Phanariot diplomacy (1711-1821)

The Phanariot princes, as in the previous era of autochthonous reigns, had diplomatic agents at the Sublime Porte (Capukehai) and benefited from the same ceremonial forms. Thus, throughout the period of the Phanariot reigns (1711-1821), the Romanian Principalities, through their diplomatic agents from Constantinople, who performed the function of representatives of the voivode with diplomatic envoy status, accredited by the Ottoman authorities (Grand vizier), affirmed their status autonomous within the Ottoman Empire. The increase in the importance of the Capukechais during the Phanariot reigns was manifested by the increase in their number, their influence in the Principality and their importance in the diplomatic world of Constantinople. To obtain the desired status, that of voivode (hospodar) or dragoman and to be able to keep it for as long as possible, the Phanariot families had to wage a permanent struggle, by all means to annihilate their opponents, Phanariot’s like themselves. During this period, the history of the foreign policy of Moldova and Wallachia is, in fact, the history of the ties and political relations between the families of the Phanariot princes and the Great European Powers - relationships, which were often hidden, being much more complex and with multivalent implications in the politics of the era than believed.