Great Turkish War

In this episode, we examine the Great Turkish War from 1683 to 1699, a transformative struggle between the Ottoman Empire and the Holy League that began with the dramatic Battle of Vienna and culminated in a sweeping shift of power across Southeastern Europe. We explore how decisive victories at Buda, Mohács, and Zenta dismantled Ottoman dominance, the strategic complications posed by France during the Nine Years’ War, and Russia’s emergence as a key partner through its capture of Azov. The episode also unpacks the far-reaching consequences of the Treaty of Karlowitz, which forced major Ottoman territorial concessions in Hungary, Transylvania, and the Balkans, reshaping European borders and signaling the empire’s transition toward a more defensive geopolitical posture.