THE VELIKA SEOBA OF THE SERBS AS A WAVE OF MIGRATION DURING THE GREAT VIENNA WAR

Abstract

This work presents various estimates of the number of Serbs relocated during the Velika seoba or Great Migration of 1690. The greatest problem which remains unresolved by historical research is the mention in some sources of large numbers of Serb families consisting of at least 7 to 10 members, thereby significantly affecting the tally of persons relocated at the end of the 17th century. The estimated number of Serbs who migrated during the Seoba varies accordingly in the literature from 40,000 to 500,000. This work reviews the problem and the various positions regarding it which have been adopted by Serbian historiographers.