| Second Battle of Oranik | |||||||
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| Part of Ottoman wars in Europe | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| League of Lezhë | Ottoman Empire | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Skanderbeg | Moisi Arianit Golemi | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 10,000 (6,000 cavalry, 4,000 infantry) to 12,000 men[1] | 15,000 men | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 1,000 dead, 2,000 wounded[1] | 10,000 dead | ||||||
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The Second Battle of Oranik took place in the spring of 1456 in the plains of Oranik in Albania. Moisi Arianit Golemi, lord of Dibra, one of Skanderbeg's officers, deserted to the Ottomans after the defeat at Berat. Golemi left Adrianople with a force of 15,000 to capture Albania but was swiftly defeated by Skanderbeg's smaller forces.
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Skanderbeg's rebellion had been going on for over a decade, during which time he defeated many Turkish armies. The Ottoman Turks sent an invasion force under Isak Bey Pasha to subdue southern Albania. In this invasion, Isak captured the Albanian stronghold of Berat and crippled the Albanian resistance. Moisi of Dibra, one of Skanderbeg's most trusted officers, deserted to the Ottomans and made an attempt to defeat Skanderbeg by using the Ottoman army. He left Adrianople with 15,000 soldiers and marched towards Albania. Because of the knowledge Moisi possessed of Skanderbeg's strategies and of the Albanian terrain, Skanderbeg made all his dispositions for defense.
Since Moisi was a master in sleights and subtleties, Skanderbeg let the invader march through without any interruption all the way to the plain of Oranik. Even when he arrived, Skanderbeg was ready to deal with him by sending envoys but could not take the initiative. The two armies met and the battle began with single combat between the champions of both armies. A Turk named Ahimaz stepped out and issued a challenge which was taken up by an Albanian, Zaharia Gropa. Both men rode out on horse and both men were dismounted. The fight continued on foot until Zaharia stabbed Ahimaz in the throat and cut off his head while the two horses rode towards the Albanian lines, which was taken as a good omen. Moisi then stepped out and challenged Skanderbeg to personal combat which caused Skanderbeg to stand in doubt. Skanderbeg began to move towards Moisi. As he did so, Moisi turned about and sped back to his own army and gave orders to begin the battle.
The Turkish forces were in two lines, the second consisting of picked soldiers who were to support the first in case of trouble. Behind these two lines was Moisi with his reserves of Albanians, probably his tribal supporters. Skanderbeg's force, comprising 6,000 horse and 4,000 foot, were divided into three with the commander in charge of the middle. Both Turkish lines quickly broke under the shock of the Albanian cavalry attack and the battle turned to hand to hand fighting with both commanders dangerously involved. Skanderbeg was thrown off his horse, but the initial impetus gave Skanderbeg an advantage that he never lost. Moisi escaped with about one third of his army.
Moisi wandered around the frontier area for some time and then returned to Adrianople, where he was regarded with contempt. His allowance fell into arrears, and he lived in an atmosphere of fear and foreboding. He suddenly decided to throw himself to Skanderbeg's mercy. He left and night and rode to Dibra where he was well received. Skanderbeg was at a nearby garrison and Moisi went there and asked for forgiveness. Skanderbeg pardoned him and restored to him all his lands. Bonfires were lit to celebrate his return, and people were warned that his offense should never be publicly referred to.