🚨🇷🇺🔥 On July 29, 1696, Peter the Great captured Azov, shattering Ottoman influence in the region and securing Russia's access to the sea.
A story of how one fortress transformed Russia into a maritime power:🧵
A story of how one fortress transformed Russia into a maritime power:🧵
ACCESS TO SEAS🌊
In the late 17th century, Russia fought the Ottoman Empire to seize the fortress that blocked its way to the Azov and Black Seas.
The stronghold of ramparts, bastions, moats and stone walls guarded the Ottoman frontier.
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In the late 17th century, Russia fought the Ottoman Empire to seize the fortress that blocked its way to the Azov and Black Seas.
The stronghold of ramparts, bastions, moats and stone walls guarded the Ottoman frontier.
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FIRST AZOV CAMPAIGN⚔️
Russia's First Azov Campaign took place from spring to autumn 1695.
Noble cavalry and Cossacks were sent to Azov.
In June and July, Russian forces approached and besieged the fortress from land. But after two failed assaults, the siege was lifted.
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Russia's First Azov Campaign took place from spring to autumn 1695.
Noble cavalry and Cossacks were sent to Azov.
In June and July, Russian forces approached and besieged the fortress from land. But after two failed assaults, the siege was lifted.
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THE MISSING LINK TO VICTORY💡
How to take the impregnable fortress? Peter the Great knew: build a navy.
Before the Second Azov campaign in spring 1696, warships were laid down.
Peter led shipbuilding, aided by his former teacher, Dutchman Franz Timmerman.
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How to take the impregnable fortress? Peter the Great knew: build a navy.
Before the Second Azov campaign in spring 1696, warships were laid down.
Peter led shipbuilding, aided by his former teacher, Dutchman Franz Timmerman.
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THE AZOV FLEET💪
The navy was vital to blockade the Azov fortress from the sea.
The newly built fleet included the 36-gun flagship Apostle Peter, 23 galleys, four branders and over 1,000 smaller vessels to transport troops and supplies.
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The navy was vital to blockade the Azov fortress from the sea.
The newly built fleet included the 36-gun flagship Apostle Peter, 23 galleys, four branders and over 1,000 smaller vessels to transport troops and supplies.
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CAVALRY AND COSSACKS🐴
By spring 1696, an army of 75,000 was formed for the Azov campaign, divided into three divisions. Future Generalissimo Aleksei Shein was appointed commander.
A second army under Boyar Sheremetev prepared to distract the enemy in the lower Dnepr region.
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By spring 1696, an army of 75,000 was formed for the Azov campaign, divided into three divisions. Future Generalissimo Aleksei Shein was appointed commander.
A second army under Boyar Sheremetev prepared to distract the enemy in the lower Dnepr region.
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TAKING AZOV⚔️
On June 6, the main Russian fleet sailed into the Sea of Azov and by June 22 had blockaded the fortress.
The Russian army besieged it on land.
After heavy bombardment on July 27, Cossacks stormed the outer walls.
The Turkish garrison surrendered on July 29
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On June 6, the main Russian fleet sailed into the Sea of Azov and by June 22 had blockaded the fortress.
The Russian army besieged it on land.
After heavy bombardment on July 27, Cossacks stormed the outer walls.
The Turkish garrison surrendered on July 29
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SIGNIFICANT VICTORY🎆
The Azov victory boosted Russia’s international prestige and marked the birth of its Navy.
Since that day, the Russian Navy has grown into five operational-strategic formations: the Northern, Baltic, Black Sea and Pacific Fleets, and the Caspian Flotilla.
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The Azov victory boosted Russia’s international prestige and marked the birth of its Navy.
Since that day, the Russian Navy has grown into five operational-strategic formations: the Northern, Baltic, Black Sea and Pacific Fleets, and the Caspian Flotilla.
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PROJECTING POWER WORLDWIDE🌐
Russia ranks among the top three naval powers after the US and China.
Its fleet fields advanced weapons, including nuclear and hypersonic arms.
Russia has access to three oceans—the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific—and is washed by 12 seas.
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Russia ranks among the top three naval powers after the US and China.
Its fleet fields advanced weapons, including nuclear and hypersonic arms.
Russia has access to three oceans—the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific—and is washed by 12 seas.
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RUSSIA'S SEA OF AZOV🇷🇺
Russia regained control of the Sea of Azov after taking Mariupol in May 2022.
A vital gateway to the Black Sea along with Crimea, it lets Russia secure and project power in the region.
Peter the Great would be proud.
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Russia regained control of the Sea of Azov after taking Mariupol in May 2022.
A vital gateway to the Black Sea along with Crimea, it lets Russia secure and project power in the region.
Peter the Great would be proud.
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