Editing Wallachia (section)

=== Ottoman suzerainty ===
Wallachia entered a tributary relationship with the Ottoman Empire during the fifteenth century. It was not administered as an ordinary Ottoman province. Wallachian princes continued to direct internal government, while the principality paid tribute and accepted Ottoman influence over foreign policy and succession.

The extent of Ottoman control changed according to the strength of individual princes and the wider balance of power. Some Wallachian rulers sought support in Hungary or Transylvania against Ottoman pressure. During the early modern period, others cooperated with the Habsburg monarchy. Princes also relied on Ottoman support against domestic rivals. The principality remained Orthodox Christian and retained its boyar institutions throughout this period.

In 1716, the Ottoman government began appointing Phanariote princes to Wallachia. These rulers came from Greek-speaking families based in Constantinople and depended on Ottoman appointment. Their administrations increased taxation and reorganized parts of the central government. Boyar families nevertheless continued to hold land and public office.