{"product_id":"pike-shotte-ottoman-janissaries-regiment","title":"Pike \u0026 Shotte: Ottoman Janissaries Regiment","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Janissaries (from the Turkish for \"new soldier\") were the elite infantry of the Ottoman Empire. The Janissary Corps was founded in 1383 by Sultan Murad I to provide him with well-disciplined and loyal troops for his expansionist campaigns. They were recruited from Christian vassal states of the Ottoman Empire in Europe by the \"devsirme\" system of taking young boys aged 6-14 years and converting them to Islam. These children were indoctrinated and raised in an environment of harsh discipline and training, ideal for the creation of a fighting force.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Corps was divided into \"Ortas\", the equivalent of a battalion, and at the height of the Janissaries' powers in the late 1500's there were 196 ortas. These were divided between frontier troops (Cemaat), Sultan's Household and Bodyguard formations (Beyliks), provincial reserves (Sekbans) and cadet troops (Ajemi). Each Orta was led by a Cobaci or \"Soup Maker\", a title that indicated humility before the Sultan, and an Asci Usta (Master Cook). Culinary traditions played an important role throughout the Janissary Corps as successful leaders should be able to provide for their men.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Distribution","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42207044960311,"sku":"WLG202250001","price":66.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0265\/9195\/2951\/files\/ZWG-202250001.jpg?v=1783131668","url":"https:\/\/isleofgamesaz.com\/products\/pike-shotte-ottoman-janissaries-regiment","provider":"Isle of Games","version":"1.0","type":"link"}