Participation of Kuban Cossacks in the heroic defense of the Dogubayazit fortress during the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878

This article examines the participation of the Kuban Cossack units in the battlefield engagements of the Russo-Turkish war of 1877-1878, namely, the defense of the Dogubayazit fortress. The authors reconstruct the main events of the citadel’s blockade. Special attention is paid to the description of actions of the Dogubayazit garrison chief, Lieutenant Colonel Patsevich. The paper highlights the huge contribution of the Cossacks, who, risking their lives, volunteered to perform dangerous missions (including sally for water, guns with ammunition, food), for which many of them were awarded with badges of honour.