Final answer:
Vlad II Dracul aligned with the Ottomans in November 1436 mainly to gain military support and secure his position as a ruler amidst the complex political environment of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vlad II Dracul aligned with the Ottomans in November 1436 to secure his position and gain military support. This strategic decision was driven by the need to bolster his rule and maintain power within the volatile political landscape of the time. By allying with the Ottomans, Vlad II Dracul acknowledged the Ottoman Empire's growing influence and secured a protective relationship.
In the broader context, the alignment of Christian leaders with the Ottoman Empire, as in the case of Vlad II Dracul, were a practical response to the empire's expansion and dominance. The Ottoman Empire was known for its religious tolerance towards the Orthodox Christians under its rule, which was a contributing factor to why Orthodox Christians occasionally accepted Ottoman governance. The empire also granted timars (land grants) to its soldiers as a form of compensation and incentive, which encouraged loyalty and military service. These political and social dynamics played significant roles in shaping alliances and conflicts during the period.
The alliance between Vlad II Dracul and the Ottomans does not relate directly to his specific actions against Iran on behalf of the Ottomans or Uzbeks, nor does it highlight a religious movement or prove lineage from a religious authority.