Southeastern Europe under Ottoman Rule, 1354-1804 provides an over-all
picture of the least studied and most obscured part of Balkan history,
the Ottoman period. The book begins with the early history of the
Ottomans and with their establishment in Europe, describing the basic
Muslim and Turkish features of the Ottoman state. The author goes on in
subsequent sections to show how these features influenced every aspect
of life in the European lands administered directly by the Ottomans (the
"core" provinces) and left a permanent mark on states that were vassals
of or paid tribute to the empire.
Whether dealing with the "core" provinces of Rumelia or with the vassal
and tribute-paying states (Moldavia, Wallachia, Transylvania, and
Dubrovik), the author offers fresh insights and new interpretations, as
well as a wealth of information on Balkan political, economic, and
social history not available elsewhere. The appendixes include lists of
dynasties and rulers with whom the Ottomans dealt, as well as data for
the House of Osman and some of the grand viziers; a chronology of major
military campaigns, peace treaties, and territory gained and lost by the
Ottoman Empire in Europe from 1354 to 1804; and glossaries of
geographical names and foreign terms.