Economic relations of Russia with the Anatolian Vilayets of the Ottoman Empire at the turn of XIX–XX centuries: competition and learning from states of Europe and the USA

Abstract

The article deals with main directions of the development of economic relations of Russia with the Anatolian Vilayets of the Ottoman Empire at the turn of XIX–XX centuries. Anatolia was a perspective market for Russia. The factors slowing down the development of Russian export to Anatolia and the influence of competition with other European states on this process are considered in the article. A broad range of sources including diplomatic documents, materials of the daily press, statistical materials and memoirs was used in the process of working. The author comes to the conclusion that it was difficult for Russia to compete with Great Britain, France and Austria-Hungary despite strengthening of trade relations of Russia with Anatolia. Russian entrepreneurs knew badly the specificity of local market, they didn't have their offices in Anatolian cities and they didn't get sufficient assistance from the state in comparison with competitors. At the same time at the beginning of XX century Russia achieved significant results in export of sugar, kerosene and a range of other commodities to Anatolia. At the beginning of XX century Russia needed to make serious efforts for the development of trade with the Ottoman Empire in order to strengthen its political position there. In this regard Russian diplomats and experts called for learning from European countries