World of Serhad gazis (living in European borders in the 16th-17th centuries)

Throughout history, borders have been seen as lines dividing states. But in addition to the linear structure of these boundaries, soldiers, peasants, merchants, etc. dominated by two different states which continue to live in freedom. The sharp lines of modern boundaries make the impression that the limits of the classical period are so sharp. However, the situation during 16-17th century examining through the Ottoman-Habsburg serhads, it is revealed that this thought is not true. Although the borders were sharpened as a result of the wars, the serhad regions were open to interaction, living in economic relations with each other, living in communities that influenced each other in terms of religion, language and culture. For this reason, serhad regions cannot be defined only as a military area. This study has been trying to discussed in a framework and perspective which will reveal the social history, religious, cultural, economic and daily life of Ottoman-Habsburg borders in 16-17 th century. In this study, chronicles and travel books of 16th and 17th century were used as the main source.