Küçük Kaynarca, Treaty of

Küçük Kaynarca, Treaty of

Definition

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca (Turkish: Küçük Kaynarca Antlaşması) was a significant agreement signed on July 21, 1774, between the Ottoman Empire and the Russian Empire. This treaty marked the end of the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 and had far-reaching ramifications for the balance of power in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region.

Etymology

• Küçük Kaynarca (كوجك قاينارجا): Named after the location in modern-day Bulgaria where the treaty was signed.

Historical Context

Post-war vulnerabilities and shifting alliances necessitated the signing of this treaty. The Ottomans, weakened and struggling to maintain their vast empire, were forced into concessions that significantly benefited the Russian Empire.

Key Provisions

Territorial Adjustments

• Black Sea Access: The treaty granted Russia significant control over Black Sea territories, enhancing their naval and trading capabilities.
• Crimea: While the Crimean peninsula remained a Muslim Tatar region, it was effectively annexed under Russian influence, nullifying Ottoman sovereignty.

Religious Authority and Protections

• Crimean Tatars: Although the region came under Russian jurisdiction, the Muslim Crimean Tatars remained under the religious authority of the Ottoman Sultan.
• Orthodox Christians: The treaty recognized Russia as the official protector and representative of Orthodox Christians within the Ottoman Empire.

Impact and Significance

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca had long-lasting effects:

1. Ottoman Decline: Furthered the weakening of the Ottoman Empire, catalyzing territorial losses and influencing subsequent treaties.
2. Russian Expansion: Marked an essential step in Russian southwestward expansion, projecting Russian influence deeper into the European domain.
3. Religious Diplomacy: Created a precedent for the interference of external powers in the Ottoman Empire through religious claims, complicating the Empire’s governance of its diverse populace.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

• “The Making of the Modern Near East 1792-1923” by Malcolm Yapp: Provides insights into the geopolitical changes in the Near East, including the effects of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca.
• “The Russians in the Black Sea, 1772–1783” by Adele Lindenmeyr: Focuses on Russian naval expansion and influence after the treaty.
• “Ottoman Diplomacy” by A. Nuri Yurdusev: Offers comprehensive insights into the diplomatic measures and historical context of the Ottoman treaties.

Takeaways and Conclusion

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca was not merely a cessation of hostilities but a turning point that reordered Eastern European dynamics. It signaled the ascendant influence of Russia and underscored the Ottoman Empire’s declining foothold in the region, setting the stage for subsequent regional transformations.

Arabic and Turkish Translations

• Arabic: معاهدة كوتشوك قينارجي
• Turkish: Küçük Kaynarca Antlaşması

Understanding the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca is crucial for grasping the historical interplay between the Ottoman and Russian empires, the shifting influence in the Black Sea, and the broader implications for European international relations at the time.