Devshirme Levy System

Timeline

1. 1360–1389Thrace and newly annexed Balkan territories · Ottoman EmpireAfter conquering the Balkans, Murad I experimented with recruiting boys from Christian families and sending them into the Ottoman palace and military systems for training, laying the groundwork for the devshirme system.
2. 1411–1420Edirne court and the levy provinces · Ottoman EmpireUnder Mehmed I, the devshirme was carried out on a fixed cycle in the Balkan provinces; recruited boys were screened and sent to Edirne for Islamization education and preliminary military training.
3. 1421–1500Provinces throughout the Ottoman Empire · Ottoman EmpireIn the 15th century, the devshirme became the main talent pipeline for the Janissary corps and palace officials; the scale of recruitment and administrative regulations grew increasingly rigorous, influencing the empire's military and political structure.