Jump to content

Battle of Savra: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 40°54′N 19°41′E / 40.900°N 19.683°E / 40.900; 19.683
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
per MOS:COA
 
(4 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|1385 battle between Ottoman and Zetan forces in modern-day Albania}}
{{Short description|1385 battle between Ottoman and Zetan forces in modern-day Albania}}
{{Infobox military conflict
{{Infobox military conflict
| conflict = Battle of Savra<br />{{small|{{lang|sq|Beteja e Savrës}}}}
⚫
| image =
| caption = Domains of Balsha II outside Zeta
| partof = the [[Ottoman wars in Europe]]
| partof = the [[Ottoman wars in Europe]]
⚫
| image =
| caption =
| date = 18 September 1385
| date = 18 September 1385
| place = Saurian field, near [[Lushnjë]]
| place = Savran field, near [[Lushnjë]]
| coordinates =
| map_type =
| map_relief =
| latitude =
| longitude =
| map_size =
| map_marksize =
| map_caption =
| map_label =
| territory =
| result = Ottoman-Thopia Albanian victory<ref>Sedlar, Jean W., ''East Central Europe in the Middle Ages, 1000-1500'', (University of Washington Press, 1994), 385.</ref>
| result = Ottoman-Thopia Albanian victory<ref>Sedlar, Jean W., ''East Central Europe in the Middle Ages, 1000-1500'', (University of Washington Press, 1994), 385.</ref>
| status =
⚫
| combatant1 = [[File:Topia coat of arms.svg|20px]] [[Principality of Albania (medieval)|Principality of Albania]] <br> [[File:Flag of the Ottoman Empire (1844–1922).svg|20px]] [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Sultanate]]
| combatants_header =
⚫
| combatant2 = [[File:Balsic small COA.svg|20px]] [[Zeta under the Balsha|Principality of Zeta]]
⚫
| combatant1 = [[Principality of Albania (medieval)|Principality of Albania]]<br>[[Ottoman Empire]]
⚫
| combatant2 = [[Zeta under the Balsha|Principality of Zeta]]
| commander1 = [[Karl Thopia]] <br> [[Çandarlı Kara Halil Hayreddin Pasha|Hayreddin Pasha]]
| commander1 = [[Karl Thopia]] <br> [[Çandarlı Kara Halil Hayreddin Pasha|Hayreddin Pasha]]
| commander2 = [[Balsha II]]{{KIA}}<br>[[Ivaniš Mrnjavčević]]{{KIA}}
| commander2 = [[Balsha II]]{{KIA}}<br>[[Ivaniš Mrnjavčević]]{{KIA}}
| strength1 = 40,000<ref>{{cite book|title=TBR|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HcnvAAAAMAAJ|year=2000|publisher=TBR Company|page=41}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=169 |quote=...Topia called on the Turks for assistance. Amurat I (or Murad I) gladly sent an army of 40,000 men from Macedonia...}}</ref>
| strength1 =40,000<ref>{{cite book|title=TBR|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=HcnvAAAAMAAJ|year=2000|publisher=TBR Company|page=41}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=169 |quote=...Topia called on the Turks for assistance. Amurat I (or Murad I) gladly sent an army of 40,000 men from Macedonia...}}</ref>
| strength2 = Unknown
| strength2 = Unknown
| conflict =
| casualties1 =
| casualties2 =
}}
}}
The '''Battle of Savra''' ({{langx|sq|Beteja e Savrës}}; {{langx|sr|Bitka na Saurskom polju}}; {{langx|tr|Savra Muharebesi}}; "Battle on the Saurian field") or the '''Battle of the Vjosë'''{{Sfn|Kiel|1990|p=17}} was fought on 18 September 1385 between [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] and much smaller [[Zeta under the Balsha|Zeta]]n forces,<ref>{{cite book|author=Група аутора|title=Историја српксог народа II|publisher=Српска књижевна задруга|page=40}}</ref> at the Savra field near [[Lushnjë]] (in modern-day southern [[Albania]]). The Ottomans were invited by [[Karl Thopia]] to support him in his feud against [[Balsha II]].<ref name="Somel2010">{{cite book|last=Somel|first=Selcuk Aksin|title=The A to Z of the Ottoman Empire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tBoyoNNKh78C&pg=PA14|year=2010|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-0-8108-7579-1|page=14|quote=...the Ottomans supported Lord Karl Thopia against Balsha II, defeating the latter...}}</ref>
The '''Battle of Savra''' ({{langx|sq|Beteja e Savrës}}; {{langx|sr|Bitka na Saurskom polju}}; {{langx|tr|Savra Muharebesi}}; "Battle on the Saurian field") or the '''Battle of the Vjosë'''{{Sfn|Kiel|1990|p=17}} was fought on 18 September 1385 between [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] and much smaller [[Zeta under the Balsha|Zeta]]n forces,<ref>{{cite book|author=Група аутора|title=Историја српксог народа II|publisher=Српска књижевна задруга|page=40}}</ref> at the Savra field near [[Lushnjë]] (in modern-day southern [[Albania]]). The Ottomans were invited by [[Karl Thopia]] to support him in his feud against [[Balsha II]].<ref name="Somel2010">{{cite book|last=Somel|first=Selcuk Aksin|title=The A to Z of the Ottoman Empire|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=tBoyoNNKh78C&pg=PA14|year=2010|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|isbn=978-0-8108-7579-1|page=14|quote=...the Ottomans supported Lord Karl Thopia against Balsha II, defeating the latter...}}</ref>


== Background ==
== Background ==
In 1372, Balsha II married [[Comita Muzaka]], the daughter of [[Andrea II Muzaka]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Elsie|first= Robert|title=Early Albania A Reader of Historical Texts, 11th-17th Centuries |date=2003 |publisher=Harrassowitz|isbn=978-3-4470-4783-8 |page=42 |quote=...His first daughter, the above mentioned Lady Comita, was married to the said King Balsha who held sway in Shkodra, Bar, Kotor, Šibenik, Trogir and much other land...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=167 |quote=...With one daughter, Komita married to Balsha II of Shkodra...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Elsie|first= Robert|title=Early Albania A Reader of Historical Texts, 11th-17th Centuries |date=2003 |publisher=Harrassowitz|isbn=978-3-4470-4783-8 |page=42 |quote=...In this undertaking, he had called upon the assistance of his son in law, King Balsha, who was married to Lady Comita Musachi, his first-born daughter...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Stylian Noli|first= Fan|title=Historia e Skënderbeut Gjerg Kastriotit, Mbretit te Shqiperise, 1412-1468 |date=1921 |publisher=Shtypeshkrinja e "Diellit|isbn= |page=82 |quote=...Vlora dhe Kanina ishin ne duar te princerve bullgare nga dera mbreterore e Asenit qe me 1350 gjer me 1372. Me 72 ua rrembyen Balshet dhe i mbjatin gjer me 1385. Si u-vra Balsha II ne betejen e Savres, e shoqja e tij Princesha Komita Muzaka, nje Amazone e fjeshte, mbreteroj mi Vloren, Sazanin, Kaninen, Himaren dhe Pargen; pastaj u-zgjat gjer ne Krahinen e Devollit, qe ia rrembeu te kusheririt Nikoll Muzake, te cilin e mundi dhe e zuri rop...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Miller|first= William|title=Essays on the Latin Orient |date=1921 |publisher=Cambridge, University Pressn|isbn=978-1-1074-5553-5 |page=435 |quote=...Under Balsha II Valona formed part of a considerable principality, for on the death of his last surviving brother, in 1372, the "Lord of Valona and Budua" had become sole ruler of the Zeta- the modern Montenegro- and then, by the capture of Durazzo from Carlo Topia, "Prince of Albania", assumed the title of "Duke" from that former Venetian duchy. By his marriage with Comita Musachi, he became connected with a powerful Albanian clan...}}</ref> As a dowry, Balsha II gained [[Vlorë]], [[Berat]], [[Kaninë]] and [[Himarë]] which constitued the [[Principality of Vlorë]].<ref>Fine 1994, [https://books.google.com/books?id=QDFVUDmAIqIC&pg=PA372 p. 372]</ref> This arrangement, made after the death of [[Alexander Komnenos Asen]] in 1371, also ensured Balsha's support against mutual enemies like Marko. It's unclear whether Muzaka had already conquered the cities or if Balsha was planning to take them, but the agreement solidified Balsha's claim to the territories through marriage.<ref>{{cite book|last= Qeriqi|first= Ahmet|title=The Stone of the Oath |date=December 13, 2023 |publisher=novum pro Verlag|isbn=978-1-6426-8417-9 |page= |quote=...At that time, Andrea Muzaka II Vlora and Kanine from Sebastian Alexander, who ruled there after the death of the despot Gjon Komen. However, the despot Muzaka soon gave these two cities to the younger brother of the Balshas, Balsh II, after his marriage to his daughter Komita...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Duka|first= Ferit|title=Studime Historike-MUZAKAJT - LIDHËZ E FUQISHME MIDIS KOHËVE PARAOSMANE DHE OSMANE |date=2004|publisher=Qendra e Studimeve Albanologjike|isbn= |page=10 |quote=}}</ref> In 1383 [[Balsha II]] conquered [[Durrës]], presumably from [[Karl Thopia]]. In a charter to Ragusa issued in 1383, he called himself "Duke of Durrës".<ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=169 |quote=...In 1383 Balsha II captured Durrës from Karl Topia and assumed the title "Duke of Durrës"...}}</ref> The expansion of Balsha's realm into Epirus brought him to the frontline against the Ottomans. Aware of Ottoman aspirations to his territory, on 8 August 1385 Balsha II asked Venetians to support him with four galleys.{{Sfn|Ivić|Mrđenović|Spasić|Palavestra|1987|p=102}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Ecrits historiques|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u-nTAAAAMAAJ|year=1987|page=31}}</ref>
In 1372, Balsha II married [[Comita Muzaka]], the daughter of [[Andrea II Muzaka]].<ref>{{cite book|last=Elsie|first= Robert|title=Early Albania A Reader of Historical Texts, 11th-17th Centuries |date=2003 |publisher=Harrassowitz|isbn=978-3-4470-4783-8 |page=42 |quote=...His first daughter, the above mentioned Lady Comita, was married to the said King Balsha who held sway in Shkodra, Bar, Kotor, Šibenik, Trogir and much other land...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=167 |quote=...With one daughter, Komita married to Balsha II of Shkodra...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Elsie|first= Robert|title=Early Albania A Reader of Historical Texts, 11th-17th Centuries |date=2003 |publisher=Harrassowitz|isbn=978-3-4470-4783-8 |page=42 |quote=...In this undertaking, he had called upon the assistance of his son in law, King Balsha, who was married to Lady Comita Musachi, his first-born daughter...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Stylian Noli|first= Fan|title=Historia e Skënderbeut Gjerg Kastriotit, Mbretit te Shqiperise, 1412-1468 |date=1921 |publisher=Shtypeshkrinja e "Diellit|isbn= |page=82 |quote=...Vlora dhe Kanina ishin ne duar te princerve bullgare nga dera mbreterore e Asenit qe me 1350 gjer me 1372. Me 72 ua rrembyen Balshet dhe i mbjatin gjer me 1385. Si u-vra Balsha II ne betejen e Savres, e shoqja e tij Princesha Komita Muzaka, nje Amazone e fjeshte, mbreteroj mi Vloren, Sazanin, Kaninen, Himaren dhe Pargen; pastaj u-zgjat gjer ne Krahinen e Devollit, qe ia rrembeu te kusheririt Nikoll Muzake, te cilin e mundi dhe e zuri rop...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Miller|first= William|title=Essays on the Latin Orient |date=1921 |publisher=Cambridge, University Pressn|isbn=978-1-1074-5553-5 |page=435 |quote=...Under Balsha II Valona formed part of a considerable principality, for on the death of his last surviving brother, in 1372, the "Lord of Valona and Budua" had become sole ruler of the Zeta- the modern Montenegro- and then, by the capture of Durazzo from Carlo Topia, "Prince of Albania", assumed the title of "Duke" from that former Venetian duchy. By his marriage with Comita Musachi, he became connected with a powerful Albanian clan...}}</ref> As a dowry, Balsha II gained [[Vlorë]], [[Berat]], [[Kaninë]] and [[Himarë]] which constitued the [[Principality of Vlorë]].<ref>Fine 1994, [https://books.google.com/books?id=QDFVUDmAIqIC&pg=PA372 p. 372]</ref> This arrangement, made after the death of [[Alexander Komnenos Asen]] in 1371, also ensured Balsha's support against mutual enemies like Marko. It's unclear whether Muzaka had already conquered the cities or if Balsha was planning to take them, but the agreement solidified Balsha's claim to the territories through marriage.<ref>{{cite book|last= Qeriqi|first= Ahmet|title=The Stone of the Oath |date=December 13, 2023 |publisher=novum pro Verlag|isbn=978-1-6426-8417-9 |page= |quote=...At that time, Andrea Muzaka II Vlora and Kanine from Sebastian Alexander, who ruled there after the death of the despot Gjon Komen. However, the despot Muzaka soon gave these two cities to the younger brother of the Balshas, Balsh II, after his marriage to his daughter Komita...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last= Duka|first= Ferit|title=Studime Historike-MUZAKAJT - LIDHËZ E FUQISHME MIDIS KOHËVE PARAOSMANE DHE OSMANE |date=2004|publisher=Qendra e Studimeve Albanologjike|isbn= |page=10 |quote=}}</ref> By 1383 or 1385, [[Balsha II]] had conquered [[Durrës]], presumably from [[Karl Thopia]] and in a charter issued to Ragusa during this period, he referred to himself as "Duke of Durrës".<ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=169 |quote=...In 1383 Balsha II captured Durrës from Karl Topia and assumed the title "Duke of Durrës"...}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Elsie|first= Robert |title=Historical Dictionary of Albania |date=2010 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-8108-6188-6 |page=443 |quote=...The lost Durrës to his brother-in-law Balsha II in 1385...}}</ref> The expansion of Balsha's realm into Epirus brought him to the frontline against the Ottomans. Aware of Ottoman aspirations to his territory, on 8 August 1385 Balsha II asked Venetians to support him with four galleys.{{Sfn|Ivić|Mrđenović|Spasić|Palavestra|1987|p=102}}<ref>{{cite book|title=Ecrits historiques|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=u-nTAAAAMAAJ|year=1987|page=31}}</ref>


== Battle ==
== Battle ==
Karl Thopia invited the Ottomans to support him in his conflict with Balsha II. Thopia's invitation was accepted and [[Çandarlı Kara Halil Hayreddin Pasha|Hayreddin Pasha]]<ref name="Houtsma1993">{{cite book|last=Houtsma|first=M. Th.|author-link=M. Th. Houtsma|title=E.J. Brill's First Encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Va6oSxzojzoC&pg=PA556|year=1993|publisher=BRILL|isbn=90-04-09791-0|page=556}}</ref> brought his forces from the region of [[Ohrid]] (modern-day Macedonia)<ref name="Gibbons2013">{{cite book|last=Gibbons|first=Herbert Adam|title=The Foundation of the Ottoman Empire: A History of the Osmanlis Up To the Death of Bayezid I 1300-1403|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LQiAAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA159|date=21 August 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-02982-1|page=159}}</ref> to Saurian field, near [[Lushnjë]].<ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=169 |quote=...Topia called on the Turks for assistance. Amurat I (or Murad I) gladly sent an army of 40,000 men from Macedonia. In the plain of Savre between Elbasan and Lushnja...}}</ref> News about the incursion of the Ottoman forces into the region of Berat reached Balsha II while he was in Durrës.<ref>{{cite book|title=Recueil des travaux de la Faculté de philosophie: Les sciences historiques|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9d87AQAAIAAJ|year=1994|publisher=Univerzitet|page=164}}</ref> According to [[Mavro Orbini]], Balsha II rounded up 1,000 men in Durrës and, ignoring the advice of his nobles, headed out to take on the Ottoman raiders.{{Sfn|Fine|1994|p=390}} Unsurprisingly, Balsha's small forces had little success and Balsha II was killed. Orbini's work is the only source that mentions Ivaniš Mrnjavčević as participating in this battle. Some scholars believe he did not even exist, while others believe that he was not an independent medieval lord, but a loyal member of the Balsha family.<ref>Veselinović, Andrija & Ljušić, Radoš (2001). СРПСКЕ ДИНАСТИЈЕ, СРЕДЊОВЕКОВНЕ ДИНАСТИЈЕ</ref> Another person mentioned only by Orbini is Balsha's [[voivode]] Đurađ Krvavčić, described as a brave warrior who also died in this battle. Mavrini explains that the body of Balsha II was decapitated and his head taken to Hayreddin Pasha.<ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=169 |quote=...In the plain of Savre between Elbasan and Lushnja Balsha fought the Turks and was defeated and killed, his head being taken to the Turkish capital as a trophy...}}</ref>
Karl Thopia invited the Ottomans to support him in his conflict with Balsha II. Thopia's invitation was accepted and [[Çandarlı Kara Halil Hayreddin Pasha|Hayreddin Pasha]]<ref name="Houtsma1993">{{cite book|last=Houtsma|first=M. Th.|author-link=M. Th. Houtsma|title=E.J. Brill's First Encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Va6oSxzojzoC&pg=PA556|year=1993|publisher=BRILL|isbn=90-04-09791-0|page=556}}</ref> brought his forces from the region of [[Ohrid]] (modern-day Macedonia)<ref name="Gibbons2013">{{cite book|last=Gibbons|first=Herbert Adam|title=The Foundation of the Ottoman Empire: A History of the Osmanlis Up To the Death of Bayezid I 1300-1403|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=LQiAAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA159|date=21 August 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-135-02982-1|page=159}}</ref> to Saurian field, near [[Lushnjë]].<ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=169 |quote=...Topia called on the Turks for assistance. Amurat I (or Murad I) gladly sent an army of 40,000 men from Macedonia. In the plain of Savre between Elbasan and Lushnja...}}</ref> News about the incursion of the Ottoman forces into the region of Berat reached Balsha II while he was in Durrës.<ref>{{cite book|title=Recueil des travaux de la Faculté de philosophie: Les sciences historiques|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9d87AQAAIAAJ|year=1994|publisher=Univerzitet|page=164}}</ref> According to [[Mavro Orbini]], Balsha II rounded up 1,000 men in Durrës and, ignoring the advice of his nobles, headed out to take on the Ottoman raiders.{{Sfn|Fine|1994|p=390}} Unsurprisingly, Balsha's small forces had little success and Balsha II was killed.<ref>{{cite book|last=Elsie|first= Robert |title=Historical Dictionary of Albania |date=2010 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-8108-6188-6 |page=443 |quote=...he appealed to the Turks for assistance and defeated him at the Battle of Savra on 18 September 1385...}}</ref> Orbini's work is the only source that mentions Ivaniš Mrnjavčević as participating in this battle. Some scholars believe he did not even exist, while others believe that he was not an independent medieval lord, but a loyal member of the Balsha family.<ref>Veselinović, Andrija & Ljušić, Radoš (2001). СРПСКЕ ДИНАСТИЈЕ, СРЕДЊОВЕКОВНЕ ДИНАСТИЈЕ</ref> Another person mentioned only by Orbini is Balsha's [[voivode]] Đurađ Krvavčić, described as a brave warrior who also died in this battle. Mavrini explains that the body of Balsha II was decapitated and his head taken to Hayreddin Pasha.<ref>{{cite book|last=E. Jacques|first= Edwin |title=The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1 |date=2009 |publisher=McFarland & Company|isbn=978-0-7864-4238-6 |page=169 |quote=...In the plain of Savre between Elbasan and Lushnja Balsha fought the Turks and was defeated and killed, his head being taken to the Turkish capital as a trophy...}}</ref>


== Aftermath ==
== Aftermath ==

Latest revision as of 19:23, 24 November 2024

Battle of Savra
Beteja e Savrës
Part of the Ottoman wars in Europe
Date18 September 1385
Location
Savran field, near Lushnjë
Result Ottoman-Thopia Albanian victory[1]
Belligerents
Principality of Albania
Ottoman Empire		 Principality of Zeta
Commanders and leaders
Karl Thopia
Hayreddin Pasha		 Balsha II †
Ivaniš Mrnjavčević †
Strength
40,000[2][3] Unknown

The Battle of Savra (Albanian: Beteja e Savrës; Serbian: Bitka na Saurskom polju; Turkish: Savra Muharebesi; "Battle on the Saurian field") or the Battle of the Vjosë[4] was fought on 18 September 1385 between Ottoman and much smaller Zetan forces,[5] at the Savra field near Lushnjë (in modern-day southern Albania). The Ottomans were invited by Karl Thopia to support him in his feud against Balsha II.[6]

Background

[edit]

In 1372, Balsha II married Comita Muzaka, the daughter of Andrea II Muzaka.[7][8][9][10][11] As a dowry, Balsha II gained Vlorë, Berat, Kaninë and Himarë which constitued the Principality of Vlorë.[12] This arrangement, made after the death of Alexander Komnenos Asen in 1371, also ensured Balsha's support against mutual enemies like Marko. It's unclear whether Muzaka had already conquered the cities or if Balsha was planning to take them, but the agreement solidified Balsha's claim to the territories through marriage.[13][14] By 1383 or 1385, Balsha II had conquered Durrës, presumably from Karl Thopia and in a charter issued to Ragusa during this period, he referred to himself as "Duke of Durrës".[15][16] The expansion of Balsha's realm into Epirus brought him to the frontline against the Ottomans. Aware of Ottoman aspirations to his territory, on 8 August 1385 Balsha II asked Venetians to support him with four galleys.[17][18]

Battle

[edit]

Karl Thopia invited the Ottomans to support him in his conflict with Balsha II. Thopia's invitation was accepted and Hayreddin Pasha[19] brought his forces from the region of Ohrid (modern-day Macedonia)[20] to Saurian field, near Lushnjë.[21] News about the incursion of the Ottoman forces into the region of Berat reached Balsha II while he was in Durrës.[22] According to Mavro Orbini, Balsha II rounded up 1,000 men in Durrës and, ignoring the advice of his nobles, headed out to take on the Ottoman raiders.[23] Unsurprisingly, Balsha's small forces had little success and Balsha II was killed.[24] Orbini's work is the only source that mentions Ivaniš Mrnjavčević as participating in this battle. Some scholars believe he did not even exist, while others believe that he was not an independent medieval lord, but a loyal member of the Balsha family.[25] Another person mentioned only by Orbini is Balsha's voivode Đurađ Krvavčić, described as a brave warrior who also died in this battle. Mavrini explains that the body of Balsha II was decapitated and his head taken to Hayreddin Pasha.[26]

Aftermath

[edit]

Since the Ottomans were victorious, most of the local Serbian and Albanian lords became their vassals.[27] Immediately after this battle Thopia recaptured Durrës,[28] probably under the Ottoman suzerainty.[23] The Ottomans captured Krujë, Berat, and Ulcinj but soon retreated from them, keeping only Kastoria under their permanent control.[29][20]

The work of Mavro Orbini (The Realm of the Slavs) is one of the main primary sources about this battle. It contains many incorrect and imprecise data.[30] Another primary source about the Battle of Savra is Marin Barleti who says that Balsha II was brave and idealistic.[31]

This battle set the foundation for centuries-long Ottoman presence in this part of the Balkans. Serbian historian Stojan Novaković emphasized that the battle's importance for these Serbian and Albanian lords was comparable to that of the Battle of Marica and Battle of Kosovo put together.[32] The important result of this battle was the influx of Albanians into Ottoman forces who remained a significant source of its strength during the next 527 years.[20]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Sedlar, Jean W., East Central Europe in the Middle Ages, 1000-1500, (University of Washington Press, 1994), 385.
  2. ^ TBR. TBR Company. 2000. p. 41.
  3. ^ E. Jacques, Edwin (2009). The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1. McFarland & Company. p. 169. ISBN 978-0-7864-4238-6. ...Topia called on the Turks for assistance. Amurat I (or Murad I) gladly sent an army of 40,000 men from Macedonia...
  4. ^ Kiel 1990, p. 17.
  5. ^ Група аутора. Историја српксог народа II. Српска књижевна задруга. p. 40.
  6. ^ Somel, Selcuk Aksin (2010). The A to Z of the Ottoman Empire. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 14. ISBN 978-0-8108-7579-1. ...the Ottomans supported Lord Karl Thopia against Balsha II, defeating the latter...
  7. ^ Elsie, Robert (2003). Early Albania A Reader of Historical Texts, 11th-17th Centuries. Harrassowitz. p. 42. ISBN 978-3-4470-4783-8. ...His first daughter, the above mentioned Lady Comita, was married to the said King Balsha who held sway in Shkodra, Bar, Kotor, Šibenik, Trogir and much other land...
  8. ^ E. Jacques, Edwin (2009). The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1. McFarland & Company. p. 167. ISBN 978-0-7864-4238-6. ...With one daughter, Komita married to Balsha II of Shkodra...
  9. ^ Elsie, Robert (2003). Early Albania A Reader of Historical Texts, 11th-17th Centuries. Harrassowitz. p. 42. ISBN 978-3-4470-4783-8. ...In this undertaking, he had called upon the assistance of his son in law, King Balsha, who was married to Lady Comita Musachi, his first-born daughter...
  10. ^ Stylian Noli, Fan (1921). Historia e Skënderbeut Gjerg Kastriotit, Mbretit te Shqiperise, 1412-1468. Shtypeshkrinja e "Diellit. p. 82. ...Vlora dhe Kanina ishin ne duar te princerve bullgare nga dera mbreterore e Asenit qe me 1350 gjer me 1372. Me 72 ua rrembyen Balshet dhe i mbjatin gjer me 1385. Si u-vra Balsha II ne betejen e Savres, e shoqja e tij Princesha Komita Muzaka, nje Amazone e fjeshte, mbreteroj mi Vloren, Sazanin, Kaninen, Himaren dhe Pargen; pastaj u-zgjat gjer ne Krahinen e Devollit, qe ia rrembeu te kusheririt Nikoll Muzake, te cilin e mundi dhe e zuri rop...
  11. ^ Miller, William (1921). Essays on the Latin Orient. Cambridge, University Pressn. p. 435. ISBN 978-1-1074-5553-5. ...Under Balsha II Valona formed part of a considerable principality, for on the death of his last surviving brother, in 1372, the "Lord of Valona and Budua" had become sole ruler of the Zeta- the modern Montenegro- and then, by the capture of Durazzo from Carlo Topia, "Prince of Albania", assumed the title of "Duke" from that former Venetian duchy. By his marriage with Comita Musachi, he became connected with a powerful Albanian clan...
  12. ^ Fine 1994, p. 372
  13. ^ Qeriqi, Ahmet (December 13, 2023). The Stone of the Oath. novum pro Verlag. ISBN 978-1-6426-8417-9. ...At that time, Andrea Muzaka II Vlora and Kanine from Sebastian Alexander, who ruled there after the death of the despot Gjon Komen. However, the despot Muzaka soon gave these two cities to the younger brother of the Balshas, Balsh II, after his marriage to his daughter Komita...
  14. ^ Duka, Ferit (2004). Studime Historike-MUZAKAJT - LIDHËZ E FUQISHME MIDIS KOHËVE PARAOSMANE DHE OSMANE. Qendra e Studimeve Albanologjike. p. 10.
  15. ^ E. Jacques, Edwin (2009). The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1. McFarland & Company. p. 169. ISBN 978-0-7864-4238-6. ...In 1383 Balsha II captured Durrës from Karl Topia and assumed the title "Duke of Durrës"...
  16. ^ Elsie, Robert (2010). Historical Dictionary of Albania. McFarland & Company. p. 443. ISBN 978-0-8108-6188-6. ...The lost Durrës to his brother-in-law Balsha II in 1385...
  17. ^ Ivić et al. 1987, p. 102.
  18. ^ Ecrits historiques. 1987. p. 31.
  19. ^ Houtsma, M. Th. (1993). E.J. Brill's First Encyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936. BRILL. p. 556. ISBN 90-04-09791-0.
  20. ^ a b c Gibbons, Herbert Adam (21 August 2013). The Foundation of the Ottoman Empire: A History of the Osmanlis Up To the Death of Bayezid I 1300-1403. Routledge. p. 159. ISBN 978-1-135-02982-1.
  21. ^ E. Jacques, Edwin (2009). The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1. McFarland & Company. p. 169. ISBN 978-0-7864-4238-6. ...Topia called on the Turks for assistance. Amurat I (or Murad I) gladly sent an army of 40,000 men from Macedonia. In the plain of Savre between Elbasan and Lushnja...
  22. ^ Recueil des travaux de la Faculté de philosophie: Les sciences historiques. Univerzitet. 1994. p. 164.
  23. ^ a b Fine 1994, p. 390.
  24. ^ Elsie, Robert (2010). Historical Dictionary of Albania. McFarland & Company. p. 443. ISBN 978-0-8108-6188-6. ...he appealed to the Turks for assistance and defeated him at the Battle of Savra on 18 September 1385...
  25. ^ Veselinović, Andrija & Ljušić, Radoš (2001). СРПСКЕ ДИНАСТИЈЕ, СРЕДЊОВЕКОВНЕ ДИНАСТИЈЕ
  26. ^ E. Jacques, Edwin (2009). The Albanians: An Ethnic History from Prehistoric Times to the Present - Volume 1. McFarland & Company. p. 169. ISBN 978-0-7864-4238-6. ...In the plain of Savre between Elbasan and Lushnja Balsha fought the Turks and was defeated and killed, his head being taken to the Turkish capital as a trophy...
  27. ^ Sedlar, Jean W. East Central Europe in the Middle Ages, 1000-1500, University of Washington Press, p. 385
  28. ^ Jovetić, Jovan (1985). Odjeci Srpske prošlosti: eseji, govori, polemike. Jovan Jovetić. p. 29.
  29. ^ Pitcher, Donald Edgar (1968). An Historical Geography of the Ottoman Empire: From Earliest Times to the End of the Sixteenth Century. Brill Archive. p. 45. GGKEY:4CFA3RCNXRP.
  30. ^ Орбин 1968, p. 321.
  31. ^ Barleti, Marin (2012). The Siege of Shkodra: Albania's Courageous Stand Against Ottoman Conquest, 1478. David Hosaflook. p. 60. ISBN 978-99956-87-77-9.
  32. ^ Istorija: spisanie na Sojuzot na društvata na istoričarite na SR Makedonija. Sojuz na društvata na istoričarite na SR Makedonija. 1980. p. 183. Тука беше и Марица и Косово за господата српско-албанска.

Sources

[edit]

40°54′N 19°41′E / 40.900°N 19.683°E / 40.900; 19.683

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Battle_of_Savra&oldid=1259360195"