History in High Places: Tatarna Monastery and the Pindus Mountains

Abstract Monasteries and the records they produced are a promising source base for writing history of mountains western Balkans. These are, by large, absent from accounts Ottoman presence in Balkans and, as with mountainous areas more generally, often considered to exist outside main historical narrative. Using example monastery that was founded Pindus 1556, I argue monastery’s beginnings best understood within context sixteenth century, even due regard Byzantine precedent must also be made. In addition, pay close attention location, two reasons. First, this opens up new set questions monasteries during period; date most studies have focused on taxation, land ownership relationship central state. Second, location offers way into environmental these at Empire’s edge. This article aspires extend nascent field terrain.