Alexander Ypsilantis: Architect of Hellenic Uprising
A detailed exploration of the life and legacy of the revolutionary prince who ignited the Greek War of Independence.
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Alexander Ypsilantis: A Revolutionary Prince
Noble Origins and Revolutionary Zeal
Alexandros Ypsilantis (1792โ1828) was a scion of the prominent Phanariot Greek Ypsilantis family, deeply entrenched in the administration of the Ottoman Empire. Born in Constantinople, he was destined for a life of influence, yet his path led him to become a pivotal figure in the burgeoning Greek nationalist movement. His early life was marked by a rigorous education and exposure to the political currents of the era, setting the stage for his future leadership roles.
Military Prowess and Russian Service
Ypsilantis embarked on a distinguished military career within the Imperial Russian Army. Rising through the ranks during the Napoleonic Wars, he demonstrated considerable bravery, participating in significant engagements such as the battles of Klyastitsy and Polotsk. His service culminated in a severe injury at the Battle of Dresden, where he lost an arm, leading to his promotion to Major General and appointment as aide-de-camp to Tsar Alexander I. This period solidified his military reputation and provided him with valuable experience and connections.
Leadership of the Filiki Etaireia
In 1820, Ypsilantis assumed the leadership of the Filiki Etaireia, a clandestine organization dedicated to liberating Greece from Ottoman rule. He meticulously crafted a plan for a coordinated uprising across various regions, aiming to leverage political and military support. His vision encompassed simultaneous revolts in the Danubian Principalities, the Balkans, and Greece itself, with the ultimate goal of Russian intervention on behalf of the Orthodox Christian Greeks.
Formative Years and Family Legacy
Constantinople Roots
Born on December 12, 1792, in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), Alexandros Ypsilantis hailed from a family with deep roots in the Pontic Greek community of Trabzon. His father, Constantine Ypsilantis, and grandfather, Alexander Ypsilantis (1725โ1805), were influential figures in the Ottoman administration, having served as dragomans and hospodars of the Danubian Principalities. This distinguished lineage provided Alexandros with a privileged upbringing and a comprehensive education, making him fluent in multiple languages, including Greek, Russian, French, and German.
Family Ties and Patronage
The Ypsilantis family's connections extended to the highest levels of Russian society. His mother, Elisabeta Vฤcฤrescu, was from a notable Wallachian family. At the age of 15, Alexandros gained the patronage of Empress Maria Feodorovna, a testament to his family's standing and his own promising demeanor. These early connections and his family's legacy undoubtedly influenced his later trajectory as a leader.
Military Service and Rank
Commission and Early Career
Ypsilantis entered military service in the prestigious Chevalier Guard Regiment of the Imperial Russian Army in 1808 as a cornet. His career advanced rapidly; he was promoted to lieutenant in 1810 and Stabs-Rittmeister later that year. His early service demonstrated dedication and competence, laying the groundwork for his subsequent rise.
Napoleonic Campaigns
During the Napoleonic Wars, Ypsilantis saw significant action. He fought in crucial battles during the French invasion of Russia, including Klyastitsy and the First Battle of Polotsk. His participation continued into the War of the Sixth Coalition, where he fought at the Battle of Bautzen. It was at the Battle of Dresden that he sustained a severe injury, losing his right arm to a shell fragment, which effectively ended his active combat career.
Aide-de-Camp and Major General
Despite his injury, Ypsilantis's distinguished service earned him the Tsar's favor. He was promoted to full colonel and later appointed aide-de-camp to Tsar Alexander I in 1816. By late 1817, at the young age of 25, he achieved the rank of Major General and commanded the 1st Brigade of Hussars in the 1st Hussar Division, showcasing his rapid ascent within the Russian military hierarchy.
Strategic Preparations for Revolution
Election to Filiki Etaireia Leadership
Following the refusal of Count Ioannis Kapodistrias to lead the Filiki Etaireia, the mantle of leadership was passed to Ypsilantis in 1820. He embraced this role with fervor, recognizing the potential for a coordinated uprising against Ottoman oppression.
The Grand Plan for Independence
Ypsilantis developed a comprehensive strategy for the Greek War of Independence. Key elements of his plan included:
- Encouraging simultaneous revolts among the Serbs and Montenegrins.
- Instigating an uprising in Wallachia, drawing support from Serbian veterans.
- Disrupting Ottoman naval power by targeting the fleet in Constantinople.
- Launching the main Greek revolt in the Peloponnese upon his arrival.
He issued a declaration in October 1820, signaling his intent to commence the revolt, and optimistically anticipated Russian support, believing the shared Orthodox faith would compel Tsar Alexander I to intervene.
The Wallachian Campaign and its Aftermath
Crossing the Pruth and Initial Proclamation
Faced with leaked information about the Filiki Eteria, Ypsilantis expedited his plans. On February 22, 1821, he crossed the Pruth River into the Danubian Principalities, accompanied by fellow Russian officers. Two days later, at Iaศi, he issued a proclamation, falsely claiming the support of a "great power" (Russia) to bolster morale and encourage enlistment. This move was strategically calculated to provoke Ottoman military action, which he hoped would trigger Russian intervention.
Russian Disavowal and Ottoman Response
Tsar Alexander I, bound by the Holy Alliance, swiftly distanced himself from Ypsilantis's actions. Count Kapodistrias denounced Ypsilantis, stripped him of his rank, and ordered him to lay down arms. This disavowal emboldened the Ottoman Empire, which began assembling troops to suppress the rebellion. The lack of decisive Russian support and internal divisions, particularly with the Wallachian leader Tudor Vladimirescu, significantly hampered Ypsilantis's efforts.
Internal Conflict and Military Defeat
Tensions escalated within Ypsilantis's camp. The mistrust between Ypsilantis and Vladimirescu, coupled with Romanian resentment towards Greek influence, led to conflict. Vladimirescu was eventually executed by a pro-Greek faction. Meanwhile, Ypsilantis, facing financial shortages and plundering by his own troops, retreated rather than confronting the advancing Ottoman forces directly. The campaign culminated in the disastrous Battle of Dragashani on June 7, 1821, where the elite Sacred Band was routed by the Ottoman cavalry due to poor tactical decisions and lack of discipline.
Seeking Asylum and Captivity
Flight to Austrian Territory
Following the defeat at Dragashani, Ypsilantis and his remaining followers fled north towards the Austrian border. Fearing surrender to the Ottomans, he negotiated with Austrian authorities for passage, falsely announcing Austria's declaration of war on Turkey to bolster his position. However, the conservative policies of the Holy Alliance, enforced by Emperor Francis I and Metternich, meant that Austria refused asylum to leaders of revolutionary movements.
Seven Years of Imprisonment
Ypsilantis was taken into custody and held in confinement for seven years, primarily in Terezรญn (Theresienstadt) from 1823 to 1827. His imprisonment reflected the broader crackdown on liberal and nationalist movements across Europe following the Napoleonic era. He was eventually released due to the insistence of the newly enthroned Tsar Nicholas I of Russia.
Final Years and Enduring Legacy
Death in Vienna
Upon his release, Ypsilantis retired to Vienna, where he lived in poverty and ill health. He died on January 29, 1828, at the age of 35. His final wish was for his heart to be sent to Greece, a poignant symbol of his unwavering commitment to the cause of Greek independence. This wish was fulfilled, and his heart is now preserved in Athens.
Possible Medical Condition
Historical accounts and likenesses of Ypsilantis suggest he may have suffered from dystrophia myotonica, a congenital disorder affecting multiple bodily systems. This condition could have potentially influenced his physical capabilities and perhaps contributed to his later health struggles.
Reburial and Commemoration
Ypsilantis's remains underwent several transfers. Initially buried in Vienna, they were later moved to Austria and finally, in August 1964, relocated to the Taxiarches Church in Pedion tou Areos, Athens, Greece, over 130 years after his death. His final resting place in the Greek capital serves as a lasting tribute to his role in the nation's struggle for freedom.
Cultural Resonance and Artistic Depictions
Literary Mentions
The dramatic events of Ypsilantis's life and the Greek Revolution left a mark on literature. He is referenced in the works of the renowned Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. In Pushkin's short story "The Shot," the hero Silvio dies fighting under Ypsilantis's command. Ypsilantis and his ill-fated campaign are also mentioned in Pushkin's story "Kirdjali," reflecting the broader European fascination with the Greek struggle for independence.
Artistic Representations
While direct visual representations of Ypsilantis during his lifetime are limited, his image and the events he participated in have been captured in historical paintings and artifacts. The portrait by Dionysios Tsokos, showing Ypsilantis in Sacred Band attire, and playing cards from 1829 depicting revolutionary heroes, including Ypsilantis, serve as visual testaments to his historical significance.
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