Why did Maximilian I plan a crusade against the Turks?

Maximilian I’s efforts to organize a crusade against the Turks were driven by his awareness of the empire's perilous geopolitical situation regarding the Ottoman expansion. Throughout his reign, he sought to secure his borders and maintain the integrity of his territories against external threats.12

His approach to this challenge was often characterized by a blend of strategic ambition and romantic idealism. For instance, he famously proposed to Sultan Bayezid II that the conflict between Christians and Turks be settled through the rules of a tournament. Despite such unconventional ideas, his commitment to raising a European coalition against the Turks remained a consistent, albeit difficult, objective until the end of his life. In his final year, 1519, he spent significant effort attempting to organize such a coalition before his death.12