Muhammad Ali, an Ottoman officer who had…

Muhammad Ali, an Ottoman officer who had been designated pasha of Egypt by the sultan in 1805, had given substantial aid to the Ottoman cause in the Greek war.

When he is not rewarded as promised for his assistance, he invades Syria in 1831 and pursues the retreating Ottoman army deep into Anatolia.

In desperation, the Porte appeals to Russia for support.

Britain now intervenes, constraining Muhammad Ali to withdraw from Anatolia to Syria.

The price the sultan pays Russia for its assistance is the Treaty of Hiinkar Iskelesi of 1833.

Under this treaty, the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits are to be closed on Russian demand to naval vessels of other powers.