Expedition of the Russian Navy to the Bosporus in 1833

a military demonstration by Russia at a time when the Egyptian crisis of 1831–1831 was deepening.

The Russian government viewed with concern the victories of Muhammad Ali, the ruler of Egypt, in the war that, with the support of France, he was waging against Sultan Mahmud II. The rapid advance of Egyptian troops toward Istanbul was also a source of anxiety for Russia. With an eye to strengthening its influence in the Middle East, the Russian government decided to help Turkey. At Turkey’s request, three Russian squadrons entered the Bosporus between February and April 1833. Commanded by rear admirals M. P. Lazarev, M. N. Kumani, and I. O. Stozhevskii, the squadrons included ten ships of the line, five frigates, and two corvettes.

Adjutant General A. F. Orlov, who held the title of ambassador extraordinary and was the commander in chief of the expedition, arrived on April 23. After an 11,000-man Russian landing force disembarked, Muhammad Ali gave up the march on Istanbul. On May 9, 1833, he signed a compromise agreement with the sultan.

On the eve of the evacuation of the Russian troops, Orlov received the sultan’s assent to the signing of the Treaty of Unkiar Skelessi of 1833, which was favorable to Russia. The Russian ships left the Bosporus in late June.