Abstract
The article analyzes the policy of the Serbian despot Đurađ Branković toward the Varna Crusade and the reasons for his decision to conclude peace with the Turks and abstain from participation in the Battle of Varna. The author demonstrates the significance of Branković’s decision for the course of the campaign and for the political situation in the Balkans. The aim of the study is to explain the motivations of the Serbian despot and to assess his diplomatic actions in the context of the Christian–Ottoman war. The research is based on chronicles, diplomatic documents, and accounts by contemporary authors, including Jan Długosz and Filippo Callimachus. The author shows that after the loss of the Serbian state in 1439, Branković initially supported anti-Turkish activities by participating in the so-called Long Campaign of 1443–1444. A change in his position was prompted by Murad II’s offer, which included the restoration of Serbia and the release of Branković’s sons. Branković actively sought the conclusion of peace, persuading John Hunyadi and mediating between the parties to the conflict. The author emphasizes that the despot’s decision resulted primarily from pragmatic concern for the reconstruction of the Serbian state and from his lack of confidence in the lasting success of the Christian armies. The results of the analysis indicate that Branković’s policy was subordinated to dynastic and state interests, and that his stance reflected the difficult situation of the small Balkan states situated between Hungary and the Ottoman Empire.
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© by Adam Mickiewicz University, Faculty of History, Poznań, 1997
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