Ottoman Presence in Thessalonike in 1387–1402: The View of Late Byzantine Intellectuals

Abstract

This article addresses the views of Late Byzantine writers on the problem of the Ottoman presence in Thessalonike in 1387–1402. Taking the materials from the works of the archbishops of the city Isidore Glabas (1380–1396) and Symeon (1416/17–1429), as well as Manuel Palaiologos, the governor of Thessalonike in 1382–1387, into account, this study analyses the circumstances that preceded the surrender of the city to the Ottomans, as well as the reasons that led to the transfer of Thessalonike under the rule of the Turks. The author concludes that the lack of assistance from Constantinople, the hardships of the siege (1383–1387), and the flight from the city of Despot Manuel and Archbishop Isidore Glabas led to the voluntary surrender of Thessalonike to the Turks. There were no significant changes in the city administration, and the city council continued working. However, in defiance of the agreement providing the Christian population of Thessalonike with a number of tax benefits and religious immunity, many churches in the city were looted, and the townspeople soon lost the previously promised tax privileges and were obliged to pay the “blood tax,” i. e. to participate in the devşirme system. Trying to turn their flocks away from cooperation with the Ottoman conquerors, the archbishops in their sermons urged the townspeople to avoid contact with the Turks and condemned marriages with Muslims contracted in Thessalonike as these, in their opinion, threatened the Romaioi’s religious identity. However, under the conditions of Thessalonike being under the rule of the Ottomans, the Turkish settlers actively developing the nearby lands, and the Romaioi having to interact with the Turks, the exhortations of church hierarchs did not find a response from the population wanting calm and peaceful life.