Treaty of Defensive Alliance between Russia and Turkey
2.1115 Treaty of Defensive Alliance between
Russia and Turkey
Alliance Members:Russia and Turkey
Signed On:January 3, 1799, in the city of Constantinople (Istanbul,
Tu r k e y )
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 54, p. 349.
SUMMARY
The French invasion of Egypt had been a resounding success for the
French on the ground. However, the intervention of the British and
the subsequent demolition of the French fleets at the Battle of the Nile
in August 1798 caused both Napoleon and Sultan Selim III to con-
clude that the French were trapped. An optimistic Selim III decided to
renew a ground war against Napoleon, and he signed an alliance with
Russia that was principally defensive in nature. By signing the alliance
and sharing allies and enemies, Russia and the Ottoman Empire were
incorporated into a second anti-French coalition that included Naples,
Austria, and Great Britain.
Russia avoided any direct conflict against the French in Egypt or Syria
although Russia did help the British and the Turks in the Mediter-
ranean, capturing the Ionian Isles. By 1800, Russia was out of the
coalition completely for political reasons and a new distrust of the
British.
Description of Terms
The allies declared peace, friendship, and harmony between the
two nations, establishing that they would essentially share both
friends and enemies. Turkey guaranteed all Russian territory,
and Russia guaranteed Turkish territory, including the antebel-
lum territory in Egypt prior to the French invasion.
The allies agreed not to make any other engagements that
could have negative effects on the other ally. If attacked, the
state that was attacked would decide the subsidy asked of the
assisting state. If a subsidy of men and warships was required, a
delay of three months would be given to the assisting state. If
the subsidy was to be monetary, it would be given as soon as the
war was declared.
Neither ally would be able to make peace or a cease-fire
without the other party. If the allies did go to war together they
would discuss their war plans with each other. The attacked
country would give to the auxiliary troops both shelter and
food. Germany, England, and Prussia would be invited to join
the treaty, which was set to last for eight years.
2.1116 Treaty of Defensive Alliance between
Great Britain and Turkey
Alliance Members:Great Britain and Turkey
Signed On:January 5, 1799, in the city of Constantinople (Istanbul,
Tu r k e y )
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 54, p. 389.
SUMMARY
Europe witnessed a flurry of alliance making in the beginning stages
of the War of the Second Coalition. Though the First Coalition folded
with Austria’s 1797 peace with France, Great Britain always remained
in a state of war with France although hostilities were largely limited
to naval conflict. Now, with a mutual enemy in France after
Napoleon’s invasion of Egypt, Great Britain and the Ottoman Empire
signed an alliance in January 1799.
Great Britain later participated in several military campaigns against
the French in the Middle East through 1801. As Napoleon retreated to
France, the siege of Alexandria in the summer of 1801 ended in a con-
vincing British victory and formally ended the French campaign in
Egypt.Description of Terms
Signed two days after the Ottoman alliance with Russia, the
terms of this agreement largely mirror the Russian agreement.
Britain assured the Porte of its interest in the return to the
Ottoman Empire of its antebellum territorial holdings in Egypt
and Syria.2.1117 Treaty of Alliance between Turkey and
the Two Sicilies
Alliance Members:Turkey and the Two Sicilies
Signed On:January 21, 1799, in the city of Constantinople (Istanbul,
Tu r k e y )
Alliance Type:Defense Pact (Type I)
Source:Consolidated Treaty Series,vol. 54, p. 405.SUMMARY
This pact between the Ottomans and the Two Sicilies recognized pre-
existing alliances with Russia, thus forming a triple alliance among the
three states. The Turkish preoccupation with the French presence in
the Middle East made the Turks of little use to Naples in the Italian
campaign. Similarly, Naples was in no position to assist the Turks in
the Middle East.
The alliance effectively ended with the Treaty of Florence when France
forced peace on Naples in 1801. One of the provisions of the dictated
peace was that Naples close its harbors and ports to Turkish ships.Description of Terms
The Two Sicilies pledged to join the defensive alliance between
Turkey and Russia, thus linking the three parties in good friend-
ship. The Two Sicilies guaranteed all the possessions of Turkey
as they were before the French invasion in Egypt. Turkey like-
wise guaranteed all of its partner’s territorial possessions.
Although the allies could negotiate alliances with other powers,
the new alliances would not counter the interests of the allies to
this alliance.
When the warships of the allies met, they pledged that they
would salute each other according to the grade of the com-
mander. If the two commanders were equal, they would not
salute each other. All the goods obtained from the enemy would