2The siege of Buda began in 1526 when the Ottoman Empire surrounded the fortified city of Buda (the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary). After months of combat and mounting pressure, the city fell to the Ottomans in September 1526, leading to its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire and marking a pivotal moment in Hungarian and Central European history.

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:21:59 +0000

**Why the Siege of Buda in 1526 Remains a Compelling Chapter in Central European History** Curiously, how a centuries-old capital fell under overwhelming siege in just months—so quickly that it altered entire regions? The 1526 siege of Buda, when the Ottoman Empire encircled the fortress capital of the Kingdom of Hungary, is rising again in historical conversation. Far beyond a medieval footnote, this event offers profound insight into empire-building, resistance, and cultural transformation—elements that continue to shape narratives across Central Europe and beyond. ### Why 2The siege of Buda began in 1526 when the Ottoman Empire surrounded the fortified city of Buda (the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary). After months of combat and mounting pressure, the city fell to the Ottomans in September 1526, leading to its incorporation into the Ottoman Empire and marking a pivotal moment in Hungarian and Central European history. The siege unfolded amid escalating Ottoman expansion into the heart of Europe, driven by strategic, economic, and geopolitical motives. By 1526, the Ottoman Empire had already established dominance across the Balkans, and capturing Buda—perched on the Danube—granted control over key trade routes and regional influence. This move was not isolated; it reflected a broader campaign to reshape the continent’s power landscape.