The First Serbian Uprising 1804-1813

Abstract

Serbia, located in the Balkan Peninsula, was historically inhabited by a society composed predominantly of Slavic Christian Serbs and a Muslim minority, primarily of Turkish origin. During the period of Ottoman rule, Serbia suffered from significant backwardness, neglect, and internal divisions, particularly between the Christian and Muslim communities. The social fabric was largely agrarian, with most of the population engaged in farming and livestock breeding. Historical sources highlight that the Ottoman era in Serbia was marked by oppression, lack of freedom, and harsh governance. These conditions fostered a deep sense of unrest among the Serbian people, who awaited the right moment to revolt in defense of their religion, national identity, and property—especially following the weakening of the Ottoman Empire due to the Janissary rebellion and mounting international pressures from powers such as Russia and Austria. This unrest culminated in an uprising that began in early 1804 and lasted until the summer of 1813. The rebellion achieved notable victories against Ottoman forces, leading to the establishment of a degree of autonomy, the formation of a governing council with Russian support, and the capture of Belgrade and other territories. However, the revolution eventually faltered due to several converging factors, including Ottoman breaches of treaties, internal betrayal by some rebel leaders, and foreign interference driven by self-interest. Consequently, the uprising collapsed, and the Ottomans fully reasserted control over Serbia in 1813.