Deaths on January 31

Alexander Ypsilantis, Greek general (b. 1792)

Alexandros Ypsilantis (Greek: Αλέξανδρος Υψηλάντης, romanized: Aléxandros Ypsilántis, pronounced [aˈleksanðros ipsiˈla(n)dis]; Romanian: Alexandru Ipsilanti; Russian: Александр Константинович Ипсиланти, romanized: Aleksandr Konstantinovich Ipsilanti; 12 December 1792 – 31 January 1828) stands as a pivotal figure in the genesis of modern Greece. A fervent Greek nationalist politician, he was born into the distinguished Phanariot Ypsilantis family, a lineage synonymous with influence and political acumen within the Ottoman Empire. His multifaceted career saw him serve as a prince of the Danubian Principalities, achieve senior officer status in the Imperial Russian cavalry during the tumultuous Napoleonic Wars, and crucially, assume leadership of the Filiki Etaireia, a clandestine organization instrumental in orchestrating the initial phases of the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule.

His diverse background equipped him uniquely for the role he would play in shaping Greek destiny. Born in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), Alexandros was the scion of a family with a long history of serving the Ottoman Porte, often as appointed rulers of the semi-autonomous Danubian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. This heritage instilled in him not only administrative experience but also exposure to broader European political currents, fostering his fervent Greek nationalist convictions and aspirations for an independent Greek state.

Phanariot Lineage and Princely Authority

The Ypsilantis family epitomized the Phanariot class, a group of wealthy and influential Greeks residing primarily in the Fener (Phanar) district of Constantinople. These families, known for their education, linguistic abilities, and diplomatic skills, often served the Ottoman Empire in high administrative and diplomatic capacities, particularly as Dragomans (interpreters) of the Porte and as appointed Hospodars (Princes) of the Danubian Principalities. Alexandros's grandfather, Alexandros Ypsilantis the elder, and his father, Constantine Ypsilantis, both held the prestigious title of Prince of Wallachia and Moldavia. This demonstrated the family's deep-rooted involvement in the governance of these strategically important regions bordering the Russian Empire, offering a unique vantage point for observing the balance of power in Southeastern Europe and nurturing nascent ideas of national liberation.

Distinguished Military Career in Imperial Russia

Following his father's anti-Ottoman activities and subsequent exile, Alexandros Ypsilantis and his family sought refuge in Russia. There, he embarked upon a distinguished military career in the Imperial Russian Army, rapidly rising through the ranks to become a general. He proved his valor during the Napoleonic Wars, participating in significant engagements that shaped European history. Notably, he fought with distinction at the Battle of Dresden in August 1813, where he sustained a severe injury, resulting in the loss of his right arm. This profound sacrifice earned him not only recognition but also the personal regard of Tsar Alexander I, to whom he served as an aide-de-camp. His military prowess and connections within the highest echelons of the Russian court were invaluable assets, lending credibility and strategic insight to the burgeoning Greek independence movement.

Leadership of the Filiki Etaireia: The Society of Friends

Recognizing his unparalleled stature and extensive military experience, the secret society known as the Filiki Etaireia (Society of Friends) elected Alexandros Ypsilantis as its supreme leader, or "Archigos," in 1820. This clandestine organization, founded in 1814 in Odessa by Greek merchants Nikolaos Skoufas, Emmanuil Xanthos, and Athanasios Tsakalov, had the singular aim of liberating Greece from centuries of Ottoman rule and establishing an independent state. Ypsilantis was chosen for several compelling reasons: his high military rank in the Russian army, which many hoped would imply official Russian support for their cause; his influential family background; and his perceived ability to unify various factions of the Greek diaspora and internal resistance. As the chosen leader, he was tasked with coordinating the widespread, covert preparations for a general uprising that would shake the foundations of the Ottoman Empire.

The Catalyst for the Greek War of Independence

In March 1821, Alexandros Ypsilantis took the decisive step to initiate the long-planned uprising. He led an armed expedition across the Prut River into Moldavia, then an Ottoman vassal state with a significant Greek population. Upon entering Jassy (Iași), the capital of Moldavia, he issued a stirring proclamation titled "Fight for Faith and Fatherland" (Μάχου υπέρ Πίστεως και Πατρίδος), calling upon Greeks and other Balkan Christians to rise in revolt against the Ottoman Empire. This audacious act, though strategically ambitious and initially intended to spark a broader Balkan rebellion, ultimately lacked the anticipated official Russian backing and suffered from internal disorganization. Despite initial enthusiasm and some local successes, Ypsilantis's campaign in the Danubian Principalities gradually faltered due to a lack of sustained local support, internal divisions within his forces, and the swift Ottoman military response. The decisive defeat at the Battle of Dragashani in June 1821 severely crippled his forces, marking the effective end of his direct military involvement in the Principalities.

Later Life and Enduring Legacy

Following the collapse of his Moldavian campaign, Ypsilantis sought refuge in Austria. However, instead of safety, he faced severe consequences, being imprisoned for seven long years by the Austrian authorities who viewed him as a dangerous revolutionary and a threat to the conservative order of the Holy Alliance. He was eventually released in 1827 due to rapidly failing health, dying shortly thereafter in Vienna on 31 January 1828, at the young age of 35. Despite the military failure of his initial campaign in the Danubian Principalities, Ypsilantis's bold and premature initiative undeniably served as the critical spark that ignited the broader Greek War of Independence in the Peloponnese and other Greek lands. His actions transformed a clandestine conspiracy into an open, national struggle for freedom, inspiring countless Greeks to take up arms and ultimately leading to the establishment of the independent Kingdom of Greece in 1830. He is remembered as a national hero whose courage set in motion the events that defined modern Greek history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alexandros Ypsilantis

Who was Alexandros Ypsilantis?

Alexandros Ypsilantis (1792-1828) was a prominent Greek nationalist politician, a member of the influential Phanariot Greek family, a senior general in the Imperial Russian Army, and the chosen leader of the secret society Filiki Etaireia, which coordinated the initial phase of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire.

What was the significance of his Phanariot heritage?

His Phanariot lineage provided him with a high social standing, extensive political connections across Europe and the Ottoman Empire, and a family history of governing the Danubian Principalities (Wallachia and Moldavia). This exposure deeply influenced his nationalist aspirations and equipped him with valuable administrative and diplomatic experience.

What role did he play in the Napoleonic Wars?

He served as a distinguished senior officer in the Imperial Russian cavalry during the Napoleonic Wars. Notably, he lost his right arm at the Battle of Dresden in 1813 and served as an aide-de-camp to Tsar Alexander I. His military experience and high-level connections were seen as crucial assets for the Greek independence movement.

What was the Filiki Etaireia, and why was Ypsilantis chosen as its leader?

The Filiki Etaireia (Society of Friends) was a secret organization founded in 1814 in Odessa by Greek merchants, aiming to liberate Greece from Ottoman rule. Ypsilantis was elected as its leader (Archigos) in 1820 due to his high military rank, influential family background, and the hope that his prominent position would secure official Russian support for the planned uprising.

How did Alexandros Ypsilantis initiate the Greek War of Independence?

He initiated the war in March 1821 by leading an armed expedition across the Prut River into Moldavia (a Danubian Principality) and issuing a proclamation calling for a general uprising against the Ottoman Empire. Although his campaign in the Principalities ultimately failed, his bold actions served as the critical catalyst, igniting the wider revolution that erupted in mainland Greece.