Voivoda

Voivoda (Bulgarian: Voyvoda). Slavic title.

The meaning changes from country to country. Originally, it may have been a Military title, the title of a "General Commander of the armed forces".

In the medieval Principalities of Moldavia, Wallachia and in Transylvania, "Voivode" was the title of a "Sovereign Prince", the "Governor of the Province" (who was in charge of the armed forces).

In Medieval times, the title was also used in many other countries, like: Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia, Bohemia, Bulgaria, Poland and parts of Russia.

In countries under the Ottoman Empire, "Voivodes" were appointed for non fixed periods of time. Voivodes were also "relieved" from their duties or killed for various reasons by the Ottomans.