Erdély déli végeinek védelme az Apafi-korszak első felében
The Defence of the Southern Borders of Transylvania in the First Half of the Apafi Period

Summary/Abstract: Due to the consequences of György Rákóczi II’s misguided political decision, the period of the so-called crisis of power in the Principality of Transylvania (1657-1662) was very turbulent. The prince’s disobedience led to a retaliatory campaign of the Ottoman Empire against Transylvania. As a result, Transylvania became a theatre of war, its operation and defence became disorganised. One of the most significant consequences of the campaigns was the strengthening of the ottoman influence in the region. In the southern part of Transylvania the Ottomans conquered Caransebeș (Karánsebes), Lugoj (Lugos) and the fortress of Ineu (Borosjenő). Due to the lack of a precise demarcation line on the border between the Vilayet of Timişoara (Temesvár) and the Principality of Transylvania, and the resulting joint sovereignty (condominium), one of the most urgent tasks of Prince Mihály Apafi I and of his government was to reorganise the defence of the southern borders. The aim of the study is to show the way the Transylvanian government managed to respond, based on the fortress of Deva (Déva) and on the armies of the surrounding counties, to the daily challenges posed by the Ottoman presence in the first half of the Apafi period. In addition, special attention is given to the case of Miklós Zólyomi’s confrontation with the Apafi government and to his escape to the Sublime Porte. That is because the situation brought new challenges for the Transylvanian government in organising the defence of the southern borders of the principality.

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