Ottoman-Russian commercial relations between 1823-1830 (According to the Russian Judgement Register numbered 90/8)

The first diplomatic relations between the Ottoman Empire and Russia coincide with the end of the 15th century. The main factor in establishing the first relations between the two parties was the issue of commercial relations and the protection of Russian merchants. Commercial relations which started from that period have accelerated gradually. On the other hand, great struggles have been experienced between these countries because of the increasing competition. As a result of these struggles and wars, Russia, which has made accepted its supremacy many times, obtained commercial rights from the Ottoman Empire with the peace treaties. Russia, in order to benefit from privileges given to other European countries, gained the right to trade in the Black Sea by using Ottoman ships with the treaty of Belgrade. Thereafter, with the treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca, Russia obtained the right to free trade in the Black Sea and the straits with her own ships and consolidated her dominance in the Black Sea by annexing Crimea. With the Trade Agreement dated 1783, the judgements regarding the implementation of trade between the two parties were decided. Thus, the economic dimension of the competition between the two states is revealed by these agreements. In this study, the Russian Judgment Register numbered 90/8 in the Foreign Nations/States (Düvel-i Ecnebiye) Judgement Register from May 1823 to December 1830 and was kept in the Prime Ministry Ottoman Archives, was discussed. The entire Register, which consists of 1181 judgements in total, has been translated and examined. The Register contains judgements on diplomatic, political, social relations and the solution of the emerging problems within the framework of treaties, as well as shedding light on trade practices between 1823 and 1830. Within the scope of this study, all judgements in the aforementioned register were examined, so that what kind of activities took place in the Ottoman-Russian relations, which problems were experienced and decisions were made about their solution, what kind of content it had, the effect of the political events on the commercial relations of that period, the traded goods detailed information, general principles of trade practice and questions about trade policies were sought. In terms of explaining the basis of the content in the book and the integrity of the study, the beginning and development of the Ottoman-Russian relations, a view on commercial relations through treaties and the Ottoman economic and commercial policy issues were also examined. Thus, it is aimed to contribute to the Ottoman-Russian commercial relations studies in a holistic way.