Ottoman Empire Russia War

Russia’s protection of the rights of orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire that justified Russian intervention in the ottoman affairs resulted with a new Ottoman-Russia war in 1877.

Russian army that passed through Danube met with the Ottoman forces at Plevna under the command of Gazi Osman Pasha and was stopped for five months with a courageous defence. When Ottoman forces could not resist any longer, Russians marched through Adrianople . The Ottomans requested peace. According to the Treaty of San Stefano (Ayastefanos) of 1878:

Serbia, Karadag and Romania were recognised as independent.

Bosnia and Herzegovina received autonomy under the Ottomans’ suzerainty.

Bulgaria received independence consisting also Macedonia and provinces of Western Thrace.

Thessaly was ceded to Greece.

Kars, Ardagan, Dogu Bayazid and Batumi were ceded to Russia

Ottomans accepted to make reforms in favour of Armenians.

Ottomans accepted to give a large war indemnity to Russia.

The European powers consisting Britain, Germany and Austria reacted to the new settlement which provided a Russian domination in the Balkans.

The “Congress of Berlin” was signed in order to formulate a solution to the Eastern Question in July 13, 1878. According to the treaty;

Serbia, Karadag and Romania were recognised as independent.

Bosnia and Herzegovina were placed under the Ottoman laws and Austrian administration.

Bulgaria recognised as an independent “princedom”. Eastern Thrace was agreed to be governed by a Christian governor positioned by Sultan for five years.

Macedonia recovered in Ottomans’ control.

Kars, Ardagan, Batumi were given to Russia, Dogu Bayazid was relinquished to the Ottomans.

Ottomans accepted to make reforms in the eastern Anatolia and Crete.

Greece received Thessaly.

Ottomans agreed to pay war indemnity

The Ottomans requested Britain’s aid in order to lighten Russia’s conditions agreed at the Treaty of San Stefano. Britain accepted the request if the Ottomans left the governance of Cyprus to themselves. Therefore, Cyprus became legally Ottomans and Britain would prevent Russia’s attacks being so strategically located. The agreement made on June 4, 1878, would continue until Russia accepted to leave from the captured cities on the eastern Anatolia