The Janissaries were an elite corps of infantry soldiers within the Ottoman Empire’s standing army. Initially composed of enslaved Christian boys, primarily from the Balkans, these troops were converted to Islam and rigorously trained from a young age. They served as the Sultan’s personal guard and formed a significant part of the Ottoman military might for centuries, playing a crucial role in the empire’s expansion and defense.
This system, known as the devirme, provided the Ottoman Empire with a loyal and highly disciplined military force independent of the existing feudal system. Their strict training, along with the promise of advancement based solely on merit, made them formidable warriors. The Janissaries influence extended beyond military matters, impacting Ottoman politics and society through their involvement in palace coups and social uprisings. Their unique position and power significantly shaped the course of the empire’s history.
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