Taman lands in the strategic plans of the Russian empire and the ottoman porte during the war of 1768-1774

The article examines the value of the Taman lands for the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Porte during the Russo-Turkish war of 1768-1774. The study reviews the circumstances of capturing the fortress of Taman by the Russian troops, the activities to reinforce its relations with the local population, the complexity of its defending and the reasons for its leaving. The author shows the role of the fortress and the harbor of Taman as a bridge between peoples and lands of Crimea and Kuban. The article identifies the strategies of the Imperial Council of the Russian Empire and the Russian diplomatic mission responsible for the negotiations with the Ottoman Porte over Taman lands. It analyzes the reasons for the refusal of Taman by the Russian government in favor of the Crimean Khanate.