| − | 1300's-1826 The Turkish word "janizary" means "new troops". Janissaries were proffesional soldiers trained by Orkhan (the founder of the Ottoman Empire) in the religion of Islam and in war. Their ranks were filled by the sons of captured Christians, native troops and slaves. Janissaries were used by Turkish rulers until they revolted and were ruthlessly put down. | + | 1300's-1826 The Turkish word "janizary" means "new troops". Janissaries were professional soldiers trained by Orkhan (the founder of the Ottoman Empire) in the religion of Islam and in war. Their ranks were filled by the sons of captured Christians, native troops and slaves. Janissaries were used by Turkish rulers until they revolted and were ruthlessly put down. |