The great power rivalry on the question of control over the holy places during the period of 1840-1860 (according to the published notes of count N. P. Ignatiev)

The article describes the main issues of the Russian foreign policy in the Middle East in the context of the rivalry of European states. The author points out the role of count N.P. Ignatyev in resolving conflicts and solving urgent problems of Russian diplomacy in the Middle East, namely, the issue concerning repair of the dome of the Temple of the Holy Sepulchre.