Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca, signed in 1774, ended a war between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire. It granted Russia significant territorial gains and allowed Russian ships to use the Black Sea freely. Additionally, it recognized the independence of the Crimean Khanate, which was previously under Ottoman rule. The treaty marked a decline in Ottoman power and increased Russian influence in southeastern Europe and the Black Sea region. It also established Russia as a protector of Orthodox Christians in the Ottoman Empire, further complicating relations between the two empires.