Russo-Turkish Treaties of Alliance

Signed Dec. 23, 1798 (Jan. 3, 1799), in Constantinople, the Russo-Turkish Treaty of 1799 formalized Turkey’s entry into the second anti-French coalition. The immediate impetus for its conclusion was the invasion of Egypt, a Turkish province, by French forces in July 1798. The public part of the treaty stipulated the preservation of the integrity of the possessions of the allies, as well as opposition to French plans. In secret articles Russia promised military assistance to Turkey in the struggle against France. Under the 1799 treaty Russia received for the first time the official right to send naval vessels through the Black Sea straits. The treaty was to remain in effect for eight years.

The Russo-Turkish Treaty of 1805, which was signed on Sept. 11 (23) in Constantinople, reaffirmed the 1799 treaty and provided for mutual armed assistance in case of attack. Turkey was obligated to help Russian warships pass through the straits in time of war. Under French diplomatic pressure after Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz, Turkey violated the treaty. This led to the Russo-Turkish War of 1806–12.