Port arrangements along the Caucasian coast's Black and Caspian seas

Abstract

In the 19th century, three main factors determined the Russian Empire’s conquest of the Caucasus: 1. Interest in the Caucasus as a system of trade routes, 2. Market – as a commercial area for the extraction of industrial items, agricultural products, and raw resources. 3. Geostrategic space – Russian Empire’s political and strategic position. These three factors were closely connected to the Empire’s broader ambitions to expand its influence toward Asia and India. To advance these imperial objectives, it was essential to develop and control both land and maritime routes. This discussion focuses specifically on maritime routes and their development.