The First Regular Army in the Ottoman Empire; The Ottoman Empire existed for a long period from the Middle Ages to the modern era and has been known for various military innovations throughout history. One of the most important of these military innovations was the establishment of the Janissary Corps, which is considered
the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire . The first regular army in the Ottoman Empire attracted attention with both its military successes and its contributions to the administrative structure of the state. The first regular army in the Ottoman Empire was established to expand and protect the borders of the empire and formed the backbone of the Ottoman military power for many years. In this article, the establishment, structure, functioning and historical importance of the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire will be examined in detail.
Establishment of the First Regular Army in the Ottoman Empire
Early Ottoman Period and Military Structure
During the founding of the Ottoman Empire, the military structure was based mostly on volunteer forces from tribes and principalities. During this period, there were irregular units that were called up in times of war and dispersed in times of peace. However, the inadequacy of this irregular structure was soon understood and a more permanent and professional army was needed.
Establishment of the Janissary Corps
The Janissary Corps, considered the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire, was founded in 1363 during the reign of Murad I. The establishment of the Janissary Corps was a turning point in Ottoman military history. This army was formed by training young Christian boys who were collected through the devshirme system and converting them to Islam. These boys went through a rigorous training process and became professional soldiers.
Devshirme System
The devshirme system was a practice that formed the basis of the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire. Children gathered from Christian families in the Balkans and Anatolia were first educated in Turkish and Islamic culture, then received military training and joined the Janissary Corps. This system was implemented to provide loyal and talented soldiers for the Ottoman Empire.
The Structure and Functioning of the Janissary Corps
Organizational Structure
The Janissary Corps had a hierarchical structure. At the top was the Janissary Agha, with various officers and company commanders below him. The Janissary soldiers were organized into companies, and each company had its own commanders and officers. This hierarchical structure ensured that the army was disciplined and effectively managed.
Education and Discipline
Soldiers who joined the Janissary Corps went through a rigorous training process. This training included not only military skills but also Ottoman culture and the Islamic religion. The Janissaries lived a disciplined life and received regular physical and mental training. This discipline is one of the main reasons for the success of the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire in wars.
Social and Economic Situation of the Janissaries
Janissaries had an important position in Ottoman society. They were supported by the state with salaries and other social rights. At the same time, various privileges were given to the Janissaries. This increased their loyalty and motivation.
The Role of the First Regular Army in the Ottoman Empire
Early Wars
The Janissaries, the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire, played a role in many important wars. This army, established during the reign of Murad I, achieved great success in the conquests in the Balkans and Anatolia. The Janissaries won important victories, especially in the wars of Serbs and Kosovo.
Conquest of Istanbul
The conquest of Istanbul, one of the most important military achievements of the Ottoman Empire, demonstrates the role of the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire. In this conquest, which took place during the reign of Mehmed II (Fatih Sultan Mehmed), the Janissaries showed great courage and determination. The conquest of Istanbul enabled the Ottoman Empire to become an important power in world history.
The Period of Suleiman the Magnificent and After
The first regular army in the Ottoman Empire achieved great success during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. During this period, the Ottoman Empire made great conquests in Europe and Asia. The Janissaries took part in important battles such as the Battle of Mohács and the Siege of Vienna.
The Weakening and Abolition of the Janissary Corps
Internal and External Factors
Although the Janissary Corps had achieved great success since the foundation of the Ottoman Empire, it began to weaken over time. Internal factors include the deterioration of the Janissaries’ discipline and inadequate military training. External factors include military innovations and technological developments in Europe, which caused the Ottoman army to fall behind.
Reform Efforts
During the 18th and 18th centuries, the Ottoman Empire made various reform efforts to restore the discipline and effectiveness of the Janissary Corps. These efforts included investments in the training and equipment of the Janissaries. However, these reform efforts were generally inadequate and did not produce the expected results.
Auspicious Event and the Abolition of the Janissary Corps
In 1826, the Janissary Corps was completely abolished with the Vaka-i Hayriye (Auspicious Event) carried out by Mahmud II. This event was a turning point in the Ottoman Empire, where the first regular army ended and the transition to a modern army began. Mahmud II established a modern army called Nizam-ı Cedid instead of the Janissaries and reorganized the Ottoman military structure.
The first regular army in the Ottoman Empire was an important part of the military power and state structure of the Ottoman Empire. The Janissary Corps formed the backbone of the Ottoman army from its establishment and played a role in many important victories. The disciplined and educated structure of the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire had a great impact on the expansion and strengthening of the empire. However, over time, due to the deterioration of discipline and the inability to keep up with military innovations, the Janissary Corps weakened and was eventually abolished. The first regular army in the Ottoman Empire has an unforgettable place in the military and political history of the Ottoman Empire with its historical importance and legacy. The Janissary Corps, known as the first regular army in the Ottoman Empire, played an important role both in the success of the Ottoman Empire and in overcoming the difficulties in the final periods of the state.