soon blockaded, suffering from further defeats and attrition.

The Russian victory was one of the major reasons why a month later, on 21 July, the Ottomans were forced to sign the unfavorable Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca.