Beyond conquest: continuity and change on the Ottoman western frontier (from the late 15th to mid-16th century)

This thesis examines the evolution and financial structure of the Ottoman frontier organisation from the late 15th to mid-16th centuries, focusing on its military and fiscal strategies. The research emphasises institutional continuity during this period, filling a scholarly gap between the extensively studied 16th and 17th century Ottoman military history and frontier studies. While the existing literature predominantly addresses military aspects post-Mohács, this study particularly examines the pre- Mohács Ottoman frontier structure and its network of fortresses spanning Bosnia, Croatia, Srem, and Hungary. It highlights numerous fortresses and their garrisons, revealing a substantial financial system established in the 1470s to sustain military outposts. Key findings reveal the Ottoman territorial expansion and development of frontier organization and financing mechanisms. This study traces the capture and utilisation of fortresses, elucidating their strategic importance, and the Ottoman Empire’s systematic reorganisation of conquered territories into a cohesive defensive hinterland. In contrast to previous studies overlooking financial pressures on Ottoman frontier administration, this thesis explores mechanisms such as the havale method, timar allocations, and subsidies from central treasury utilized to support frontier fortresses. Drawing on newly uncovered archival documents, this research analyses the emergence of frontier power holders and the growth of the sipahi cavalry in maintaining Ottoman military dominance in its western frontier. It examines how financial strategies evolved alongside military exigencies, enabling sustained expansion and defence.