"The Independent Crimean Khanate" (1772-1783)

This study aims to examine the position of the Crimean Khanate in the Ottoman-Russian Wars during the 18th century and to try to maintain its existence as an independent state after the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji. The Crimean Khanate has always been on the side of the Ottoman Empire against Russia Empire. The Russian Empire did not want the existence of a state which is threatening its southern borders. For this purpose, Catherine II had agreed with Shahin Girei that the Crimean Khanate should be an independent state. Therefore, Catherine II had agreed with Shahin Girei that the Crimean Khanate should be an independent state. After the Treaty of Kuchuk Kainarji, the Crimean Khanate became an independent state in 1774. When Shahin Girei became the Crimean khan, he has started to reforms to create a state which has strong central authority and regular army. However, these reforms were not adopted by the Crimean people, and as a result of the uprisings, Shahin Girei Khan was forced to leave Crimea in 1782. Thus, the Russian army entered into Crimea and gained its dominance, and on 19 April 1783 the Crimea was annexed by the Russian Empire.