Treaty of the Dardanelles concluded between Britain and the Ottoman Empire

Background. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was established in 1801, creating a unitary sovereign state. The Ottoman Empire, centered in modern-day Turkey, spanned Southeast Europe, West Asia, and North Africa. The treaty was concluded at Çanak in the Ottoman Empire on 5 January 1809.

Terms of the Treaty. The Ottoman government, known as the Porte, agreed to restore extensive commercial and legal privileges for British subjects within the empire. In exchange, Britain committed to protecting the integrity of the Ottoman Empire against the French threat. This protection was to be provided through the British fleet and by supplying weapons to Constantinople.

Diplomatic Context. The treaty is also referred to as the Dardanelles Treaty of Peace, Commerce, and Secret Alliance. It was concluded at Çanak, Ottoman Empire, on 5 January 1809. The agreement solidified the relationship between the British state and the Ottoman government, addressing both commercial interests and security concerns regarding French influence.