The Great Eastern Crisis (1875−1885) as a Balkan Historical Milestone (A Case Study of Article XXIII of the Berlin Treaty)

The historical issue of the Great Eastern Crisis (1875−1885) is examined as a significant phase in the social and political development of parts of Southeastern Europe connected with the territorial withdrawal of the Ottoman Empire. Through a brief presentation of the crisis’ main events, a more extended periodization of its stages is offered when analyzing this complex historical process. Based on the analysis of Article XXIII of the Berlin Treaty (1878) and its (non)implementation, the consequences for the further historical development of Ottoman Macedonia are discussed.