Kuchuk Kainarji, Treaty of 1774

a treaty signed by Russia and Turkey on July 10 (21) in the village of Kuchuk Kainarji to end the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–74, which resulted in victory for Russia. Despite the intervention of Western European diplomacy, which sought to limit Russia’s gains, the Turkish side accepted the main conditions of the Russian government.

The treaty established Russia’s border in the northwestern Caucasus along the Kuban’ River. It provided for the separation of the Crimean khanate from the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the khanate’s independence; ceded part of the sea-coast to Russia, including the fortresses of Kerch’, Enikale, and Kinburn; allowed Russia to retain Greater and Lesser Kabarda; gave Russian merchant ships the right to sail the Black Sea and pass through the Black Sea straits unhindered; and made Moldavia and Walachia autonomous and placed these principalities under Russian protection. The treaty made possible the economic development of the steppe expanses of Russia and the Black Sea trade and created favorable conditions for the struggle of the Balkan and Caucasian peoples for liberation from the Turkish yoke.