The Ottoman-Russian relations between the years 1774-1787

Abstract

In this work, the diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and Russia during the late 18th century will be analyzed. This study will cover the period from 1774 to 1787, starting with the signing of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, ending with the declaration of the Ottoman-Russian war of 1787-1792. During this thirteen years period, there was an intense rivalry between the two empires, most importantly over Crimea and also over the Caucasus and the Balkans. There were many instances during which the two empires came to the brink of a new war. As a consequence of the international politics of the period, Russia and the Porte were remained relatively alone in their struggle and the Great Powers of Europe isolated from the collision of these two empires because of their hostilities among each other. iv This period witnessed the beginning of Russia’s superiority over the Ottoman Empire and the conflicts between these two Empires paved the way to a new war in 1787.