Dzhalalii, Filon

Dzhalalii, Filon [Džalalij] (also known as Dzhedzhalii [Džedžalij]), birth and death dates unknown. Outstanding 17th-century Cossack leader of Tatar descent, colonel of the Pryluky regiment and then the Kropyvnia (Ichnia) regiment. At first Dzhalalii served as captain in the Pereiaslav regiment of registered Cossacks. Then in 1648, with B. Tovpyha, a captain of the Cherkasy regiment, he led a revolt of the registered Cossacks in Kamianyi Zaton. Dzhalalii was one of the closest and most influential associates of Bohdan Khmelnytsky. He took part in the Battle of Zhovti Vody, the Battle of Korsun, the Battle of Pyliavtsi, the Battle of Zboriv, and the Battle of Berestechko, where he was elected acting hetman. In 1648 he headed the Ukrainian delegation to Istanbul and worked out a treaty with the Ottoman Porte.

[This article originally appeared in the Encyclopedia of Ukraine, vol. 1 (1984).]