Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca

Quick Facts: Who was Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca?

Subject:

Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca

Known for:

Peace treaty ending the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774, granting major concessions to Russia.

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Origins & Early Life

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca (Turkish: Küçük Kaynarca Antlaşması; Russian: Кючук-Кайнарджийский мир), formerly often written Kuchuk-Kainarji, was a peace treaty signed on 21 July [O.S. 10 July] 1774, in Küçük Kaynarca (today Kaynardzha, Bulgaria) between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, ending the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774 with major concessions to Russia. The concessions to Russia were not merely territorial; not only was the Crimean Khanate (not Crimea proper) effectively ceded to Russia, but Russia also gained the right to construct a Russian Orthodox church in Constantinople, claiming to be the protector of the Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire.

Career & Major Achievements

This was a pretext for frequent and numerous interventions in the decades to follow. Ottoman Christians started to feel more empowered as European and Christian powers demonstrated their rising influence and political power.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Access to Europe's political networks, markets and educational institutions created a class privilege for Ottoman Christians, and scholars often regard the treaty as a turning point for relations between Ottoman Christians and the European nations.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1774: 1774 Milestone — 10 July] 1774, in Küçük Kaynarca (today Kaynardzha, Bulgaria) between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, ending the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774 with major concessions to Russia.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca

True or False: “True or false: The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca only involved the exchange of purely defined Ottoman territories for Russian ones.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): False. The treaty also granted Russia the right to build an Orthodox church in Constantinople, which was interpreted as a claim to protect Orthodox Christians, going beyond simple territorial exchange.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca