1829 - Peace With Turkey

Diakov-477.1; ANRO-1538

Obverse:

Inscription: 1829 | БУРГАСЪ | В. АЛЕКСЂЕВЪ
Translation: 1829 Burgas
Description: A soaring Russian eagle with feathers in its paws and laurel branches in its beaks, a date above it, the city of Burgas in the foreground, mountains and the sea in the distance, the Russian fleet on the horizon.

Reverse:

Inscription: МИР СЪ ТУРЦIЕЮ | АДРIАНОПОЛЬ . | 2 СЕНТ . 1829 . | КОП. М. СИЗОРСКIЙ
Translation: Peace with Turkey. Adrianople. 2 September 1829
Description: View of the Adrianople Mosque against the background of mountains.

Struck under authority of Nicholas I 1825-1855

Artist / Engraver: V. Alexeev; copied by M. Sizorsky
Size: 65mm
AU - R5
AR - R3
AE - R1

Reference: Diakov-477.1; Reichel-3505
AU - Kunker 244 Lot 703 (6-Feb-2014) Realized EUR 110,000
AR - Sincona AG Auction 69 Lot 1191 (17-May-2021) Realized CHF 4,500
AE - Kunker 310 Lot 7064 (21-Jun-2018) Realized EUR 1,500

The Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829 was a pivotal moment in the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The war culminated in the signing of the Treaty of Adrianople on September 14, 1829, which marked a significant victory for the Russian Empire and had substantial geopolitical implications in the Balkans and the Black Sea region. The treaty led to the cession of several territories to Russia and established new terms of vassalage for the Ottoman-controlled principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia.

One of the key locations during this war was the city of Burgas, situated on the Black Sea coast of what is now modern-day Bulgaria. The city was captured by the Russian army ten days after launching the Trans-Balkan offensive on July 2, 1829. This capture was part of a larger strategic movement across the Balkan mountains, allowing Russian forces to circumvent the besieged city of Shumla. The capture of Burgas provided the Russian army with a valuable base for naval operations in the Black Sea and served as a stepping stone for further military actions inland, ultimately leading to the capture of Adrianople and the signing of the peace treaty.

The Treaty of Adrianople itself was a landmark agreement that weakened the Ottoman Empire's hold on its European territories and strengthened Russia's position in the Balkans. It led to significant territorial gains for Russia and established Russia's exclusive right to maintain a naval fleet in the Black Sea. The treaty also had far-reaching implications for the Ottoman Empire, weakening its grip on key territories and setting the stage for future conflicts in the region.

In essence, the capture of Burgas and the signing of the Treaty of Adrianople were two pivotal moments in the Russo-Turkish War of 1828–1829. They not only marked significant military and diplomatic achievements for the Russian Empire but also had a lasting impact on the geopolitical dynamics of Eastern Europe and the Balkans.