Jovan Dejanović (), known as Jovan Dragaš (Јован Драгаш), was a Serbian nobleman that held the title of despot under the Serbian Emperor Uroš V, his cousin. He later became an Ottoman vassal after the Battle of Maritsa in 1371.

His father, despot Dejan ruled Kumanovo with a district spanning from Preševo to Velbazhd (Kyustendil). After his father's death, the young brothers Jovan and Constantine were taken care of by Vlatko Paskačić, at the order of the Mrnjavčevićs, who continued to rule the region until Jovan reached adolescence.

Jovan Dragaš

He began his office in circa 1365, and ruled alongside his mother and younger brother Constantine for some years. His cousin gave him the title of Despot, as had done his father before him (this is attested in sources dating to 1373).

Jovan Dragaš

Ottoman sources report that in 1373, the Ottoman army compelled Jovan (who they called Saruyar) in the upper Struma, to recognize Ottoman vassalage.

Jovan Dragaš

After the Battle of Maritsa, the two brothers became Ottoman vassals as the Mrnjavčevićs were defeated. They, however, continued to rule their region as a semi-independent state, and managed to further expand their father's district, taking territory from Jovan Oliver. He issued coins that were of same design as those of Vukašin Mrnjavčević.

He donated the St. Basil's church in Štip to the Hilandar monastery.

He died in 1378 and his brother continued to rule until 1395.

See also

Fall of the Serbian Empire

References

Sources

14th-century Serbian nobility

1343 births

1378 deaths

Despots of the Serbian Empire

Dejanović noble family