Veszprém a török korban (Veszprémi Múzeumi Konferenciák 9. 1998)

Hegyi Klára: Veszprém török őrségei

Klára Hegyi TURKISH GUARDS OF VESZPRÉM The castle of Veszprém was under Turkish domination in two short periods between 1552 and 1566 and between 1595 and 1598. For the first time the Turks wanted to secure the border of their province, which was just forming, with a closed series of fortresses. Veszprém had the task to defend the North-East Transdanubian border of the province releasing Fehérvár which had performed these duties alone. Guard of 346 was allocated here to serve the strategic mission of high priority, the majority of which was the cavalry which was indispensable in border defence. Strong decrease of the army was replaced by putting new soldiers necessary to the importance of the fortress until 1559, as it could be followed in the lasted soldier's pay-books. The second occupation was in that decade when the Turks were striving towards Austria and capturing all the castles of North Transdanubia up to the Rába. The border fell far West from Veszprém in this military situation. Guards of the fortress reflect the hinterland status and warlike jumble at that time. 296 soldiers were serving here, 80 of which were Christian South Slavic. Worthless foot-corps prevailed in the effective force. Bigger units (agaliks) and companies were complemented disunited, many soldiers were missing. The whole garrison reflected disorder and mess. 4u