The Battle of Kosovo was a decisive confrontation fought in 1389 between the forces of the Ottoman Empire, led by Sultan Murad I, and the Serbian forces, under Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović, supported by Bosnian allies. The battle occurred in the Kosovo field, an area that became the heartland of the Serbian medieval state and an important location within the larger context of the Balkan struggle against Ottoman expansion. Both leaders sought to secure dominance over the strategic region and to bolster their political legitimacy.

The conflict was marked by intense fighting and notable bravery on both sides, but ultimately the Ottomans emerged victorious despite suffering significant losses, including the death of Sultan Murad I, who was killed during the fighting. His son, Bayezid I, would go on to take command of the Ottoman forces. For the Serbs, the defeat at Kosovo would have longstanding implications, leading to increased Ottoman influence and the gradual subjugation of Serbian regions.

Significantly, the battle has stayed ingrained in the collective memory of the Serbian people, who view it as a symbol of national pride and sacrifice. The legacy of the battle influenced the cultural and political landscape of Southeast Europe for centuries, underscoring the ongoing struggle between Christian and Muslim powers in the region.