SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This is a study of Sir Robert Ainslie's embassy in Istanbul, 1776 - 1794. The arrival of Sir Robert Ainslie in Istanbul is dealt with in chapter I, which also outlines the existing situation at the Porte and discusses the circumstances surrounding the Russian annexation of the Crimea, together with the British and French response to this development. The new situation arising in Europe as a result of the treaty of Versailles of 1783 is dealt with in chapter II which further discusses French attempts at mediation between and the Ottoman Empire, the British efforts to frustrate theme attempts and the events of the war between Russia and Ottoman Empire. Chapter III is concerned with Prussian intervention and the Austrian involvement in the Russo-Turkish war, and analyses in detail British support of Prussian endeavours to mediate a peace and the subsequent alliance between Russia and the Ottoman Empire. The complicated negotiations of the Reichenbach Convention of July 1790, which resulted in an Austrian agreement to make peace with the Porte, are covered in chapter IV. British and Prussian efforts to induce the Ottomans to make peace with Austria are described in chapter V, which clarifies the British failure to support Prussia in putting pressure on Catherine II, and concludes with a discussion of the terms of the final peace treaties signed in 1791 and 1792.