News/Events Around the Area, 1433 AD

Kingdom of Hungary

In 1433, Hungary was ruled by Sigismund of Luxembourg, who was crowned Holy Roman Emperor that same year. Having been King of Hungary since 1387, Sigismund's reign was marked by efforts to strengthen royal authority and navigate the complex political landscape of Central Europe. His leadership was pivotal in addressing internal challenges and external threats, particularly from the Ottoman Empire.

Demetrios’ Holdings.

Demetrios Palaiologos controls fragmented territories—including scattered Aegean islands and enclaves near Constantinople—under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Empire. As a vassal, his authority is constrained by tribute obligations and Ottoman oversight, forcing him into a precarious dance between ambition and subservience. While many Greeks regard him as a diminished figure—a pawn of the Sultan and a shadow of true imperial legitimacy—others, mostly among the conservative Orthodox clergy, view him more favorably. To them, Demetrios remains a defender of the faith, preserving Orthodox traditions in the heartlands of Byzantium despite the political compromise his position entails.

Karaman Beylik

In 1433, Ibrahim Bey II ruled the Karamanid Beylik, a major Turkish principality in central Anatolia. His reign was marked by constant tension with the expanding Ottoman Empire, as the Karamanids sought to preserve their independence and regional influence. Ibrahim Bey often exploited moments of Ottoman distraction—such as their European campaigns—to assert control over contested territories like Ankara, only to face swift retaliation. The rivalry between Karaman and the Ottomans was emblematic of the broader struggle for dominance in Anatolia during this period.

Knights of Rhodes

The Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Rhodes, controlled the island of Rhodes in 1433. They were led by Grand Master Antoine Fluvian de Riviere, who focused on fortifying the island's defenses against Ottoman threats and maintaining the order's sovereignty in the eastern Mediterranean.

Duchy of Naxos

Giacomo II Crispo became the Duke of the Archipelago (Duchy of Naxos) in 1433, succeeding his father. The duchy, under Venetian influence, managed to preserve its autonomy amidst the complex political dynamics of the Aegean Sea region.

Republic of Venice

Francesco Foscari served as the Doge of Venice in 1433, leading the republic through a period of territorial expansion and conflict, particularly against Milan. His administration emphasized strengthening Venice's maritime power and economic prosperity.

Empire of Trebizond

In 1433, the Empire of Trebizond was ruled by Alexios IV Megas Komnenos. His reign focused on maintaining the empire's independence and navigating the threats posed by neighboring powers, including the Ottomans and regional Turkish principalities.

Albania

During 1433, Albania experienced resistance against Ottoman rule, notably led by Gjergj Arianiti. His rebellion was part of a broader movement to oppose Ottoman expansion and assert Albanian autonomy.

Serbian Despotate

In 1433, the Serbian Despotate was ruled by Đurađ Branković, a shrewd and pragmatic leader navigating a precarious geopolitical landscape. Although nominally independent, Serbia was at this time a vassal of the Ottoman Empire, compelled to pay tribute and support Ottoman campaigns. Branković sought to preserve Serbian autonomy through a mix of diplomacy, strategic marriages, and the reinforcement of strongholds such as Smederevo. His reign was a constant balancing act between appeasing the Sultan and maintaining ties with Hungary and other Christian power.

Wallachia

In 1433, Wallachia was governed by Alexander I Aldea, whose reign was shaped by the principality’s precarious position between powerful neighbors. Although he aspired to maintain a degree of autonomy, Wallachia was at this time an Ottoman vassal, obligated to pay tribute and align its foreign policy with the interests of the Sultan.

Kingdom of Naples

In 1433, the Kingdom of Naples was ruled by Queen Joanna II, one of the last sovereign queens of medieval Italy. Her reign was marked by intense internal strife and foreign intrigue, as rival claimants vied for control of the kingdom. Though she had previously adopted both Alfonso V of Aragon and René of Anjou as heirs at different times, by 1433 she had distanced herself from both, attempting to maintain her grip on power amidst factional court politics and mounting external pressure. Her rule embodied the fragile balance between diplomacy and manipulation in a turbulent dynastic age.

Mamluk Sultanate

In 1433, the Mamluk Sultanate was ruled by Sultan Barsbay, a strong and reformist leader from the Burji dynasty. His reign marked a period of centralized authority and economic control, particularly over the Red Sea trade routes and the lucrative spice trade. Barsbay implemented strict monopolies on luxury goods and imposed heavy taxes to fill the state’s coffers, while also engaging in military campaigns in the Levant and against the Christian Kingdom of Cyprus.

Author's Note:
This is a new small report and map overview of the broader world as it stands in our timeline in 1433. A general snapshot of the players across the Balkans, Anatolia, and the Eastern Mediterranean. It includes some basic information on each realm’s leadership and position in the regional power balance. So far, not many major divergences from the original timeline have occurred... yet. The next story chapter is in the works and will be dropping within the next few hours. I wanted to release this 1433 update first to give everyone a clearer sense of the geopolitical situation before the crusade time begins.