Murad I

Murad Imo͞orädˈ[key], 1326?–1389, Ottoman sultan (1362?–1389), son and successor of Orkhan to the throne of the Ottoman Empire (Turkey). Murad widened the Ottoman hold on European territory, conquering Macedonia and making Adrianople his residence. He granted Muslims sections of conquered lands as fiefs (seefeudalism). In 1373 he forced Byzantine EmperorJohn Vto pay tribute. Murad began the policy of compelling Christian youths to join the army corps known as theJanissaries. As a result of his victory atKosovo Field, Serbia came under Ottoman rule. However, Murad was assassinated in his tent by a Serbian warrior; his sonBeyazid Isucceeded him. The name also appears as Amurath.

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