April 24th: The Great Surat Fire and the Russo-Turkish War

April 24th: The Great Surat Fire and the Russo-Turkish War

On April 24th, significant historical events occurred in Asia, including the devastating Great Surat Fire in India and the declaration of war by the Russian Empire on the Ottoman Empire during the Russo-Turkish War. Let’s explore these events and their impact on Asia’s history.

1837: The Great Surat Fire in India

On April 24, 1837, a massive fire swept through the city of Surat in India, resulting in the deaths of more than 500 people and the destruction of over 9,000 houses. The fire started in a house and quickly spread due to the highly flammable materials used in the construction of the buildings. The disaster had lasting effects on the city, as it took many years for Surat to recover from the tragedy.

References: Wikipedia – 1837 Surat Fire

1877: Russo-Turkish War – Russian Empire declares war on Ottoman Empire

On April 24, 1877, the Russian Empire declared war on the Ottoman Empire, marking the beginning of the Russo-Turkish War. The conflict lasted until March 3, 1878, and resulted in a Russian victory. The Treaty of San Stefano, signed at the end of the war, led to significant territorial changes in favor of Russia, as well as greater autonomy for several Balkan nations. The war had a profound impact on the balance of power in the region and set the stage for future conflicts.

References: Wikipedia – Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878)