What was the significance of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca?

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, signed in 1774, was significant for several reasons. Firstly, it marked a turning point in the power dynamics between the Ottoman Empire and Russia. The treaty ended the Russo-Turkish War of 1768-1774 and granted Russia significant territorial gains, including the Crimean Peninsula and parts of present-day Ukraine. This marked the first time the Ottoman Empire had to cede territory to a European power.

Secondly, the treaty granted certain privileges to the Christian subjects of the Ottoman Empire, particularly the Orthodox Christians. It recognized the autonomy of the Orthodox Church and allowed it to elect its own bishops and patriarchs. This was a significant step towards religious tolerance and the recognition of minority rights within the empire.

Lastly, the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca also weakened the central authority of the Ottoman Empire. The treaty granted Russia the right to intervene in the affairs of the Ottoman Empire to protect the rights of Orthodox Christians. This undermined the sovereignty of the empire and set a precedent for future foreign interventions in Ottoman affairs.

Overall, the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca had far-reaching consequences for the Ottoman Empire, including territorial losses, the recognition of minority rights, and a weakening of central authority.