Hermannstadt/Sibiu und Konstantinopel. Siebenbürgen im Osmanischen Reich
Sibiu and Constantinople. Transylvania under the Ottoman Empire

Summary/Abstract: Transylvania, which prior was part of the Hungarian Kingdom, developed between 1541 and 1690 as an autonomous principality. The princes were elected from the local nobility, being later on confirmed by the sultan. The principality had to pay tribute to the ottomans. Generally speaking, the ottomans did not interfere in domestic affairs, the rights and religious freedom were obeyed, but the country was interdicted to have a foreign policy of its own. Thus, the treatises with the Habsburgs had to be held secret. The Habsburgs considered themselves heirs of the Jagellons and therefore tried to influence upon Transylvania in spite of the fact that they also paid tribute to the Porch during the 16th century. When they tried to conquer Transylvania, the land was thrown into chaos. The Habsburgs also tried to bring the inhabitants back to the Catholic faith, efforts which encountered tough resistance. Under ottoman suzerainty Transylvania was flourishing. The tensions between Transylvania and the Ottoman Empire were caused by the Transylvanian princes who tried to sign agreements directed against the suzerain power.

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