The Ottoman Empire and Russia on the Way to the Independence of Serbia in the ‘Eastern Question’

Abstract

ABSTRACT In the 19th century, the phrase the ‘Eastern Question’ in international relations in Europe was of central importance. The Eastern Question led to a long-lasting geopolitical and geo-economic fight between the Ottoman Empire and the various European empires. The main geopolitical factor was the fight for independence among the various peoples who inhabited the Ottoman Empire, as well as the political support provided to them by the European empires. One of those significant factors was the fight of one of the nations included in the Ottoman Empire — the Serbian struggle for independence. The Serbs had been part of the Ottoman Empire since the 14th century; however, in the 19th century, due to weakening of the Ottoman Empire, they sought independence. In achieving this, Russia played a central role. This article addresses how the Serbians gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century and what role the political support of the Russian Empire played in these developments. Political factors take central stage here. Moreover, the article analyzes the international political processes in Europe during this period, mainly focusing on Great Britain, France, and Austria-Hungary. In the 19th century, the international situation related to the Eastern Question escalated. The main indication of this would be the Russian-Turkish War of 1877–1878. In the following conferences, Russia supported the independence of Serbia. This article shows why Russia supported Serbia, both economically as well as mentally.