Değişen Sınırlar Arasında Vidin Kalesi: Organizasyon, Yapılanma ve Askerî Stratejiler (1700-1736)

Abstract

Located on the right bank of the Danube River, Vidin is presently within the borders of Bulgaria. Owing to its strategic location, the city frequently changed hands and came under Ottoman rule in 1396. It was incorporated into the Ottoman administrative system as a sanjak and functioned as a frontier city (serhad şehri). With the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans, Vidin remained within the interior borders of the empire. However, this situation changed due to developments in the 18th century. Following the Treaty of Karlowitz in 1699 and the resulting territorial losses, Vidin's strategic significance was once again brought to the forefront. The Treaty of Passarowitz in 1718 reestablished Vidin as a frontier city. In response to new needs, Vidin Fortress was expanded with significant effort, akin to the construction of an entirely new fortification. The increase in the number of military personnel further accentuated the military character of the city. The aim of this study is to examine the military structuring, strategic significance, and organizational policies of Vidin as it transformed into a frontier city following the Treaty of Passarowitz, in the context of developments that took place after the Treaty of Karlowitz.