19.YY İLK ÇEYREĞİNDE BÜYÜK GÜÇLER VE GÜNEY KAFKASYA
THE CAUCASUS UNDER THE DOMINION OF GREAT POWERS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THE 19TH CENTURY

Summary/Abstract: To understand the 19th century Caucasus, it is necessary to comprehend the tactics of non-regional expansionist powers, such as France, England, and Russia, which gathered momentum in the course of the rise of the so-called Western modern era, and the situation of the regional powers, namely the Ottoman and Qajar (Iran) empires. If we evaluate the activities of the local and external actors as a whole beginning from the commencement of Russian expansion in the 18th century and the Russian invasion that started in the early 19th century, we can get closer to learn the truth and get the picture more accurately. The interest-based policies adopted by all these powers between 1800-1825, their standpoints that can instantly change or be restructured in line with the policy shifts, and the impact of these shifts on the region are of significance to explain seemingly complex issues. The Russians, who invaded and settled in the North Caucasus in the 18th century, began to occupy the South Caucasus by trespassing the Caucasus Mountains near the end of the century. Russia had become the protector of Georgia against the local powers, namely Ottoman and Qajar Empires, by signing a patronage agreement with her, then Russia annexed the entire South Caucasus. This annexation was not only political and administrative, but it was far-reaching enough to incorporate the Georgian Church into the Russian Church, and to unite the Caucasian Albanian Church with the Armenian Church. To confront these developments, the local power in the Caucasus, the Ottoman and Qajar Empires, sought help from France and England, which were rising power in the West. Their mandates were shaped in accordance with FranceEngland-Russia relations, and accordingly alliances were built, and wars were fought. As an expected result of these conditions, the Ottoman and Qajar Empires were forged by the Russian hammer on the French or English anvil under the pressure of circumstances.

• Details
• Contents