Bombardment of Beirut (1840)
The Bombardment of Beirut was a naval and land operation conducted in September and October 1840 by a combined British, Austrian, and Ottoman fleet against Egyptian forces occupying Beirut, as part of the wider Oriental Crisis of 1840.
The crisis arose from Muhammad Ali, the autonomous Ottoman governor of Egypt, challenging the authority of the Ottoman Sultan. Muhammad Ali's forces, under the command of his son Ibrahim Pasha, had occupied Syria (including Beirut) since 1831. The European powers, particularly Great Britain, were concerned about the instability in the region and the potential collapse of the Ottoman Empire, which they saw as a buffer against Russian expansion.
The allied fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir Robert Stopford, arrived off the coast of Beirut in early September. Initial attempts to negotiate the peaceful withdrawal of Ibrahim Pasha's forces failed. Consequently, the bombardment of Beirut commenced on September 11, 1840.
The bombardment targeted Egyptian fortifications and positions along the coast. It was conducted intermittently over several weeks, causing significant damage to the city and its defenses. Simultaneously, allied forces, including Ottoman troops and Maronite levies, engaged Egyptian troops in land operations around Beirut. These land operations aimed to isolate and dislodge the Egyptians from their fortified positions.
The combined effect of the naval bombardment and the land operations put increasing pressure on Ibrahim Pasha's forces. Faced with dwindling supplies, mounting casualties, and the prospect of further escalation, Ibrahim Pasha eventually ordered the withdrawal of his troops from Beirut.
The Bombardment of Beirut marked a significant turning point in the Oriental Crisis of 1840. It demonstrated the determination of the European powers to uphold the integrity of the Ottoman Empire and played a crucial role in forcing Muhammad Ali to relinquish control of Syria and other territories. The operation also showcased the effectiveness of naval power in projecting force and influencing events ashore. Following the withdrawal of Egyptian forces, Ottoman authority was restored in Beirut and Syria. The bombardment had lasting impacts on the city, both physically and politically.