The Jenizaros (reissue) 16th and 17th century 1/72 Zvezda-8050

The janissaries were a military elite of the Ottoman Empire, established in the 14th century under Sultan Murad I. Originally, this corps was composed of young Christian men captured in conquered territories, who were recruited through the devshirme system, which converted them to Islam and trained them in military and administrative disciplines. The janissaries became highly disciplined soldiers, known for their bravery and loyalty to the sultan. Armed with swords, bows and, later, firearms, they played a key role in the Ottoman expansions, including the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. More than just warriors, they also served as the sultan’s personal guard and court officials. Over time, however, the janissaries became politically powerful and less effective militarily. In 1826, Sultan Mahmud II disbanded the corps in an event known as the Fortunate Incident, ending their influence in the Ottoman Empire.