What was the significance of the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca?

The Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca was a peace treaty signed between the Ottoman Empire and Russia on 21 July 1774, ending the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774. The treaty is significant for several reasons:

• Recognition of the independence of the Crimean Khanate: The treaty recognized the independence of the Crimean Khanate from the Ottoman Empire, which became a protectorate of the Russian Empire. This weakened the Ottoman Empire and marked the beginning of Russian expansion into the Black Sea region.
• Territorial losses for the Ottoman Empire: The Ottoman Empire lost territories in the northern Black Sea region, including the port of Azov and the fortress of Kerch.
• Protection of Christian subjects in the Ottoman Empire: The treaty granted Russia the right to protect the Christian subjects of the Ottoman Empire, which was a significant victory for Russia and a setback for the Ottoman Empire. This provision was significant as it gave Russia a pretext to interfere in Ottoman affairs on behalf of Orthodox Christians in the Balkans and other regions of the Ottoman Empire.
• Modernization of the Ottoman Empire: The treaty granted Ottoman merchants the right to trade with Russia and other European countries. This allowed the Ottoman Empire to modernize its economy and become more integrated into the global market.