Russian policies regarding Mt. Athos in the early 20th century

Te Beginning of the twentieth century was a time of unrealized project of internationalization of Athos, who actively defended the diplomatic service of the Russian Empire. Largely this project was an extension of their traditional campaign to the Holy land of Palestine and mount Athos belong to the Orthodox world. Afer the lesson, during the First Balkan war of Athos Greek troops in the autumn of 1912, the Russian government has shown considerable interest in the Holy Mountain, seeing in it a reference point of its influence in the Mediterranean. Was developed the project of internationalization of the Holy Mountain. To implement it has taken some effort. Te main struggle of the Russian diplomacy on Athos subject was conducted from November 1912 to July 1914. However, in the implementation of the project, the Russian government was faced not only with the resistance of the Greek authorities and the monks, but also by the opposition of many of the great European powers (especially Austria-Hungary). As a result, miss a favorable situation, the Russian diplomacy has failed. In General, the Russian authorities did not recognize the actual joining of the Holy Mountain of Greece until the fall of 1917, took measures for the setlement of legal status of mount Athos, while maintaining some hope of success. However, the subsequent October revolution and the establishment in Russia of Soviet power led to the final abandonment of the project of internationalization of the Holy Mountain