Why Didn’t the Russian and Ottoman Empires Form a Military Alliance Against Britain and France?

For centuries, the Russian and Ottoman Empires were pivotal players in the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia. Surprisingly, a question often arises: why didn’t these two empires ever ally against the Western powers, notably Britain and France? This article explores the historical context and the myriad reasons that led to this paradox, highlighting the impact of religious, geographical, and cultural factors on their diplomatic relations.

Historical Alliances Against Napoleon

One exception to the general lack of alliance between the Russian and Ottoman Empires against the West was during their joint campaign against Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799. Both empires joined forces to counter the French military threat to Europe. However, this alliance was an anomaly rather than a precedent for sustained cooperation.

The Eastern Question and the Quest for Constantinople

In the 1770s, the Russian Empire, under the reign of brothers Constantine and Alexander, aimed to resolve the so-called ‘Eastern Question’ and reclaim Constantinople for the Orthodox Christians. This was a fundamental objective of the Romanov dynasty, even as it expanded to include the Holstein-Gottorp branch. Despite the allure of acquiring Constantinople, the Russian annexation of the region would have likely alienated the Ottomans and led to a volatile situation rather than a stable alliance.

The Western Perspective and the Ottoman Empire

For the Ottoman Empire, the West was not a unified abstraction but rather a collection of powerful nations that were often strategic rivals. Great Britain and France, with their mutual enmity towards Russia, were natural allies for the Ottomans. This enmity was a driving force behind the political alignments of the time, with the Ottomans consistently viewing Russia as their principal adversary.

Religious and Cultural Divides

One of the most significant factors hindering a Russian-Ottoman alliance was the deep-seated religious differences. The memory of the Tatar-Mongol invasion in the 13th century, which imposed a Muslim 'yoke' on Christian Russia, was a profound and painful experience for the Russian populace. This humiliating period left a lasting trauma, influencing Russian identity and its approach to neighboring Muslim states.

The cultural and linguistic influences also played a crucial role. Russian nobility, especially since the reign of Peter the Great, had been heavily influenced by Western European ideals and customs. French, in particular, was the language of elite society, and Russian culture and literature were replete with references to Western influence. This pro-Western sentiment created a fundamentally different worldview from the Ottoman Empire, which was rooted in Islamic traditions.

Strategic and Territorial Disputes

Geographically, the Russian and Ottoman Empires had been long-standing rivals for control of territories such as Crimea. Numerous conflicts, often ending in Ottoman loss at both land and sea, had burdened the Ottoman military and political psyche. These crushing defeats were not easily forgotten, leading to a lingering sense of resentment and a lack of trust in forming a lasting military alliance.

Conclusion

The failure of the Russian and Ottoman Empires to form a lasting military alliance against Britain and France was a complex interplay of historical, religious, and cultural factors. While they occasionally found themselves allies, such as during the Napoleonic Wars, the underlying tensions and divergent interests ensured that a stable and enduring alliance remained elusive.