Carryıng Stones to Vidin: the Reconstructıon of Vidin Castle (1719–1723)

Bulgarian Historical Review, 53 (2025), No. 4, pp. 28-68
DOI: https://doi.org/10.71069/BHR4.25.BG02

Bekir Gökpınar

Assoc. Prof. Bekir Gökpınar, Ph.D. - Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of History, Turkey, ORCID: 0000-0003-1017-6037, E-mail: bgokpinar@gmail.com

Abstract: The Vidin Fortress is located at an important strategic point for the Ottoman Empire to establish its dominance in the Balkans. On the one hand, it played an important role in the safe conduct of commercial and military shipments on the Danube River. On the other hand, it played an important role in eliminating threats from the north. As the borders of the Ottoman Empire expanded to the west, although it remained an interior fortress for a long time, it continued to serve as a logistic base during the campaigns to the west. During the Holy League Wars, it was occupied by the Habsburgs for a short time and the first important repairs were carried out during this occupation. Subsequently, with the loss of the lands of Central Hungary with the Treaty of Passarowitz, it became a border fortress and its importance increased substantially. Since the castle was previously built of wood and earth, it was decided to build it solidly of stone this time after it became a fortified castle. The works started in 1719 for the reconstruction of Vidin Fortress in accordance with modern castle techniques could only be completed in 1723.

Keywords: Ottomans; Habsburgs, Treaty of Passarowitz; Castle of Vidin; Repair.

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