Dimitrie Cantemir was born in October 26, 1673 in Siliesti (today named Dimitrie Cantemir). He was the ruler of Moldavia in 1693 and between 1710 and 1711. He was also a writer, encyclopedic man, learned man, historic, politician, philosopher, ethnographer, geographer, linguist and a musicologist.

Biography and Career :

When he was 15 years old he was taken hostage in Constantinopol as his father's pledge. After his father's death in March 1693, he was named ruler of Moldavia. The Ottoman Gate didn't confirm his reign so after two months he returned to Constantinopol where he continued his studies. After a war between the Turks and the Asians started, he traveled to Eastern Europe, arriving in Timisoara (Banat). Here he got to know the Romanian people and their linguistic unit y.

He married Casandra, Serban Cantacuzino's daughter. They ha a lot of children among which the future Russian poet, writer and diplomat- Antioh Dimitrievici Cantemir.

The Turks named Cantemir, The Ruler of Moldavia in 1710 because they trusted him. Dimitrie Cantemir signed at Lutk in Russia in April 1711 a secret alliance treaty with Peter the Great. With this treaty he wanted to release Moldavia from the Ottoman reign. After one year of reign, he joined the war between the Turks and the Russians, putting Moldavia under Russian reign. After he was defeated by the Turks at Stanilesti-Falciu, he couldn't return to Moldavia. So he emigrated in Russia and he remained here with his family. He became intimate adviser of Petru I. Here he developed a prolific scientific activity. He was given a big estate near Harcov and he was named Serenissim Prince of Russia in August 1711.

He died at his Dimitrievka farm in Kharkov in 1714 and he was buried in Russia. His relics are now at the "Trei ierarhi" Church in Iasi.

Among his writings:

- Istoria ieroglifica (The hieroglyphical history)(1703-1705);
- Hronicul vechimei a roman-moldo-vlahilor (1719 – 1722),
- Istoria Imperiului Otoman (The history of the Ottoman Empire).

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Tags: 1673, moldavia, philosopher, ruler, constantinopol	[edit tags]

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Category: Philosophers  - ( Philosophers Archive)

Date Added: 04 March '08

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