Janissary: Ottoman Elite Army.

Source: Pinterest. Ca.

Janissary, Ottoman Elites Army appear at many pop culture, example at Assasin Creed videogames or at Japanese Anime Shoukoku No Altair. But, at history, Janissary is very important unit from Ottoman Empire. Curious? Who founded Janissary? How Janissary operated at Ottoman Empire? Why Janissary in the end dissolved? Lets read this article until end, and dont forget, subscribe my blog for many Islamic History information, that educated you about Islamic Progress from past to present.

Must your know, Janissary are really historical warrior, doesnt only exist in pop culture. Oh yes, at Ottoman early times, doesnt exist regular army, regular army of Ottoman founded by 2 nd Ottoman Sultan, Orhan Gazi (  ruled 1324-1362 AD) . He found Ottoman regular army for the first time, the member of Ottoman Early Army are Turkish Youngers, and he make two units: Infantry units called Yaya and consists of 1000 fighters. The Cavalry called Musellem. At 1329 AD, Orhan defeat Emperor Of Byzantine, Andronichus III Palaeologus at Battle Of Pelekanon and he conquer Nicea and Nicomedia, two important of Byzantine Empire.  Orhan s sucessor, Murat I, founded Janissary Army. Janissary consists of Ottoman s prisoners, according the advise from Qara Rustam, an Muslim Scholar, Murat I founded Janissary Army. Usually, members are Christian Youngers. Christian Youngers  who prisoned by Ottoman Empire ordered work at Turkish Villages and study Turkish Language.  A part from them recruited to regular army. But, a part of Janissary doesnt recruited to regular army, if they clever, they can get cultural education and maybe became creator, such as architecht, example Sinon, an Jannisary who became Ottoman s moque architecht.

According Historian Tamim Ansary, Janissary recruited for seeking youngers who has intelectual and phisically intellingence and give them education, so that, tomorrow, they can shoulder s empire s responsibility.

Janissary role s is of very important at Ottoman Empire. The example of Janissary role is Battle Of Varna 1144 AD, that Ottoman Army under Sultan Murad II faced Crusader at Black Sea. At this battle, Ottoman Army almost defeated, but Sultan Murad II lead his janissary faced Crusaders and Ottoman Army defeat Crusader at this battle.  When  Sultan Mehmed II ( Muhammad Al-Fatih)  surrounded  Constantinople, he bring 12.000 Janissary in his troops, if included other batalyon, Greek Historians, such as Kritobolous,  at this time suspect Mehmed II bring 4000.000 army.

Janissary sometimes beeing problem for Ottoman Sultans. Example, at Battle Of Chaldiran ( 1514 AD), againts Safavid Dynasty ( New Persian Empire), Sultan Selim I Yavuz lead his army, included Janissary to Persia, but Janissary  s army complain because the journey to Persia is very hard, Safavid Emperor, Shah Ismail burned villages at Persia, until Sultan Selim I angry and mocked them as women, the end, they obey Sultan Selim I s command. Shah Ismail and his new Persian s Empire, and the notes from Portuguese agent about it, will discuss in other article. But, directly outline, Ottoman s expansion to Europe, many invoves Janissary, example, Battle Of Mohacs at 1526 AD that Ottoman Army defeat Hungarian Army and his European allies, and Battle Of Hachova at 1596 AD, that Ottoman Army defeat 300.000 German army with 100.000 army.

At 1622 AD, Janissary rebel to Ottoman Sultan, Osman II,  that still young and under his mother s influence, under his leadership, Janissary and volunteer army from Mongol Muslims at Crimea attack Poland, but the expedition is failed because Janissary Unites doesnt obey sultan s command, that they claim as inexperienced children. At 1622 AD, Janissary kill Osman II.

The end, at 1826 AD,Ottoman Sultan, Mahmud II, dissolve Janissary corps because Janissary s discipline at this time is so bad and many corruptor who entered Janissary and received blind salary, included traders and artist who entered Janissary for get Ulufe ( Janissary s salary) but they doesnt work.

The lesson, corruption is destroyed, along time is same, doesnt exist the story, state can forward, if many corruption at this state. So, lets together oppose corruption. Dont agree to corruption, whatever it. For parents, should you educate your children to became honest people. educate them to say NO to corruption.

Maksudoglu, Prof.DR.Mehmet: The Untold History Of Ottoman: Menelusuri Daulah Islamiyah Terbesar Di Dunia Dan Pemerintahannya, Penerbit Al-Kautsar, 2023 M.

Freely, John: Muhammad Al-Fatih Sang Penakluk Konstantinopel, Penerbit Alvabet, 2019 M.

Ansary, Tamim: Dari Puncak Bagdad Sejarah Dunia Versi Islam, Penerbit Serambi, 2017 M.