Ottoman Janissaries

By: Warlord Games

Type: Miniatures Box Set

Product Line: Pike & Shotte - Core & Assorted (28mm)

24 figures

Last Stocked on 4/13/2021

Product Info

Title
Ottoman Janissaries
Publisher
Publish Year
2015
Dimensions
6x9x2"
NKG Part #
2147599691
MFG. Part #
WLGWGP-20
Age Range
14 Years and Up

Description

The 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.

The 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.

Janissaries discipline and impressive war record notwithstanding, they were also at the forefront of many military advances. They wore uniforms and distinctive headgear at a time when army uniforms were practically unheard of. They were the first military units to march to music, and also the first to widely use firearms. The fact they were salaried fighters and lived in organized barracks was also unusual from a western standpoint.

The social status of the Janissary Corps was also noteworthy; being neither free men nor ordinary slaves they created their own social class. The Agha, head of the Corps, was one of the most powerful men in the Ottoman Empire, and over the years the Janissaries came to fill important government roles and trades in society. This increase in power was to prove their downfall as they effectively became kingmakers, killing Sultans who they did not approve of and becoming a corrupt parody of their earlier glories and a law unto themselves. The end for the Janissary Corps came in 1826, when Sultan Mahmud II initiated the ‘Auspicious Incident’ which saw the execution of thousands of Janissaries and the disbandment of the Corps.

This boxed set provides 24 metal miniatures that can represent a Janissary Orta, 12 miniatures with firearms and 12 with melee weapons, that highlight the both the uniformity and diversity of the Janissary formations.

Contains:

  • 12 metal Janissaries armed with sword and shield (includes a command group of officer, standard bearer, drummer and sergeant).
  • 12 metal Janissaries armed with arquebus, led by an officer.
  • Plastic bases.
Miniatures are supplied unpainted and assembly may be required.

The Helpful Squire

*Try asking the Helpful Squire to talk like your favourite character. Remember you're chatting with an AI assistant. Verify the responses and don't share personal data. Acceptable Use Policy

since 1997

Why Buy, Sell, or Trade with Noble Knight?

  • Trusted tabletop retailer since 1997: Nearly 30 years serving gamers worldwide.
  • 300,000+ items in stock: New, used, and out-of-print games, books, and collectibles.
  • No phantom inventory: If it's listed as in stock, it's physically on our shelves in Fitchburg, WI and ready to ship.
  • Fast, reliable shipping: One-day shipping on most orders, Free USA shipping over $149, and flat-rate shipping of $9.95 on orders under $149.
  • International-friendly service: Discounted international shipping and support for foreign currency.
  • Sell your games to us with confidence: In store or by mail, we pay any shipping costs.
  • Learn more about Buy, Sell & Trade
gamers for gamers

Cataloged and Supported by Gamers

  • Every item professionally assessed and graded: Managed by our team of tabletop gamers.
  • Decades of experience: Nearly 30 years of buying, selling, and trading across all categories.
  • Sourced from the community: Much of our inventory comes directly from gamers through our Buy–Sell–Trade program.
  • Fair offers on collections of any size: From single items to large collections, new, used and rare items. Get a quote for your collection
  • Talk to a real gamer: Connect with our team at contact@nobleknight.mom to get advice, recommendations, and real insight from fellow gamers.
  • We speak tabletop: Knowledge you can rely on, from gamers who get it.
  • Ask us anything