Constantinople Convention of 1800

concluded between Russia and Turkey on the status of the Ionian Islands and part of the territory along the Albanian-Greek coast liberated in 1798–99 from the rule of the French Directory by a Russian squadron commanded by F. F. Ushakov.

The convention was signed on March 21 (April 2) and was ratified by Russia on August 15 (27). It provided for the creation in the region of the Ionian Archipelago of what was called the Republic of the Seven United Islands. This entity was to be in a vassal relationship to Turkey and under the protection of Russia. The territory along the Albanian-Greek shore with the cities of Preveza, Parga, Buthrotum, and Vonitsa (all in what was called ex-Venetian Albania, which was seized from Venice in 1797 by France) was to be transferred to Turkey. The internal status of the republic was supposed to be determined by a constitution, which was to be confirmed by the signatories to the convention. The economic articles of the convention provided for freedom of commerce and navigation within the maritime boundaries of the Republic of the Seven United Islands and periodic payment (once in three years) of tribute of 75,000 piastres by the republic to Turkey. Russia and Turkey reserved for themselves the right to introduce their troops within the boundaries of the republic in time of war against France. The convention lost its importance following the signing of the Treaty of Tilsit of 1807; according to the secret articles of that treaty, the Ionian Islands were to be transferred to France.