Husein Gradaščević was a Bosniak general who fought for Bosnian autonomy in the Ottoman Empire. Gradaščević was born in Gradačac in 1802 and grew up surrounded by a political climate of turmoil in the western reaches of the Ottoman Empire. After rising to the head of the Gradačac military captaincy, the young Husein developed a reputation for wise rule and tolerance and soon became one of the most popular figures in Bosnia. In 1831 Gradaščević was called upon to lead the movement for Bosnian autonomy. He overthrew the loyalist vizier and other anti-rebellion figures, becoming the de facto ruler of the Bosnian pashaluk in the process. By 1832 however, the tide of the rebellion had turned. Although the Bosniak uprising would not be completely quelled for another 18 years, Gradaščević was forced to flee to the Habsburg Monarchy on May 31. From there he negotiated for his return with the Sultan and was ultimately allowed back but barred from ever entering Bosnia again. He moved to Belgrade and then to Istanbul, where he died under mysterious circumstances. A legend in his own time, Gradaščević is considered a Bosniak national hero and one of the most revered figures in the history of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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