The Battle of Sinop, or the Battle of Sinope, was a naval battle that took place on 30 November 1853 between Russia and the Ottoman Empire at Sinop, a sea port along the southern shore of the Black Sea. It was a precursor to the Crimean War. During the battle a squadron of Imperial Russian warships led by Russian Admiral Paul Nakhimov struck and defeated a squadron of Ottoman ships anchored in the harbor. The Ottoman forces were led by Vice Admiral Osman Pasha.
The battle is noted for proving the superiority of the shell gun against wooden hulls and shots fired from smooth bores. Nearly 3,000 Turks were killed when Nakhimov's forces shelled the town of Sinop after sinking the Turkish ships. It is commemorated in Russia as a Day of Military Honour.
The battle was a contributing factor to bringing France and Britain into the conflict.
Lieutenant Commander William M. Pitt of the United States Naval War College has written that the battle is only one of two recorded incidents in history where the tactical strategy of interposition has failed.