Why did the Ottoman Empire encourage Orthodox settlers to move into northern and western Bosnia?

During the Ottoman period, Bosnia functioned as a frontier province facing significant imperial rivals, including Austria, Hungary, and Venice.1

To address the resulting depopulation in northern and western Bosnia caused by these frequent conflicts, the Ottoman Empire encouraged the migration of hardy settlers from Serbia and Herzegovina. These settlers were recruited specifically for their military skills, which were essential for defending the empire's borders. Many of these individuals were Vlachs—a pre-Slav Balkan population specialized in stock breeding, trade, and fighting—and the majority were members of the Serbian Orthodox Church.1