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Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev
About museum
Mikhail Dmitrievich Skobelev – a Russian military commander, General of the Infantry (1881), Adjutant General (1878). A participant in the Russian Empire’s Central Asian conquests and the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, the liberator of Bulgaria. He came from a family of hereditary military officers. He was educated at a boarding school in Paris. At the end of 1861 he began service in the Kavalergard Regiment, receiving his baptism of fire during the suppression of the Polish uprising.
After graduating from the General Staff Academy in 1868, Skobelev was assigned to the Turkestan Military District. He rapidly advanced in his career, commanded a Cossack sotnia, took part in reconnaissance and in 1872 became commander of an infantry battalion. He distinguished himself in the Khivan campaign and received the Order of St. George. Skobelev then participated in the war against the Kokand Khanate, for which he was promoted to Major General and became the military governor of the Fergana region.
In the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, Skobelev took part in the crossing of the Danube and the capture of the Shipka Pass, distinguishing himself in the battles near Plevna. In 1880 he commanded the Akhal-Teke expedition, as a result of which the Akhal-Teke oasis was annexed to Russia. While on leave in Moscow, Mikhail Dmitrievich died suddenly on 25 June (7 July) 1882 under unexplained circumstances. He was buried on his family estate in the Ryazan Governorate.
Date of birth
29 September 1843
Date of death
07 July 1882
Occupation
Military