Claude Alexandre, Count of Bonneval facts for kids
Claude Alexandre, Count of Bonneval (born July 14, 1675 – died March 23, 1747), was a French army officer. He later joined the army of the Ottoman Empire. He became a Muslim and was known as Humbaracı Ahmet Paşa.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Claude Alexandre came from an old family in Limousin, France. When he was just 13, he joined the French navy. After three years, he moved to the army and quickly became a commander. He was known for his bravery and skill in battles across Italy and the Netherlands.
Trouble in France
Bonneval was very brave, but he also had a strong personality. He had a big disagreement with a high-ranking French official. This led to serious trouble for him. To avoid punishment, he left France and went to Germany.
Service in Austria
In Germany, he received help from Prince Eugene of Savoy, a famous military leader. Bonneval then joined the Austrian army as a general. He fought bravely against France and later against the Ottoman Empire.
He was present at important battles like the Battle of Malplaquet in 1709. He was also badly wounded at the Battle of Petrovaradin. After a while, the charges against him in France were dropped. He visited Paris and married Judith-Charlotte. Soon after, he returned to the Austrian army and fought well at the Siege of Belgrade (1717).
More Disagreements
Bonneval could have become a very high-ranking officer in Austria. However, he upset Prince Eugene again. Because of this, he was sent to the Low Countries to manage military supplies. There, his strong temper led to another serious argument with a local governor.
He faced another military trial. Although he was sentenced to death, the emperor changed it to one year in prison and banishment. After his release, Bonneval was sent to Venice.
Life in the Ottoman Empire
After leaving Austria, Bonneval offered his skills to the Ottoman government. He became a Muslim and took the name Ahmed. He was made a pasha, which is a high title in the Ottoman Empire.
His main job was to organize and lead the Ottoman artillery (big guns). He helped the Ottoman army defeat the Austrians at Niš. This victory helped end the war between Austria and the Ottomans with the Treaty of Belgrade. This treaty meant Austria lost some important lands, including Belgrade.
Bonneval was also good friends with a respected local religious leader named Ismail Pasha.
Later Years and Legacy
He provided valuable help to the Ottoman Sultan in wars against Russia and Nader Shah. As a reward, he was made the governor of Chios, an island.
However, he later fell under suspicion from the Ottoman government. For a time, he was sent away to the shores of the Black Sea.
Claude Alexandre de Bonneval, or Humbaracı Ahmet Paşa, died in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in March 1747. He is buried in a cemetery there. A street in Istanbul, Kumbaracı Sokağı, is named after him. This is a rare honor for someone who was not originally from the Ottoman Empire.
See also
- Franco-Ottoman alliance
- Humbaracı
