Principatele Române în cadrul Problemei Orientale: Pacea de la Kuciuk-Kainargi (1774) [Articol]

Abstract

The Romanian Principalities in the Eastern Question: the Peace of Kuchuk-Kainargi (1774). The author discusses the importance of the Peace Treaty of Kuciuk-Kainargi, signed in 1774, and its impact on the Romanian Principalities and Russian-Turkish relations. Starting with the 18th century, the lower Danube became the main theater of the Russian-Turkish wars, and the logistical and economic support of the Principalities north of the Danube was crucial for Russia in the struggle to resolve the Black Sea navigation problem. The Russo-Turkish War began in the winter of 1768-1769, and the Russian army achieved significant victories, conquering important fortresses and territories. In 1771, the Russian army occupied Crimea, and in 1774, the victories of the Russian troops forced the Porte to begin peace negotiations. The Peace Treaty of Kuciuk-Kainargi was signed on July 10 (21), 1774 and changed the balance of power between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Porte in favor of Russia. It determined the trade, economic and diplomatic relations between the two powers for many years to come. The Peace Treaty of Kuciuk-Kainargi had key provisions regarding territorial changes, the status of the Crimean Khanate, trade on the Black Sea, the Romanian Principalities, financial obligations, military matters, religious aspects and diplomatic relations. The treaty changed the balance of power between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Porte in favor of Russia, which led to the manifestation of Russian expansionism also over the Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. Russia has repeatedly shown itself to be a predatory and aggressive state, and after the wars with the Ottomans, by conquering and annexing new territories, it fueled the antagonism of Romanian - Russian relations in the 19th and 20th centuries. Russia obtained the right of protection over the Christian population of the Romanian Principalities, which also contributed to the consolidation of the traditional system of diplomatic representation through the “capukehai” of the hospodars. This right of protection led to the aggravation and perpetuation of the Principalities’ situation as an object of Russian-Turkish litigation, in which the involvement of other powers evolved along with the aggravation of the Eastern Question. In conclusion, the Kuciuk- Kainargi Peace Treaty had a profound impact on Moldavia and Wallachia, influencing their relations with the Ottoman Porte and consolidating Russia’s influence in the region.