The conquest, population, and architectural works of Thessaloniki, Sofia, and Plovdiv (14th-15 th century)

Balkan history should be evaluated as a multi-layered historical process in which different ethnic, religious and cultural elements have interacted over centuries, and where political transformations and social ruptures have been intensely observed. The cities of Plovdiv, Thessaloniki, and Sofia gained importance due to their geopolitical positions from ancient times and have been used as settlements since early periods. These three cities hosted various civilizations and created a rich cultural heritage over time. Especially during the periods of Roman and Byzantine rule, cultural, social, and religious developments took place in these cities. With the expansion of Ottoman rule into the region, these cities acquired a Muslim identity alongside their existing Christian elements. İn line with the Ottoman Empire's settlement policies, Turkish and Tatar populations from Anatolia were resettled in the Rumelian lands. This population movement paved the way fort he establishment of new settlements areas. Ottoman constructed numerous building such as mosques, lodges, madrasas, and bazaars through waqfs in order to meet the religious, social, economic, and cultural needs of the population they settled in the region. Today, a significant portion of these structures has disappeared due to natural disasters, while others have been eliminated as a result of the policies implemented by the states Greek and Bulgaria. Those that have survived have either suffered serious damage, been abandoned to their fate, or are being utilized for different purposes. İn this study, the primary and secondary sources related to the period concerning the cities of Thessaloniki, Sofia, and Plovdiv are examined to analyze the political, cultural, and social activities carried out by the Ottoman Empire in these cities.