Treaty of Jassy between Russian and Ottoman Empire is signed.
The Treaty of Jassy: A Landmark Agreement Reshaping Black Sea Power
The Treaty of Jassy, a pivotal diplomatic accord, was officially signed on 9 January 1792 at Iași (historically known as Jassy) in Moldavia, a principality then under Ottoman suzerainty and now part of modern-day Romania. This significant pact formally brought an end to the protracted and costly Russo-Turkish War of 1787–1792, a conflict that had profoundly reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe. More than just a peace agreement, the Treaty of Jassy cemented the Russian Empire's increasing dominance in the strategic Black Sea region, a testament to Russia's successful expansionist policies under Catherine the Great.
Context of the Russo-Turkish War (1787–1792)
This particular Russo-Turkish War was one in a series of protracted conflicts between the expansionist Russian Empire and the declining Ottoman Empire throughout the 18th century. Russia's primary objectives included securing access to warm-water ports for trade and naval power, protecting Orthodox Christian populations within Ottoman territories, and solidifying its southern borders. The war saw significant Russian military successes, which ultimately forced the Ottoman Empire to the negotiating table.
Key Provisions and Territorial Transfers
The terms of the Treaty of Jassy were highly advantageous to Russia and detrimental to the Ottoman Empire, underscoring the shift in regional power dynamics.
- Confirmation of Crimean Annexation: The treaty formally recognized the Russian Empire's prior annexation of the Crimean Khanate, which had occurred in 1783. This acknowledgment was a direct and final consequence of the earlier Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, signed in 1774, which had declared the Crimean Khanate independent of Ottoman rule, thereby opening the door for its eventual absorption by Russia. The loss of Crimea, a strategically vital peninsula controlling access to the Black Sea and a historical Turkic state, represented an immense blow to Ottoman prestige, economic interests, and strategic depth.
- Transfer of Yedisan and New European Frontier: A major territorial concession was the transfer of Yedisan to the Russian Empire. This fertile and strategically important territory, located between the Dniester and Southern Bug rivers (present-day Ukraine), provided Russia with crucial direct access to the Black Sea coast. With the acquisition of Yedisan, the Dniester River was officially established as the new Russo-Turkish frontier in Europe, significantly extending Russia's borders westward.
- Asiatic Frontier Unchanged: While major changes occurred in Europe, the treaty stipulated that the Asiatic frontier between the two empires, defined by the Kuban River, would remain unchanged.
The Signatories and Diplomatic Efforts
The Treaty of Jassy was signed by high-ranking representatives from both empires. On behalf of the Ottoman Empire, the signatory was Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha, the chief minister of the Sultan. Leading the Russian delegation was Prince Alexander Bezborodko, a prominent statesman and diplomat. Bezborodko assumed this critical role following the death of the highly influential Prince Grigory Potemkin, Catherine the Great's close advisor, military commander, and the de facto architect of much of Russia's southern expansion and Black Sea strategy. Potemkin's vision for Novorossiya (New Russia) and his leadership in the earlier stages of the war and negotiations were instrumental in achieving Russia's objectives, making Bezborodko's succession at such a crucial moment particularly noteworthy.
Long-term Significance and Impact
The Treaty of Jassy profoundly solidified Russia's position as the preeminent power in the Black Sea region and Eastern Europe, paving the way for further Russian geopolitical ambitions in the Caucasus and the Balkans throughout the 19th century. For the Ottoman Empire, this treaty marked another significant milestone in its ongoing decline, confirming the irreversible loss of historically vital territories and further diminishing its control over its crucial northern Black Sea provinces. It underscored the shift in the balance of power from the Ottoman Empire towards Russia, a trend that would continue for decades.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Treaty of Jassy
- When and where was the Treaty of Jassy signed?
- The Treaty of Jassy was signed on 9 January 1792 in Iași (Jassy), a city located in Moldavia, which is now part of Romania.
- What was the main purpose of the Treaty of Jassy?
- Its primary purpose was to formally end the Russo-Turkish War of 1787–1792 and to confirm the significant territorial gains and strategic dominance of the Russian Empire in the Black Sea region.
- Which territories did Russia gain or have confirmed by the treaty?
- The treaty officially recognized Russia's earlier annexation of the Crimean Khanate and transferred the territory of Yedisan (between the Dniester and Southern Bug rivers) to Russian control, establishing the Dniester as the new European frontier.
- Who were the key signatories of the treaty?
- The treaty was signed by Grand Vizier Koca Yusuf Pasha for the Ottoman Empire and Prince Alexander Bezborodko, who led the Russian delegation after the death of Prince Grigory Potemkin.
- What was the long-term impact of the Treaty of Jassy?
- It solidified Russia's status as the dominant power in the Black Sea and Eastern Europe, marking a clear decline in Ottoman influence and paving the way for further Russian expansion.