DESPOT STEFAN LAZAREVIĆ

Despot Stefan Lazarević was an important figure in Serbian history, the son of Prince Lazar Hrebeljanović. He ruled from the late 14th century until 1427 and is known for establishing a powerful Serbian state during difficult times when the Ottoman Empire was expanding in the Balkans. Stefan was also a significant patron of the arts and culture, overseeing the restoration of the Gračanica Monastery and the establishment of new churches and schools. He played an essential role in diplomatic relations with Western countries and sought to defend Serbian independence from Ottoman influence.