Let's assume for purpose of argument that Russia advances to, and takes, Constantinople in the 1877-78 war. Leaving aside the other consequences of this massive victory let's assume that Russia takes the city in the peace. The one thing that I have always wondered about how such a thing would be administered. I am assuming that a continuous line of Russian territory down to the city would be impractical. Would it be like Port Arthur or Hong Kong, stranded in the middle of another country?
If Russia had its heart set on Constantinople and actually got it, what would they do with it?