Siege of Mikhailovsky

Siege of Mikhailovsky
Part of Russo-Circassian War

The assault of the Mikhailovsky fortification by the Circassians on March 22, 1840
DateMarch 22, 1840
Location
Mikhailovsky fortifications, Russian Empire
(Present-day Arkhipo-Osipovka, Krasnodar Krai, Russia)
Result Circassian victory
Belligerents
Russian Empire
Commanders and leaders
Ismail Berzeg
Qerzech Shirikhuqo
Hawduqo Mansur
Yusuf Nicepsiho 
Nikolay Liko 
Units involved
Ubykh troops
Abdzakh troops
Shapsug troops
Natukhaj troops
Black Sea Line 2nd and 3rd companies of Battalion No. 4
6th Musketeer Company of Navaginsky Infantry Regiment
9th Musketeer Company of Tenginsky Infantry Regiment
Strength
7,000 500
8 cannons
Casualties and losses
Unknown Entire garrison

The siege of Mikhailovsky (Adyghe:  Михайловски Къэуцухьэ; Russian: Оборона Михайловского укрепления) took place on 3 April 1840 during the Russo-Circassian War. The Circassians defeated the Russian defenses and won the siege. Unwilling to accept defeat, Russian soldier Arhip Osipov infiltrated the powder magazine and detonated the explosives, killing himself, the remnants of the garrison, and a significant number of Circassians. The action was praised in the history of the Russian Army and was described as "symbolic immortality".