Timeline Tuesday 8 April 1783

Events on Tuesday 8 April 1783 1

• 1783 Loss of Crimea -- the first Muslim territory surrendered Russia's formal annexation of the Crimea (8 April 1783) is the first time the Ottoman Empire surrenders a Muslim-majority territory to a non-Muslim power -- a profound psychological blow as much as a strategic one. The Crimean Tatars had been Ottoman vassals since 1475; their khan was appointed by the sultan. Catherine the Great's annexation is facilitated by the Küçük Kaynarca treaty's recognition of nominal Crimean independence (which proves a transitional step to annexation). The loss of the Crimea opens the Black Sea's northern shore to Russia and removes the Ottoman buffer between Russia and the Balkans.