Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Codrul Cosminului, cilt.30, sa.1, ss.107-122, 2024 (ESCI)
Akyar is a fortified port city located on the southern tip of the Crimean Pen-insula. Originally a small Tatar settlement, this area was annexed by the Russians in 1783 and the city was renamed Sevastopol. While this port was once used as a trading port, the city’s true importance stems from its being the centre of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. As is well known, a key factor shaping Russian foreign policy for long had been their quest for access to warm waters. When considering Russian geography, the rationale behind this en-deavour becomes clear. In pursuit of this ambition, the Straits played a crucial role. To reach the Straits, it was necessary to first establish naval superiority in the Black Sea with a strong fleet. Prioritizing the Black Sea Fleet was not the only reason for the Russians, but they saw it as a defensive necessity. In this context, following the annexation of Crimea in 1783, this port city under Russian rule gradually became the centre of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Alt-hough it continued to be used as a trading port for a long time, especially in the last quarter of the 19th century, the necessity of turning it into a naval base started to be discussed, and ultimately the port of Sevastopol was transformed into a naval base. This study examines the transformation of Sevastopol from a small Tatar settlement into the centre of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.