Janissaries

Janissaries were elite infantry soldiers of the Ottoman Empire, established in the 14th century. Originally formed from Christian boys taken from their families through a system called devshirme, they were converted to Islam and trained as soldiers. Renowned for their discipline and military tactics, Janissaries played a crucial role in the empire's expansion and became a powerful political force. Over time, they gained significant influence, often acting independently. However, their power declined in the 19th century, leading to their eventual abolition in 1826 due to reforms aimed at modernizing the military and state structure.