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Janissary Corps
An elite standing infantry corps of the Ottoman Empire, formed by recruiting Christian youths through the devshirme, converting them to Islam, and tr…
Timeline
- c. 1365–1453Edirne · ThraceThe Janissaries, composed of prisoners of war and devshirme youths, underwent rigorous training to become the sultan's direct standing infantry, replacing some functions of the traditional timar cavalry.
- 1531–1540Hungarian and Balkan theaters · BalkansIn Suleiman I's campaigns against Hungary, Persia, and the Mediterranean, the Janissaries served as the core assault force, making extensive use of firearms and operating in coordination with artillery.
- 1540–1826Istanbul · ThraceAfter the 16th century their numbers continued to grow, marriage and trade were permitted, and they gradually shifted from an elite force to participants in capital politics, ultimately being forcibly disbanded by the sultan in 1826.
Sources
- Agoston, Gabor. Guns for the Sultan: Military Power and the Weapons Industry in the Ottoman Empire — Gabor Agoston (2005)
- Encyclopaedia of Islam, Second Edition, s.v. Janissaries