Russisch-Türkischer Krieg (1768–1774) und griechischer Aufstand

ignoring the Revolt,

this is (probably) the MOST „important“ Russo-Turkish war, (from a Greek perspective)

the agreement (ALL Greeks should know this, it is part of education) finalizing the war, (in favour of Russia), offered, essentially, Russia a right to intervene in Turk domestic policy, where it concerned the Orthodox population.

(this would later be applied by Russia for 2 important wars, 1828 & 1878).

also, as a result of that war, Russia gained „Novorossia“ („New Russia“).

Odessa was founded then, (it had bee Turk before, and, ironically, in Ancient period it was colonized by Greeks, so Ekaterina’s decision to give it a Greek name was historically accurate).

it’s where, the „Φιλική Εταιρία“ was founded, & established. the group that would go on to launch the Greek war of independence.

Ekaterina, also, invited Orthodox from the Turk Empire to move to Odessa, offering benefits, (like, for instance, tax exemption),

& MANY Greeks (from Greeks of the islands to Greeks of Pontus) „took advantage“ of it.

the city, practically, became (another) Greek hub.

despite being „only“ 10% of the city, Greeks had de-facto monopoly over areas like trade/shipping, over 100+ years,

& played a major role in its management.

even after the Crimean war (where UK/France/Turkey bombed the city & Russia’s loss meant economic crisis), most Greeks stayed & eventually, Odessa would, „prosper“ again.

(mayor of Odessa, in late 19th century, was Greek).

generally, Odessa for over a century, was an extremely multi-cultural city, (& for me, an overlooked gem of the Empire).