Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca: What Happened
On 21 July 1774, Russia and the Ottoman Empire signed the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, in a village in modern Bulgaria, ending a war that Russia had won decisively. The treaty was a major blow to the Ottomans. Crimea was declared independent of Ottoman control, and it was later annexed by Russia in 1783, and Russia gained territory and a foothold on the Black Sea coast. For the Greeks, the treaty had important consequences. Russian merchant ships gained the right to sail through the Bosporus and Dardanelles, and Greek shipowners, many from islands such as Hydra, Spetses and Psara, began sailing under the Russian flag, which protected them from Ottoman interference. Greek merchant shipping expanded dramatically in the following decades, creating wealth, experienced sailors and armed merchant ships that later formed the backbone of the Greek navy in the War of Independence. The treaty also gave Russia a role in protecting Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire, a claim it later used to justify interventions in Ottoman affairs, including support for the Greeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca?
The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, signed on 21 July 1774, ended a war between Russia and the Ottoman Empire that Russia had won decisively.
How did the treaty help Greek shipping?
Russian merchant ships gained free passage through the Straits, and many Greek shipowners sailed under the Russian flag, allowing Greek shipping to expand greatly.
Which Greek islands benefited from the treaty?
Shipowners from islands such as Hydra, Spetses and Psara grew rich from trade under the Russian flag, building fleets later used in the War of Independence.
What did the treaty say about Orthodox Christians?
The treaty gave Russia a role in protecting Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire, which Russia later used to justify interventions.
What happened to Crimea after the treaty?
Crimea was declared independent of Ottoman control under the treaty. Less than a decade later, in 1783, it was annexed by the Russian Empire.
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