Ottoman Janissary Corps

Timeline

1. c. 1363–1389Edirne · Ottoman EmpireDuring his conquest of the Balkans, Murad I incorporated prisoners of war and devşirme-recruited youths into the 'New Corps', forming a standing infantry core distinct from the traditional timar cavalry through strict training, Islamization, and a ban on trade.
2. 1402–1410Bursa–Edirne area · Ottoman EmpireAfter the defeat at Ankara in 1402 the empire fell into civil war; the Janissaries still served as palace guards and siege infantry under successors such as Musa Çelebi, and their scale and organization were further consolidated in the early 15th century, becoming a symbolic armed force of sultanic authority.
3. 1500–1600Istanbul · Ottoman EmpireAfter the fall of Constantinople in 1453 the Janissaries garrisoned the capital and were widely equipped with matchlocks, expanding along the 'orta' regimental system, and became the empire's most reliable field infantry in the wars in Hungary, Persia, and the Mediterranean.