The Geopolitics of the

Russo-Turkish War 1877-

1878

ȘERBĂNESCU OCTAVIAN
General Information
• The Russo-Turkish War of 1877-1878 was
one conflict in a series of military
confrontations, known as the “Eastern
Question.”
• The Ottoman Empire covered at its peak
an area of 1.8 million km² and controlled
territories in Europe, Middle East and
Northern Africa.
•The war brought significant geopolitical
changes in Europe.

Image: Wikipedia.org
Causes of the War
• Revolts against the Ottomans started in Bosnia and Herzegovina (1875), Bulgaria, Serbia and
Montenegro (1876).
• The Constantinople Conference (1876-1877) of the Great Powers failed to resolve the situation
in the Balkans. At the same time, the Ottoman Empire revises its Constitution and declares
Romania a “privileged province” and integrated territory of the empire.
• Russia wanted in increase its power in the Balkans and to obtain the Dardanelles and Bosporus
Straights. The Russians argued that they are the protectors of Slavic and Orthodox peoples in
the region, justifying its military actions.
Image: ideararemaps.com
Russo-Romanian Military Convention
On 4th/16th April 1877, a Military
Convention between Romania and Russia
was signed:
• Russian Army is allowed to transit the
Romanian territory
• Russia covers all expenses of its army
• Russia should respect the territorial
integrity of Romania (between the two
states there was a dispute over Southern
Bessarabia, Russia wanting to gain access to
the Danube)

Image: actmedia.eu
The War in the Balkans
• On 12th/24th April 1877, Russia declares war against the Ottoman Empire. The troops stationed
in Bessarabia cross the Prut River in Romania and organize a general camp in Ploiesti.
• Between 19th and 27th May, the Russian Army is aligned along the Romanian bank of the
Danube, from the Olt River to the Black Sea. The Romanian Army is dispatched along the
Danube in Oltenia region.
• On the 22nd June, the Russians cross the Danube into Dobruja region and near Shistov. From
here, the army followed 3 directions: South, West and East.
• Initially, the Russian Army managed to advance easily on the Danubian Plains (favorable
geographic factor), but the campaign was slowed during the Siege of Pleven.
Image: Wikipedia.org
The Siege of Pleven
• Pleven, located in the Danubian Plains, was one of the strongholds of the Ottomans during the
war. Pleven was heavily fortified by the Turks.
• Two sieges took place in July 1877, but with no results for the Russians. For this reason, Russia
requested help from the Romanian Army.
• On 30th August/11th September, a new siege is organized by the Russo-Romanian troops. This
assault was not a success either, even though the Romanians captured the fort of Grivita I.
• A forth siege ensured for the allied armies a great success. Pleven was captured in December
when the Ottoman troops led by Osman Pasha surrendered.
• The Russo-Romanian forces continued their campaign and captured Sofia in January 1878.
Afterwards, the Russians advanced to the Balkan Mountains.
Image: Wikipedia.org
The Passes in the Balkan Mountains
• The passes of the Balkan Mountains (natural obstacle for the advancement of the Russian Army)
were very important: Arabakonak P., Troyan P., Shipka P, Pass of the Republic. The actions to
capture the passes began in July 1877.
• The most important pass was Shipka Pass because it is located on the way that links the Danube
to Edirne.
• The Russians helped by Bulgarian volunteers captured the pass in July 1877. The Ottoman
contingents (ruled by Suleiman Pasha) start an offensive to take back the pass in August 1877.
• In January 1878, Shipka Pass went under Russian control, making the advancement of the troops
to Constantinople (through the Thracian Plains) easier. The Russians faced a weak resistance from
the Turks.
• By March 1878, the Russians reached San Stefano (11 km away from Constantinople). The
Ottomans request peace.
Battles in the Caucasian Region
• In June 1877, 4 detachments entered
the Ottoman Empire from Russia.
• The Russian campaign was at first
successful, capturing Bayazid and
Ardahan.
• The siege of Kars was difficult,
determining the Russians to retreat
temporarily in the summer. A second
siege in November was effective.
• From Kars, the Russian troops advanced
to Erzurum where the fights will continue
until the San Stefano Treaty is signed in
1878.
Image: wikipedia.org
Treaty of San Stefano (3rd March 1878)
The Treaty of San Stefano was signed by Russia and the Ottoman Empire. It stipulated:
• Bulgaria becomes an autonomous principality (it will be under Russian influence)
• Romania, Serbia, Montenegro become independent states
• Russia takes Southern Bessarabia from Romania (gains access to the Chilia Branch of the
Danube) and compensates Romania with Dobruja region, Danube Delta and the Serpent Island
(this provision creates a conflict with Romania)
• Russia obtains new territories in the Caucasian area from the Ottoman Empire
The Great Powers did not agree with the terms of the treaty, especially with the establishment
of Bulgaria (they feared an increased Russian influence in the Balkans). For this reason, a new
congress is organized in Berlin.
Congress of Berlin (June-July 1878)
The Treaty of Berlin replaced the Treaty of San Stefano. At the Congress of Berlin, all European
powers participated. The treaty stipulates:
• The independence of Serbia, Montenegro and Romania (with conditions) is recognized
• Austro-Hungary occupies Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Great Britain receives the island of Cyprus
• Bulgaria is divided in two parts: the North and the South (Eastern Rumelia)
• Russia keeps Southern Bessarabia, Kars, Ardahan, Batumi (strategic harbor in the Black Sea)
Consequences
• Russian territorial gains were diminished. It gained control over Batumi (important harbor on
the Eastern coast of the Black Sea) and Chilia Branch of the Danube.
• Russia did not fulfill its objective to control Bosporus and Dardanelles Straights.
• The Ottoman Empire still remains an European power.
• Austro-Hungary becomes more influent in the Balkans by occupying Bosnia and Herzegovina.
• Great Britain increases its influence in the Eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea after receiving
Cyprus.
Image: Wikipedia.org
 Bibliography
• Avram Andrei, Războiul de Independență: cum au luptat românii și erau să nu primească nimic!, historia.ro,
https://www.historia.ro/sectiune/general/articol/razboiul-de-independenta-cum-au-luptat-romanii-si-erau-sa-nu-pri
measca-nimic
• Britannica Editors, Eastern Question, Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/event/Eastern-Question
• Britannica Editors, Russo-Turkish Wars, Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Russo-Turkish-wars
• Britannica Editors, Shipka Pass, Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/place/Shipka-Pass
• Britannica Editors, Treaty of San Stefano, Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/event/Treaty-of-San-Stefano
• Encyclopedia, Russo-Turkish War, encyclopedia.com,
https://www.encyclopedia.com/history/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/russo-turkish-war
• Keith Hitchins, România 1866-1947, Humanitas, Bucharest, 2013, pp. 50-66
• Treaty of Berlin 1878 Concluded, Boris Yeltsin Presidential Library, Berlin, 1878,
https://www.prlib.ru/en/history/619381