Nikola Jurišić

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Statue of Nikola Jurišić in Senj

Statue of Nikola Jurišić in Kőszeg, Hungary

Nikola Jurišić (Hungarian: Miklós Jurisics, often also Jurisich) (c. 1490 in Senj, Croatia - 1545 in Kőszeg, Hungary) was a Croatian nobleman who led the armies of the territory of the Military Frontier in defense against Turkish attacks.

After the Battle of Mohács, his vote helped Ferdinand of Habsburg gain the Hungarian crown. Later he was sent to Constantinople to negotiate for peace.

In 1532, he defended the small border fort of Kőszeg with only 800 Croatian soldiers, in which position he prevented the advance of the Turkish army of 140 000 toward Vienna. There are two versions of that battle:

[edit] Version 1

After Suleiman II lead an army of 140,000 towards Vienna Habsburg Emperor called to gathering in front of Vienna Nikola Jurisic and his 800 soldiers were going to Vienna. They were passing through western Hungary and took a rest in a small fort Koszeg. When they saw helpless women and children they decided to stay in and defend it. The fort was on the Turkish way so Suleiman II attacked it.

After 3 days of fighting Nikola Jurisic wrote:"...Me and 89 of my knights are tired and low on supplies. If we hold another day it will be a miracle..." Before the final charge women and children prayed to St. Martin for 2h. In about 1h, the final battle started. After only 10 min. of battle Turks finally retreated. They later said they saw a flaming knight with flaming sword.

[edit] Version 2

After 3 days of battle Turks decided to negotiate with the defenders. Grand vizier Ibrahim wanted to attack Vienna at any cost and he offered to Jursics to simulate Turkish victory so Suleiman II would continue to Vienna. Defenders put the Turkish flag on the castle and a few Turkish soldiers were simulating they are guarding the city. The next day defenders took down Turkish flag.

In 1538, the king made him the supreme army commander of the armed forces defending the borders. He spent the last years of his life as a secret adviser at the court in Vienna.