General Józef Bem – Tarnów

Fact of the Polish figure „Lvov-Tarnów-Poznan„

Part of the „Revolutions of 1848″ topic

General Józef Bem (1794-1850) is one of the most distinguished figures in Polish history, and a hero of the struggles for the freedom of many nations. He took part in the Napoleonic Wars and in the November Uprising (1830-1831), where he became famous as an able artillery commander. His military talent and courage made him a highly regarded figure not only in Poland, but also abroad. After the defeat of the uprising, he went into exile, where he continued the fight for freedom – first in the Hungarian army during the Spring of Nations (1848-1849), commanding the insurgent forces against the Austrians and Russians. His successes in Hungary earned him great fame, especially his victory at the Battle of Sibiu. After the fall of the uprising, Bem travelled to the Ottoman Empire, where he converted to Islam and took the name Murad Pasha. General Bem symbolises the universal values of freedom, courage and sacrifice, becoming a hero of the peoples not only of Poland, but also of Hungary.