In the autumn of 1876, Nikolai Grigoryevich Stoletov was appointed to the position of the leader of the Bulgarian militia. A significant page in his military career was the defense of Shipka Pass. In the early days of August, 1877, Major General Stoletov’s small detachment heroically defended the steep mountain pass. This detachment comprised the 36th Rifle Oryol Regiment, five Bulgarian militia squads, four hundred Cossacks, three specialized teams, and three batteries and a semi-battery, totaling around 6,000 soldiers and 27 guns.
Suleiman Pasha, who was approaching Shipka, recognized the strategic importance of the pass, referring to it as “the heart of the Balkans” and “the key to Bulgaria.” On August 9, the Turkish forces launched an assault on the defending unit. During the battle, reinforcements arrived to help the defenders of Shipka — the 4th Infantry Brigade and a platoon from the Don Cossacks Battery. Stoletov’s unit then numbered approximately 9,000 soldiers and 29 guns. The enemy had approximately 17,500 men and 34 guns. The Russian forces defended the Shipka Pass in the most intense battles from August 9 to 14, 1877. During the six-day engagement, the Russian casualties amounted to approximately 3,350 soldiers, including two generals and 108 officers. The Turkish losses were more than double that number. The actions of the defenders have become a symbol of courage and heroism for both the Russian and Bulgarian soldiers. “For [his] distinguished service as the head of the Bulgarian militia during the defense of Shipka against the Turks in 1877”, Nikolai Grigoryevich Stoletov was awarded the Order of St. George 4th Class.
In 1934, a monument in the form of a truncated four-sided pyramid with a height of 31.5 meters was erected at the Shipka Pass. At the center of the base, a large sarcophagus rests on four reclining lions, containing the remains of 317 Russian soldiers and members of the Bulgarian militia. An exhibition is located on the second level.
The print on display features a multi-figure composition set against a mountainous landscape. In the forefront, Turkish soldiers can be seen scaling the mountainside, while in the background, atop the mountain, Russian soldiers hurl boulders and timber at the Turks.
