Khadzhybey (Оdesa) in the events of naval history during the Russian-Turkish war of 1787-1792

Abstract

The actions of the Ottoman and Turkish fleets during the war of 1787-1792 in the Khadzhybey region (Odesa) are analysed in the article based on historical sources published in the XIXth – XXth centuries. It is noted that in historiography much less attention was paid to the military operations on the sea near the mentioned settlement than to the military operations on the land. The escalation of the situation in Khadzhybey Gulf during the unfolding of the war is examined. It is stated that in 1787 and at the beginning of 1788 only single clashes of individual ships took place in the Khadzhybey region. At the same time the military commanders of both belligerents attached great importance to Khadzhybey Gulf from the beginning of the war. The influence of the factor of the dislocation of the sizeableTurkish fleet on the events of the assault of Khadzhybey by Russian troops on 14 September 1789 is considered. It is pointed out that after the mentioned assault the Russian side began to use the Khadzhybey Gulf more often for naval communications, but Russian ships were still unable to be there in complete safety. It is claimed that the naval battle on 28-29 August 1790 in the area between Khadzhybey Gulf and Tendra Island became a peculiar naval conquest of Khadzhybey, which allowed the Russian state to establish the ultimate control over Khadzhybey Gulf. The author made the general conclusion that the naval confrontation around Khadzhybey during the war of 1787-1792 was longer and more cruel than the confrontation between the warring armies around this point on land. It is highlighted the necessity of further research of the mentioned issue involving the Ottoman documents.