Independence in Armenia remained unaccomplished for various reasons including interference from Turk Ottomans and Persian conquerors, which consistently threatened Armenian borders. By the end of the 14th century the Ottomans conquered Asia Minor and the Balcanian peninsula. In 1453 they invaded Constantinople and overthrew the Byzantine Empire. They turned their military efforts toward eastern regions, continuing to conquer new land. The Persians and the Ottomans engaged in war, damaging the stability of Armenia, who was caught in the middle of matters. In 1639, after almost 200 years of disagreement, Turkey and Persia agreed on the division of Armenia into two regions, west and east. The only representatives of the Armenians were the Catholics, whose residence was moved from the city of Cilicia to the city of Echmiadzin in 1441. Armenians attempted to improve their situation, and turned to Christian nations for help. One person, named Catholics Stepanos V, went to Venice hoping to attract the attention of the Pope, and obtain assistance for the Armenian effort. It was however, due to Armenian and Russian relationships, that new hope to save the motherland arose. The two countries had an established history dating back to the early 1600's, when Catholics Hakob IV appealed to the Russian Tsar Alexei Romanov for help. During the 1700's, Russian troops mobilized in the South, to the Caspian Sea. This event encouraged many Armenians as the prospects of Independence seemed closer. The new Russian relationship however, was not enough to overthrow the Persians or the Turks, and it would be many years before Armenia saw any substantial freedom.