The Bulgarian History Podcast

With the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the European powers are defining a new way to relate to one another. Alongside this new "concert of Europe" comes a new distaste for revolutionary anti-Ottoman movements. In this new context, the Second Serbian Uprising will rise with a new leader and aim to fulfill at least some of the promises of the first. Meanwhile, the Ottoman Empire itself will finally begin to bring some peace and prosperity back to its Balkan territories. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/107-the-congress-of-vienna

As the Serbian Uprising and the Napoleonic Wars rage, shifting alliances create new geopolitical realities before anyone can adapt. Meanwhile, the Ottomans frantically try to reform themselves to survive in this fast-changing world. Amidst the chaos, a new Sultan comes to power who may just have what it takes. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/106-karađorđe

This episode recaps the second half of Season 5, beginning with the 1683 Battle of Vienna and following how the 18th century fundamentally reshaped the Ottoman Empire as the central government lost power to the Janissaries and local Ayans as the Ottomans gradually lost territory. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/105-ottoman-decline-part-2 Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/

This episode recaps the first half of Season 5, beginning from the death of Suleiman and covering the long Ottoman wars with the Habsburgs, Safavids, Russians, and Principalities. In the process, we see how the Empire weakens as the Sultans lose power and the Janissaries gain it. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/104-ottoman-decline-part-1 Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/

As the Ottomans struggle to fight Janissary supremacy and rampant banditry within their own borders, the twists and turns of the Napoleonic Wars are throwing redrawing the map of Europe. In the midst of it all, new alliances will be created as the Serbs fight to gain their independence. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/103-an-aristocracy-of-pig-farmers

With internal rebellions and powerful empires at the gates, the Ottomans are looking weaker than ever. However, the entrance of a certain Napoleon Bonaparte onto the stage will reshape the entire European world, Ottomans included. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/revolutions-rebellions-reforms

As war between the Ottomans and the powerful Russian Empire intensifies, the resulting treaty will help redefine the Ottoman place in Europe and set in motion a set of Russian ambitions that defines Europe even today. Bulgaria for its part will find a new direction to look for aid as abuse at the hands of local Ottoman officials intensifies. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/101-küçük-kaynarca

The longest ever period of peace between the Ottomans and the European powers comes to an end just as Ottoman decentralization and increasing religious conservatism are making life unbearable for many Bulgarians. The resulting war will yet again reshape the Ottoman world, but will it bring any respite for Bulgaria? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/100-the-long-peace-and-the-brutal-war

For the first all, all of the neighboring empires of the Ottomans decide it's time to strike the weakened power. Meanwhile, further state decentralization is bringing abuses of power and unrest to Bulgarian lands as the groundwork for the coming national revival is slowly laid. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/099-hanging-on

Following the devastating losses of the Treaty if Karlowitz, the Ottomans enter a period of sumptuous consumption which begins to reshape the Empire politically, economically, and administratively. But the rest of the world isn't holding still as events quickly reshape the world to the East, bringing new wars to the Ottoman doorstep. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/098-the-tulip-era

In the aftermath of the Treaty of Karlowitz, the Ottomans have suffered perhaps the greatest series of setbacks in their history. With a new Sultan on the throne, the question of whether and how they can recover hangs in the air. It's the year 1700 and the world is changing fast. But, can the Ottomans change with it? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/097-a-new-century

As the Austrian army closes in on Bulgarian lands, uprisings begin anew. But will the inspiration of men like Petar Parchevich and Petar Bogdan be enough? And when this long series of wars with the Ottomans finally comes to an end, what new world will emerge? In short, some things will change forever while others will stay exactly the same... Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/096-uprisings-enlighteners-great-turkish-war

As the Great Turkish War expands and intensifies, the Ottomans are pushed back on nearly every front. Greece and Hungary see historic changes as palace intrigue struggles to cope with the disasters facing the Ottomans. But is it all enough for a new Bulgarian uprising to find success? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/095-the-second-tarnovo-uprising

Despite a recent failed attack on Austria, Ottoman support for Protestant Hungarian Rebels against the Austrians has made war inevitable. As the largest Ottoman army ever assembled arrives at the gates of Vienna, the most consequential clash in a century begins. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/094-the-siege-of-vienna

As the Venetian war in Crete winds down, new ones pop up with the Hapsburgs, Poles, and Russians. The Ottomans, led by the Köprülü Viziers are still expanding their territory and reforming themselves, but how long can it last as the pressures of a changing Europe make themselves felt on the Ottoman world? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/093-march-to-europe

One of the most devastating wars in European history is coming to an end, shaping the continent for centuries to come. At the same time, a new state is rising on the Ottoman frontier, a great European power is in terminal decline, murder and intrigue are ravaging the palace, and a new dynasty is stepping up to rule the Empire. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: https://www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/092-the-reign-of-köprülü

An Ottoman governor goes rogue and starts a war, the Sultan marches East at the head of his army for the first time in decades, and palace intrigue threatens everyone alike. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: https://www.bghistorypodcast.com/post/091-palace-intrigue

As the dynamic young Sultan Osman II tried to reform the Empire, it turns out the Empire would rather not be reformed. Rebellions, invasions, corruption, and murder follow as the Ottoman Empire continues its struggle to modernize in a fast changing world. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/090-sunni-shiite-protestant-catholic

The Ottomans are being challenged by the Spanish on the seas, by the Safavids in the East, and by a chaotic political situation in the Balkans. Meanwhile, the Sultanate will experience an unprecedented transition of power and two mad men will lead whole regions of the Ottoman world into an uncertain future. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/089-the-mad-king-and-the-mad-sultan

From taxes and the army to trade and the economy, the Ottoman Empire is changing. In the first half of this episode, we go over those changes as the 17th century finally dawns. Then, we see the Ottomans face a two front war as rebellions continue to tear the world apart as the Empires desperately search for some stability. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/088-the-changing-empire

From Thessaly to Anatolia and even in Bulgaria itself, rebellions continue to challenge Ottoman domination as a new force rises up to unite Moldavia, Romania, and Transylvania for the first time. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/087-the-first-tarnovo-uprising

As corruption and mismanagement ravage the Ottoman Empire, rebellions spread ever further and three vassal states finally rise up to fight the Sultan. But with changes of leadership, murder, coups, and massive armies all on the prowl, what will emerge from the ashes? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/086-the-revenge-of-the-vassals

As the Ottomans focus on fighting the Safavids off to the East, economic pressures are leading to increasing corruption and abuse of power throughout the Empire. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/085-the-principalities-wither

With the coming of a fourth Ottoman-Venetian war, the power balance of the Mediterranean will be remade. Can Venice survive yet another Ottoman onslaught? Will the Christian powers of Europe unite to resist further Ottoman expansion in the Mediterranean? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/084-lepanto

The sons of Suleiman fight to the death to see who will control the Empire as geopolitics leads to the rising power of a class of powerful pirates in the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, a con man takes control of Moldavia and things get weird. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/083-pirates-and-the-worlds-greatest-con-man

This episode recaps the Ottoman civil war, the doubling of the Ottoman Empire under Sultan Selim, more intense fighting between the Hungarians and Austrians, and the rise of Sultan Suleiman to bring the Ottoman Empire to its Zenith. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/082-ottoman-domination-part-2 Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/

This episode recaps the first century or so of Ottoman rule following the destruction of the Second Bulgarian Empire, focusing on the rise of Hungary, battles between the Ottomans and Venice, conquest of Constantinople, revolt of Skanderbeg, and fighting between the Ottomans and Moldavia and Wallachia. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/081-ottoman-domination-part-1 Check out the book here: www.amazon.com/State-Builders-St…an/dp/6197814110/

Often, the Bulgarian experience in the Ottoman Empire is portrayed as a singular one. In this episode, I unpack why that's wrong by delving into the experience of all kinds of Bulgarians during the first two centuries of Ottoman rule. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/080-bulgarians-early-years-ottoman-domination

The Ottomans are pushing on all fronts, attempting to exert control in the Persian Gulf, Mediterranean Sea, and Central Europe. But as Suleiman grows older, the question lingers in the air: how much longer can the Ottoman Empire keep up its expansion? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find a timeline, major characters list, and images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/079-crescendo

As Suleiman juggles wars in the East and the West, he finally takes the bold step of extending the frontier farther towards the heart of Europe. As intrigues swirl around the courts of Hungary, Moldavia, and Wallachia, these events will reshape the alliances of Europe several times over. When the dust settles, Suleiman will have to decide where he goes next. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find a timeline, major characters list, and images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/078-a-new-frontier

As Sultan Suleiman marches toward the Hungarian border with the full might of the Ottoman Imperial Army at his back, who can stop him? The Hungarians? The Habsburgs? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find a timeline, major characters list, and images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/077-a-hungarian-requiem

As a young man brimming with energy takes the Ottoman throne, the West is distracted. As shifting alliances and internal divisions turn one of the great European powers into a shadow of its former self, where will young Suleiman direct his wrath? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find a timeline, major characters list, and images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/076-suleiman-the-magnificent

The West raises yet another crusade against the Ottomans as their new Sultan Selim I prepares for the greatest bout of conquest the Ottoman Empire has yet seen. By the time the smoke clears, the stage will be set for a new era of Ottoman history. Your support for these shows in appreciated. Go to patreon.com to make your regular monthly contribution. www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast You can find a timeline, major characters list, and images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/075-the-fall-of-the-east

Chaos engulfs Walachia and Moldavia while earthquakes and civil war come to the Ottomans. All the while, the rising power of the Safavids in the East will finally challenge the Ottomans. The results will set a new course for the Ottomans in the Middle East. Your support for these shows in appreciated. Go to patreon.com to make your regular monthly contribution. www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast You can find a timeline, major characters list, and images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/074-a-return-to-conquest

As the Europeans attempt to pull together an alliance for another anti-Ottoman Crusade and a second Ottoman-Venetian war comes into play, can the European Powers set aside their differences? Your support for these shows in appreciated. Go to patreon.com to make your regular monthly contribution. www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast You can find a timeline, major characters list, and images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/073-the-second-ottoman-venetian-war

Two brothers will fight for the Hungarian throne as Eastern and Central Europe are reshaped by new rulers. Far to the West, a new continent is discovered and a new people are welcomed into the Ottoman Empire. Your support for these shows in appreciated. Go to patreon.com to make your regular monthly contribution. www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast You can find a timeline, major characters list, and images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/072-a-game-of-crowns

Sultan Mehmed II's son Bayezid II has come to the throne while his brother starts a civil war to gain the throne for himself. The question as to how this second Ottoman Civil War will affect the Empire. How will Moldavia, Wallachia, Hungary, Poland, and others respond? This episode will also see the death of one of the greatest leaders of the region, while another such leader will reach a new low point in his struggle against the Ottomans. Your support for these shows in appreciated. Go to patreon.com to make your regular monthly contribution. www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast You can find images, a timeline, and more connected to this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/071-brother-vs-brother

The Ottomans are on the offensive following their victory over Venice. The question is: where will the blows strike and will Sultan Mehmed's enemies be able to resist? In the process the greatest fears of many in the West will finally come to pass. Your support for these shows in appreciated. Go to patreon.com to make your regular monthly contribution at www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast Find more info and images for each episode at www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/070-go-west

Following his humiliation defeat in the depths of winter, Sultan Mehmed is out for revenge against Stephen the Great of Moldavia. Then, he's ready to end the 16 year long Ottoman-Venetian war once and for all. For Mehmed, it's come down to score settling. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/069-the-fall-of-albania

Feeling secure in the Balkans despite his ongoing war with Venice, Sultan Mehmed moves to Anatolia to challenge another Turkic state challenging the Ottomans for dominance. Then, a small European power will challenge him for its life. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/068-scorched-earth Youtube video on the Battle of Otlukbeli: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzEe07d_J7o Youtube video on the Battle of Vaslui: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKFhubbLQd0&t=13s

With the Ottomans dominant in Morea, they can focus their full attention on Albania and Skanderbeg. The question is, can Skanderbeg continue to defeat the ever-larger Ottoman armies invading Albania and will the Italians and Venetians send the help they've promised? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/067-skanderbeg

Mehmed's relentless expansion continues unabated as another kingdom falls and war begins with Venice. But can the Pope bring together a new crusade to resist the Ottomans? Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/066-the-ottoman-venetian-war

After some setbacks, Sultan Mehmed really gets his conquests underway, mounting invasions in Anatolia, Albania, Greece, and Serbia. His moniker may come from Constantinople, but now we will see Mehmed Conquer. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/065-mehmed-the-conqueror

Following his conquest of Constantinople, Mehmed sets his eyes on new conquests: namely the destruction of Serbia. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/064-the-siege-of-belgrade

It's finally here, after years of preparation, Sultan Mehmed is ready to deal a killing blow to the Byzantine Empire. With an army at his back, he's coming for Constantinople. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/063-the-death-of-byzantium

The militant regent of Hungary John Hunyadi won't take no for an answer, so he musters the forces of the west for a final crusade. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/062-a-final-crusade

The west gathers its strength for a strike at the Ottomans on Bulgarian lands with the last Bulgarian royal in tow. But what will they find on the shores of the Black Sea? Your support for these shows in appreciated. Go to patreon.com to make your regular monthly contribution. www.patreon.com/user?u=3271615 Find more info and images for each episode at bghistorypodcast.com

The new Sultan is still a teenager but he's got revolts to put down and enemies to conquer. But it's not going to be easy. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/060-conquest

The plan was that following the Ottoman Civil War, some peace and consolidation was what the Empire needed. But things turned out very differently... Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/059-when-peace-won-t-come

Following its disastrous loss at the Battle of Ankara and the capture of its Sultan Bayezid, the Ottoman Empire descends into civil war. Now, the Bulgarians, Wallachians, Byzantines, Hungarians, and Serbs are aiming to see what they can gain from the ensuing chaos. Supporters like you make this podcast happen! Check out www.patreon.com/bulgarianhistorypodcast to see the great perks you can get for supporting us. You can find images for this episode at: www.bghistorypodcast.com/posts/058-war-in-the-house-of-osman