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The Azov Campaigns of 1695–1696 in the Context of History of the Russian-Georgian Relations
Article is devoted a role and place of Azov campaigns of 1695–1696 in a context of history of the Russian-Georgian relations. The first major victory of the Russian state over its main adversary in the Black Sea region and the Caucasus – the Ottoman
Empire – could have strengthened the diplomatic ties between Russia and the Georgian kingdoms. But this did not happen; on the contrary, military and political contacts between co-religionist states were weakening. The article analyzes the reasons for the stagnation of Russian-Georgian relations during this period. The main reason for this state of affairs was a deep crisis of Georgian statehood at the turn of the XVII–XVIII centuries. Eastern Georgian kingdoms – Kartli and Kakheti – were dependent on Iran, and the western Georgian state Imeretia was under pressure from the Ottoman Empire. The Russian government regularly received information about the political situation in Transcaucasia from the King of Imereti Archil II. These messages indicated the extreme political instability in which the holders of the Georgian thrones were replaced within a very short time and, accordingly, the conclusion of alliance treaties was pointless. At the same time, the capture of Azov demonstrated to the Bagrations the growing strength of Russia, which was capable of defeating the Ottoman Empire. It was the Azov campaigns that prepared the way for subsequent Russian-Georgian diplomatic contacts.
Empire – could have strengthened the diplomatic ties between Russia and the Georgian kingdoms. But this did not happen; on the contrary, military and political contacts between co-religionist states were weakening. The article analyzes the reasons for the stagnation of Russian-Georgian relations during this period. The main reason for this state of affairs was a deep crisis of Georgian statehood at the turn of the XVII–XVIII centuries. Eastern Georgian kingdoms – Kartli and Kakheti – were dependent on Iran, and the western Georgian state Imeretia was under pressure from the Ottoman Empire. The Russian government regularly received information about the political situation in Transcaucasia from the King of Imereti Archil II. These messages indicated the extreme political instability in which the holders of the Georgian thrones were replaced within a very short time and, accordingly, the conclusion of alliance treaties was pointless. At the same time, the capture of Azov demonstrated to the Bagrations the growing strength of Russia, which was capable of defeating the Ottoman Empire. It was the Azov campaigns that prepared the way for subsequent Russian-Georgian diplomatic contacts.
Peter I, Georgia, Archil II, Azov campaigns