ABOUT THE «TURKISH FORTIFICATIONS» OF MEDZHYBIZH 1672-1699 IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DOCUMENTARY CHRONOLOGY OF THE OTTOMAN CLAIMS FOR PODILLYA

The article presents the chronology of the Turkish and Polish stay in Medzhybizh and control over the Medzhybizh Castle based on documents and publications of archival materials. The short period of Turkish rule, which actually lasted about 8 years, as well as the difficult situation for the Ottomans in Podillіa in 1672-1699, cast doubt on the widespread narratives about the 27 years of Ottoman occupation of Medzhybizh. Instead, there is evidence of the inability of the Turkish military to hold the castle. Documents, which have long since been introduced into scientific circulation, testify that for most of this time Medzhybizh was in the hands of its hereditary owner Mikołaj Hieronim Sieniawski and served as a center for Polish military raids in Podillіa. The real description of the events of 1772-1699 in Medzhybizh disproves the stereotypes that have been circulating in the literature for two centuries. Documentary information practically excludes the presence of an Ottoman contribution to the architectural and fortification heritage of Medzhybizh. As it turns out, the claim that the Turks «greatly enlarged and decorated the castle» is a repeat of a myth that has circulated in popular literature for two centuries. On the contrary, the Turkish garrison's unreadiness for active defense led to its capitulation in October 1673 to the troops of Mikołaj Hieronim Sieniawski, and in 1686 to an attempt to blow up the castle by the Turks after the evacuation from Medzhybizh. The article provides illustrations of the damage that could be the result from this attempt to blow up the castle.