The Evolution of Fifteenth Century Ottoman Fortresses in the Balkans

Abstract

Based on the information from the tahrir, mevacib and mukataa registers, the study shows how the policies of conquest and centralization, which shaped Ottoman mentality and institutions, also affected the evolution of fortresses in the Balkans in the fifteenth century; their structure, their personnel and equipment. The analysis of these fortresses, their structure and the policies which governed them makes it possible to understand one of the keystones of Ottoman sovereignty in the Balkans. This study tries to explain the dynamic and evolving structure of the Ottoman fortresses and the new policies to which they gave rise.