Ottoman-Russion Struggle for Power Over Wallachia and Moldavia from The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca Until The Treaty of Yaş

Abstract

Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca was one that changed all balances for the benefit of Russia and paved the way for the accretion of Crimean Dynasty. In addition, this treaty was qualifi ed enough to be able to rise the infl uence of Russia in Wallachia and Moldavia. After the implementation of treaty, Russia and the Ottoman Empire began to struggle for power over Crimea and then,regions of Wallachia and Moldavia. By having annexed Crimea in 1783, Russia removed the most important obstacle for expansion towards the Black Sea and the Balkans. The regions of Wallachia and Moldavia became more important for two empires afterwards. While Russia was trying to increase its infl uence by assigning a consul in the region, the Ottoman Empire, being unable to prevent it meantime, tried to disallow the decrease of its power over region by closely following the activities of Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia, and Russian Consulate. However, the activities of Russian Consulate there and the precedence of Russia in wars held between two empires gradually led the increase of Russian infl uence over the regions of Wallachia and Moldavia.