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The Cavalry

Until the mid-18th. Century provincial sipahi cavalry formed the majority of most Ottoman armies.They numbered around 40,000 men in the 15th and 16th centuries, over half of whom came from the European provinces (Rumelia).Ordinary timar fiefs supported one horseman,while the holders of larger zeamets were also expected to equip mounted retainers or cebelüs.Large still were the hass fiefs of the Sultan's family, viziers and favorite ministers. An ordinary sipahi lived in a village, work his own land, had to pay the peasants for most of their services and received no salary.

The Vassals

Vassals played a more important part in Turkish victories than is generally realized .Most areas accepted Ottoman Suzeranity after the Turks captured their key towns.The sons of many princes served as müteferrika cavalry in the Ottoman capital.T his regiment,which also included the sons of turkish nobleman, formed part of the Kapikulu coprs.Müteferrika were paid, uniformed and educated by the Ottomans while at the same time being hostages.

The Infantry

Ottoman infantry forces went by a confusing number of names, the meanings of which could change over the centuries.Among the first were azaps.Most were Anatolian turks and at first they were only paid for the duration of a campaing.Later they got regular salaries and als acted as garrison troops.

The gönüllüyan (volunteer infantry) who manned local stronpoints could be Muslim or Christian, and were similarly supported by their fellow villagers.

Voyniks were Balkan Christians.They are first recorded as the infantry followers of Christian sipahis fighting for Murat I.

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