Landscaping of the Habsburg-Ottoman Border in the Kingdom of Serbia (1718–1739)
Landscaping of the Habsburg-Ottoman Border in the Kingdom of Serbia (1718–1739)

Summary/Abstract: This paper presents an overview of certain variable aspects of the landscapes in the border districts of the Habsburg province of the Kingdom of Serbia in the first half of the 18th century. Apart from changes made for military purposes along the border with the Ottoman Empire, changes made to the agricultural landscapes in the rural environments will also be discussed, as well as the urbanization of border towns to increase defence potentials. This gives a good opportunity to consider the contrasts between terrains in an area that was substantially depopulated after the end of the Austro-Turkish War (1716–1718). While studying these phenomena, a comparative analysis of experiences obtained during the population and organization of military settlements in the period from 1699 to 1718, and the current reforms of the Military Border, is also provided. Through comparisons of periodic censuses that provide information on population, movable property, and arable land, the paper will suggest what physical changes occurred in the agricultural landscape of the border districts, and how they affected social relations. Reports made by military commanders during the Austro-Turkish War (1737–1739) provided noticeable tendencies of land reconfiguration to achieve war goals faster, especially during sieges.

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