FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE OTTOMAN CONQUEST OF THE BALKAN IN THE 14TH CENTURY

The Ottomans first made an appearance in the Balkan region after John Kantakouzenos requested Sultan Orhan Is assistance to win Byzantine throne. During their later assistance, acquired Fort of Tzympe Gallipoli as base region. After annexation city, affirmed intention expand territory westward that, less than half a century, they subjugated almost entire objective this study is analyse contributory factors for achievement Ottoman conquest and expansion Balkans 14th century. This applied historical approach content-analysis method. discovered that contributing rapid century are complex weakening state kingdoms, which has often been pointed out, not exclusive reason. Apart from weakness political state, other include absence military neighbouring kingdom rulers fighting Empire, strategic location Empire providing abundant human resources close Balkans, prowess including high morale army, ingenuity sultans who acted commanders devising strategy, method ensured continuous obedience under rule inclination people towards Ottoman-Islamic rather Western-Catholic rule.