Istvánovits Eszter (szerk.): A nyíregyházi Jósa András Múzeum Évkönyve 51. (Nyíregyháza, 2009)
Történelem, helytörténet - Báthori Gábor: A török szövetség próbakövei: Lippa és a lengyel hadjárat
Báthori Gábor TT 1900. Török-Magyarkori emlékek. Okmánytár III. kötet. Pest 1868. Történelmi Tár. Budapest 1900. 145-200. Báthori Gábor Báthori István Múzeum Nyírbátor H-4300 Pf.28. e-mail: bathorimuzeum@gmail.com Connections between Gábor Bethlen and the Ottoman Empire Touchstones of the Turkish alliance: Lippa and the Polish campaign The special status of Transylvania determined its relationship with the Ottoman and Habsburg Empire. However, the princes, among them Gábor Bethlen, had very limited possibilities in their foreign policy. In the case of the Ottoman Empire the basic dilemma was the content of this relationship: a kind of vassalian submission or alliance formed under the influence of the status quo and political struggle during and after the Fifteen Years War. Istanbul was interested in the support of anti-Habsburg movements coming from the Transylvanian principality. The same was the policy of Vienna that used Hungarian estates in its intrusions into Transylvanian affairs. These cases underlined the character of political-military alliance between the Turkish state and Transylvania. However, if we consider the limits in international affairs, the annual taxes and obligatory participation in Turkish campaigns against Christians, the accent should be put onto the classical submission. Gábor Bethlen was burdened by the heavy task of widening the system of relations of Transylvania, to expand its significance in the region, to strengthen the safety and vigilance of the country, to protect its interests against the Turks. From the point of view of the aspects listed above, we can speak about two phases in the relation between Bethlen and the Turks. In the period between 1613-17 he had to make compromises with the Ottomans who led active military politics in Transylvania. Bethlen succeeded to get out of the crises due to his political manoeuvres and minimal sacrifices. The surrender of Lippa was the worst, but the survival of the more important castle of Jenő and the remission of annual tax were victory. From the forced campaign against Poland in 1617 he got out as a successful diplomat and useful Turkish ally, and in the same time the Transylvanian army did not have to fight against Christians. From the start of the Thirty Years War in 1618 Gábor Bethlen got chances to participate in European affairs. Due to his army, military talent and Western ally connections, his participation in anti-Habsburg fights brought him a growing importance as an ally of Turkey. Gábor BÁTHORI Báthori István Museum Nyírbátor H^1300 Pf.28. e-mail: bathorimuzeum@gmail.com 268
