Yanychars: elite soldiers of the Ottoman Empire. Yanychars - their meaning and role in the army of the Ottoman Empire for what purpose was the army of Yanychar

Almost all the great powers had their military estates, special troops. In the Ottoman Empire, it was Janicara, in Russia - Cossacks. The organization of the Yanychar Corps organization (from "Yeni Chery" - "New Army") two main ideas were formed: the state took over the entire content of Yanychar, so that they could devote all the time to combat training, without reducing combat qualities at normal time; Create a professional warrior, combined into a military-religious fraternity, like knightly orders of the West. In addition, the Sultan authorities needed a military support, devoted only to the supreme power and anyone more.

The creation of the Yanychar case was made possible thanks to the successful conciliatory wars, which were led by Ottomans, which led to the accumulation of large wealth at the sultans. The appearance of Yanychar is associated with the name Murad I (1359-1389), who was the first to take the title of Sultan and made a number of major conquests in Malaya Asia and on the Balkan Peninsula, issuing the creation of the Ottoman Empire. When Murad began to form a "new army", which subsequently became the shock force of the Turkish army and a kind of personal guard of Ottoman Sultanov. Yanychars obeyed the Sultan personally, received a salary from the treasury and from the very beginning became a privileged part of the Turkish army. Submission personally, Sultan symbolized "Burk" (he "SUSKYUF") - a kind of headdress of "new warriors", made in the form of a sultan robe sleeve, - they say, Janacares are under the hand of Sultan. The commander of the Jancharian corps was among the highest dynamics of the Empire.

The supplied idea is visible in the whole organization Janchar. The lowest cell in the organization was a compartment - 10 people united by a shared boiler and a common facing horse. 8-12 departments were formed by the ODU (Rota), which had a large rotary boiler. In the XIV century, there were 66 OD Yanychar (5 thousand people), and then the number of "OD" increased to 200. The commander of ODD (company) was named Chorbaji Bashi, i.e. the soup distributor; Other officers had the title of "Main Cook" (Ashdshi Bashi) and "Wateronos" (Saka Bashi). The name of the company - Oda - indicated the general barracks - the bedroom; Another division was called "Orta", that is, the herd. On Fridays, the Rotty boiler was sent to the Kitchen of Sultan, where Pilaw (pilaf, a dish, based on rice and meat) was prepared for the soldiers of Allah. Instead of a cokard, Yanychars stuck in front of their white felt cap wooden spoon. In the late period, when the Yanychar's building was already decomposed, the rallies took place around the military shrine - a regular boiler, and Yanychar's refusal to taste brought from Palace Pilaz was considered the most dangerous rebellious admission.

The care of the cultivation of the Spirit was entrusted to the Sufi Order of the Dervysh "Bektashi". He was founded by Haji Bektash in the XIII century. All Yanychars were attributed to the Order. In the 94th Orta symbolically enrolled Sheikh (Baba) fraternity. Therefore, in Turkish documents, Yanychar was often called the "Bektasha Association", and the Yanacharian commander "Aga Bektashi". This Order allowed certain liberations, such as the use of wine and contained elements of non-Muslim practices. The teachings of Bektashi simplified the basic postulates and requirements of Islam. For example, made an optional five-time daily prayer. What was quite reasonable - for the army in the campaign, and even during hostilities, when success was depended on the speed of maneuver and movement, such delays could become fatal.

The barracks became a kind of monastery. The Order of Dervishe was the only enlightenment and teacher Janichar. Monks-Dervishi in the Jancharian parts played the role of military challennels, and also carried the obligation to enjoy the warriors singing and junning. Yanychars did not have relatives, Sultan was the only father and his order was sacred. They were obliged to engage only by military craft (during the period of decomposition, the situation in the root changed), in life, be content with military prey, and after death, hope for paradise, the entrance to which opened the "Sacred War".

First, the hull was formed from prisoners of Christian adolescents and young men 12-16 years. In addition, Sultan's agents bought young slaves in the markets. Later, at the expense of "tax of blood" (the system of Devmirma, that is, the "set of children's children"). They had the Christian population of the Ottoman Empire. His essence was that from the Christian community in Sultan's slaves, every fifth immense boy was taken. Interesting is the fact that the Ottomans simply borrowed the experience of the Byzantine Empire. Greek authorities, experiencing a great need for soldiers, periodically conducted forced mobilization in areas inhabited by Slavs and Albanians, taking every fifth young man.

Initially, it was a very difficult and disgraceful tax for the Christians of the Empire. After all, these boys, as their parents knew, in the future became terrible enemies of the Christian world. Well trained and fanatical warriors who were by the origin of Christians and Slavs (mainly). It should be noted that "Sultan's slaves" did not have anything in common with ordinary slaves. These were not slaves in chains that performed heavy and dirty work. Yanychars could achieve the highest posts in the empire in the administration, in military or police formations. At a later time, by the end of the XVII century, the Yanychar case has already been formed moreantly on the hereditary, class principle. And the rich Turkish families paid big money to take their children to the corps, as it was possible to get there a good education And make a career.

For several years, children forcibly torn off from the parental house were held in Turkish families that it is forgotten to forget home, family, homeland, family, to study the foundations of Islam. Then the young man came to the institute of "inexperienced boys" and here developed physically and brought up spiritually. There they served 7-8 years. Kinda it was a mixture cadet corps, Military "Looting", Stroybat and the Spiritual School. The devotion of Islam and Sultan was the goal of this education. Sultan's future warriors studied theology, calligraphy, right, literature, languages, various sciences and, of course, military affair. In their free time, students were used in construction work - mainly on the construction and repair of numerous fortresses and fortifications. Yanychar did not have the right to marry (marriage was banned until 1566), was obliged to live in a barracks, silently fulfill all the orders of the elder, and in the event of an imposition of disciplinary recovery, it was necessary, as a sign of humility, kiss the hand of the impossible penalty.

The devmirma system arose after the formation of the Yanaic Corps itself. Its development was slowed down during the Trouble, which came after the invasion of Tamerlan. In 1402, in the battle of Ankara, the Janacharsky and other subdivisions of Sultan were almost completely destroyed. Murad II in 1438 revived the devmirma system. Mehmed II Conqueror increased the number of Janacare and raised them a salary. Yanychars became the core of the Ottoman army. In later times, many families themselves began to give children to get a good education and made a career.

The main weapon of Yanychar for a long time was onions, in possession of which they achieved great perfection. Yanychars were hiking, excellent arrows. In addition to Luke, they were in service with sabers and yatagans, another cold weapons. Later, Janachara were armed with firearms. As a result, Yanychars were first light infantry, almost without heavy weapons and armor. With a serious opponent, they preferred to lead a defensive battle at a fortified position, protected by the moat and light obstacles delivered in the circle of mesh carts ("Tabor"). At the same time, in the initial period of development, they differed in high discipline, organized and martial spirit. At the strong position of Janachara were ready to resist the most serious enemy. Halconedil, the Greek historian of the beginning of the XV century, being a direct witness to Yanychar's actions, attributed the success of the Turks to their strict discipline, excellent supply, care for maintaining communication paths. He celebrated a good organization of camps and support services, as well as a large number of White animals.

Yanychars had a lot in common with other military estates, in particular, with the Cossacks. The general was their essence - the active protection of their civilization, their homeland. At the same time, these estates had a certain mystical orientation. Yanychar was a connection with the Sufi Order of Derviche. And the Cossacks, and Yanaicar, the main "family" was the fighting chief. As the Cossacks in Kurents and Stitzhah, and Yanychars lived together in large monasteries-barracks. Spruce Yanychars from one boiler. The latter was revered by the shrine and the symbol of their military unit. The Cossacks were faced with the most honorable place and were always superpired to the brilliance. They also played the role of the symbol of military unity. Initially, the Cossacks and Yanychar were similar to the attitude towards women. Warriors, as in the monastic orders of the West, did not have the right to marry. Cossacks, as you know, women did not let.

In militarily, the Cossacks and Janchars were an easy, mobile part of the army. They tried to take a maneuver, suddenness. In defense, those and others have successfully used a ring defensive construction from the municipal teleagine - "Tab", Ryal Rips, built frequisites, obstacles from the stakes. Cossacks and Janchars preferred Luke, sabers, knives.

An essential feature of Janicar was attitude to power. For Yanychar, Sultan was an indisputable leader, father. Cossacks during the creation of the Empire of Romanov often proceeded from their corporate interests and from time to time fought against the central government. At the same time, their performances were very serious. Cossacks opposed the center and during the times of the Troubles, and during Peter I. The last major speech occurred in the times of Catherine Great. Cossacks have kept their internal autonomy. Only at the late period, they became unconditional servants of the "Tsar-Batyushki", including in suppressing the performance of other classes.

Yanychar Evolution has gone in another direction. If initially they were the most devoted servants of Sultan, then in the late period realized that "his shirt closer to the body" and after no longer the rulers pointed to Yanycharam, what to do, but on the contrary. They began to resemble the Roman Pretorian Guardsmen and divided their fate. So, Konstantin Great completely destroyed the Pretorian Guard, and destroyed the Pretorian camp as the "constant nest of rebellion and debauchery." Yanycharskaya Tip turned into a "Favorites" Cast, which began to shift the sultans in his will. Yanychars turned into a powerful military-political force, thunderstorms of the throne and eternal and indispensable participants of the palace coups. In addition, Yanychars have lost their military importance. They began to engage in trade and craft, forgetting about military affairs. Previously, the mighty body of Yanychar has lost real combat capability, becoming weakly controlled, but to the teeth with an armed assembly, which threatened the supreme power and defended only its corporate interests.

Therefore, in 1826, the corps was destroyed. Sultan Mahmoud II began military reform, transforming an army on a European model. In response, the metropolitan Janicars raised the rebellion. The uprising was suppressed, the barracks were destroyed by artillery. The rebellion of the rebellion was executed, their property was confiscated by the Sultan, and the young Yanychars were expelled or arrested, part entered the new army. The Sufi Order, the ideological core of Yanycharov, was also dissolved, and many of his followers are executed or expelled. The surviving Janchars took up craft and trade.

Interestingly, Janachara and Cossacks even outwardly resembled each other. Apparently, it was the overall heritage of the military estates of the leading peoples of Eurasia (Aryans and Turkic Indo-Europeans). In addition, you should not forget that Yanychars initially predominantly were also Slavs, albeit Balkan. Yanychars, unlike ethnic Turks, shaved his beard and grow long mustache, like Zaporozhtsev. Yanychars and the Cossacks wore hareers, similar to the Yanycharsky "Burk" and the traditional Zaporizhian hat with a slack. Yanychar, like Cossacks, the same symbols of power - Bunchuki and Bulava.

The expansion of the foreign policy expansion of the young Ottoman state at the beginning of the 14th century. The need for the creation of regular and disciplined infantry both for the siege of Christian fortresses and for large-scale aggression in Europe. However, the Turks with their traditions of nomadic life and an inorganized horse mortgage preferred to fight as part of a light cavalry (Akinci). After unsuccessful attempts to create unified infantry compounds from the sons of Ottoman riders and from Muslim mercenaries, Sultan Orhan (1326-1359) organized in 1330 a detachment of infantry from prisoners of Christians, voluntarily or forced to the Islam (1000 people). In an effort to make it a shock force in wars against the "wrong", Sultan immediately tried to give him a religious nature, tied by the dervish order of the Bekt,; Perhaps he was focused on the model of the Christian Military Monastic Order. According to the legend, the head of the Hacha Bektash Order at the inauguration ceremony of the detachment tearned the sleeve from his white robe, laid it on the head of one of the warriors (and so that part of him drove out on the back of the back), called that "Yanychar" ("New Warrior") and gave His blessing. From this time, the Janacha Corps has been formally considered part of the Bektash, and Hachi Bektash is his holy patron; Members of the Order served as military priests; Yanychar headdress has become a hat with a piece of tissue attached from behind.

In the middle of the 14th century. The need to increase the new troops came across two obstacles - the lack of captured Christian warriors and their unreliability. This prompted Sultan Murada I (1359-1389) in 1362 to change the method of recruitment: From now on, the building was recruited from the children of Christian faith captured during the hikes, which took place special military training. By the beginning of the 16th century. Such a practice has become a mandatory obligation imposed on the Christian population of the Balkan provinces, primarily Albania, Greece and Hungary: every fifth / seventh year (in the late period more often) special officials were selected on special "Looks" in every Christian community 1/5 of all Boys aged from seven to fourteen years (the so-called "Share of Sultan") for service in the Jancharian corps.

This system, soon became the soil for large abuse, caused explicit and hidden resistance from the conquered Christian peoples: from the uprising and flight outside the Ottoman Empire to a variety of tricks, when parents used loopholes in the legislation, in particular the ban to take married and adopted Islam (married The boys were still in infancy, they paid them to the Muslim faith). Turkish authorities severely suppressed indignation attempts and reduced the number of legal deviation methods. At the same time, part of the poor parents readily gave their children to Janchars, wanting to give them the opportunity to escape from poverty and save the family from the unnecessary mouths.

Preparation of Yanychar.

All selected boys were sent to Istanbul (Constantinople), subjected to circumcision and turned to Islam. Then, in the presence of Sultan, "Looks" took place. The most capable and physically strong was credited to the school of the Fajes, which was a forge of personnel for palace services, state administration and equestrian troops. The greatest part of the children were isolated for the Yanaic Corps. At the first stage, they were sent to education in the family of Turkish peasants and artisans (mainly in small Asia), which made a small fee for them; There they mastered the Turkish language and Muslim customs, chased different types of hard physical work and got used to tolerating deprivation. A few years later they were returned to Istanbul and enrolled in Achmi Obanan ("inexperienced young men") - the preparatory detachment of the Janachara corps. This learning stage lasted seven years and consisted of military training and severe physical work for state needs; Achmi vocationally lived in barracks by divisions of twenty-thirty people, obeyed harsh discipline and received a small monetary content. They did not leave the limits of Istanbul and did not participate in hostilities. Islamic fanaticism, absolute loyalty to Sultan, the blind obedience to commander; Any manifestations of freedom and individuality are strictly punished. The yield of its energy was given during religious holidays when they committed violence against Istanbul Christians and Jews; These excesses their commanders looked through their fingers. Upon reaching the twenty-five years, the most physically strong Achmi Oban, who proved their ability to handle the weapons, became Yanychars; The rest - Chikme ("rejected") - directed to auxiliary public services.

The structure and life of the Jancharian troops.

Yanychar Corps was called the name ("hearth"). He shared on tactical compounds - Onts (also "hearth"); In the Epoch of Suleiman II (1520-1566), they were 165, then this quantity increased to 196. The number of members of the ORT was not constant. In peacetime, it varied from 100 in the capital to 200-300 warriors in the province; During the period of war, it increased to 500. Each Orta was divided into small detachments of 10-25 people. Onts were combined into three large groups: Boluk, combat units deployed in Istanbul and border fortresses (62 orthops); Sezgan, Dog Trainers and Hunters (33); Chemate, auxiliary compounds (101).

The principles of the life of Yanychar were established by law (Eve) Murada I: they were prescribed to unquestionably obey their bosses, avoid everything that does not fit the warrior (luxury, creature, craft, etc.), not marry, live in barracks, to keep religious norms; They were susso only their commanders and possessed the privilege to be exposed to a particularly honorable appearance. death penalty (stroke); Promotion was carried out strictly according to the principle of seniority; Left veterans were provided by the state pension. Each Orta was a kind of large family, a cohesive group of men, united common business and in a general way.

The head of the entire corps, aha, who was superior to the commander of other types of troops (cavalry, fleet) and civilian siblings and was a member of the sofa (State Council). He possessed absolute power over Janachars. Yeah, like the rest of the officers, came from ordinary Janichar and climbed the career staircase thanks to the principle of seniority, and not by the grace of Sultan and therefore was relatively independent of the supreme power. Selim I (1512-1520) eliminated this independence and began to appoint ASU in his choice, which caused a strong opposition from Yanychar: they began to perceive ASU as a stranger, and during their rebellions he often turned out to be the first victim. At the end of the 16th century The authorities had to restore the old order of election of the AGI.

The Yanyac Corps was famous for the efficient organization of the system. She pursued the goal to constantly maintain warriors in good physical and mental form; Her main principles are sufficiency and moderation. Posts were respected even during the war. Strictly followed the equality of soldiers soldering. Military insignia of the corps was a sacred boiler. Each Orta had a large bronze boiler (cauldron) for cooking meat; My small boiler was also from each detachment. During the campaign, Kazan carried in front of the Olya, in the camp it was put in front of tents; Losing the boiler, especially on the battlefield, was considered the biggest shame for Janacare - in this case, all officers were expelled from the Onts, and simple soldiers were forbidden to participate in official ceremonies. In peacetime, every Friday of Onts, stationed in the capital, went with Casans to the Sultansky Palace, where the food pilaf was obtained (rice and lamb). If Orta refused to take Pilaf, overthrew the boiler and gathered around him on the racetrack, this meant refusal to obedience to the authorities and the beginning of the rebellion. Kazan was also considered a holy place and refuge: hiding under him, the guilty could save his life.

Power control was the main function of middle and low link officers. This was reflected in most of the names of officer posts in Orta. At the chapter, Korbachi Basi stood ("Summer distributor"); Ashci Basi played an important role ("Chief Cook"), who performed at the same time the responsibilities of the apartment officer Olta and the executioner. Junior officers wore the title "Chief Waterproof", "Camel Guide", etc.

The state partially provided Yanychar nutrition, clothing and monetary content. In addition to Friday Calaf, they regularly outlined bread and lamb; The rest for the funds of the soldiers themselves acquired the chief cook of Onts. The authorities provided the matter for uniforms of 12 thousand soldiers, and during the war they gave the weapons to those who had not had it yet. Monetary salary was paid only after three years of stay in the troops; It varied depending on the service life and rank. It was received once a quarter to present special tickets, with 12% of the amount of Janicar left in the military treasury. This treasury, which also replenished at the expense of the fees for students and property of the dead, was a reserve fund spent on improving the living conditions of soldiers, food and clothing, helping patients and recruits, redemption of prisoners. Delays of salaries and attempts by the authorities to resort to the practice of damage to the coin often caused Jancharsk uprisings.

Yanaicar's uniforms consisted of a long dress (dollarma), a headdress with a wooden spoon-taped, sharovar and knee pads. In the campaign and in battle the floors of dollarms were going on the sides in the folds and fastened with the belt.

In peacetime, there were no general military classes; Every Janichar exercises with his weapon on his own. No special order was supported on the march; However, at the time of the fight, each soldier promptly held his place in the ranks. In the barracks, severe discipline reigned; They supported absolute purity, women were not allowed there. The discipline was provided by the system of punishments: from bodily and carcers to dismissal, references to the border fortress, lifelong imprisonment and death penalty. The most severe misdemections were desertion and cowardice on the battlefield. Gradually, the idea was established that Janacare could not execute; Therefore, the guilty first was expelled from the corps and only then deprived life.

Evolution of the Jancharian corps.

From the very beginning, Yanychars were the shock force of Ottoman conquest. It is to them that the empire is obliged to their largest military successes in the 14th and 6th centuries. The number and proportion of Yanychar in the Turkish army has constantly increased. With Suleiman II, there were already 40 thousand of them. They acquired a number of privileges (exemption from secular and church jurisdiction and the payment of taxes, the jurisdiction of only their commanders, the right of refuge in the barracks, etc.); Intected their connection with the supreme power - since Suleiman II, Sultan traditionally included in the Jancharian lists and received a veteran salary. The housing could go on a campaign only under the command of the Sultan himself. From the middle of the 15th century Yanychars began to turn into severe political force. The first rebellion occurred in 1449 and was caused by the requirements of increasing the salaries. In 1451, the Muhammed II (1451-1481) joined (1451-1481), seeking to ensure the loyalty to Yanychar, gave them a cash gift, which turned into a custom to give them at each new accepted: the dimensions of this gift were constantly increased; In the hope of obtaining his receipt, Janachara readily supported any change of power. This tradition was abolished only in 1774 Abdul Hamid I. Also, there was a custom of giving every Janachara on the occasion of the first campaign of the new Sultan. Significant amounts were paid to them and before battles.

In the second half of the 16th century. In connection with the decline of equestrian militia, the hull has become the largest connection of the Turkish army; His number by the end of the century reached 90 thousand at the beginning of the 17th century. Yanychars also became the leading political force of the Ottoman Empire, the main source of rebellion and conspiracies; In fact, assigning themselves the right to navigate and raise the throne of sultans. Osman II (1618-1622) attempted in 1622 to reform the body cost him life. In 1623, Yanychars overthrew Mustafa I (1617-1618, 1622-1623), in 1648 Ibrahim (1640-1648), in 1703 Mustaf II (1695-1703), in 1730 Ahmed III (1703-1730), in 1807 Selim III ( 1789-1807); Even more often, their victims turned out to be the highest states of the state.

In parallel with the growth of the political influence of the Jancharian corps, his military degradation took place. From a well-trained, disciplined and cohesive compound, it has become a privileged Pretorians who did not possess the martial spirit and combat qualities of the previous days. The reason for this was the waste, starting from the 16th century, from the initial principles of its acquisition and functioning. Also in early period Many Turks were unhappy that elite troops and the state administration are recruited from the environment of the conquered Christian population: some parents-Turks agreed with Christians to make those during recreate set They issued their children for their own. With Suleiman II, the Turks have become already openly taken to Achmi dislike and even straight into the army. A significant part of such recruits was not prepared for service; Many died during the period of study. Enrolled in the ranks of Yanychar on protection or for a bribe, as a rule, did not show special courage on the battlefield. The old Yanychars refused to serve together with them; Between these two groups, bloody collisions often occurred. By the end of the 17th century. Turks have already made up most of the Jancharian troops. Their quantity has become particularly increased after the cancellation in 1638 children's tax on Christians and the former system of picking.

An increase in the Turkish component led to a refusal to one of the most important principles of Yanychar's life - celibacy. In the early period, the permission to marry was given by AGA only in exceptional cases, primarily old and well-deserved veterans. But in 1566 Selim II (1566-1574), when joined the throne, was forced to provide this right to all Janacram. As a result, practice life together There was no one in the barracks: first I was married Janacram, they allowed to live in their homes, and then unmarried refused to remain in the barracks and obey strict discipline. Soon there was a problem of providing Yanacharian families; Since the soldier's salary was not enough for this, the state took care of their children. The sons of Yanychar were granted the right to receive a grain diet from the moment of birth, and later they began to be credited to ORT still in infancy with appropriate benefits. As a result, the case turned into a hereditary institute.

He gradually lost his purely military character. In 17 century. Due to the increasing number of Yanychar, their functions expanded: in addition to participating in hostilities and combat training, they were increasingly attracted to the execution of different non-military duties (police service, cleaning of streets, fighting fires, etc.). In 17 and, especially, in 18 centuries. Yanychars began to actively involve in craft activities and trade. Sultans supported this trend, hoping to distract them from politics. Yanychars monopolized a number of sectors of the craft. In Istanbul, they fully controlled the production and sale of fruits, vegetables and coffee, there was a significant part of foreign trade in their hands. Tax and judicial privileges of Yanychar were an attractive moment for representatives of various social layers. The practice of formal membership in the Janchar Troops has spread: anyone for a bribe, Yanacharian officers could sign up in Orta and get tax breaks. On the other hand, many criminal elements penetrated into its composition. Bribery and treasures flourished in the troops. During the military hikes, Janacares often refused to fight, preferring to engage in robbery and extortion.

The elimination of the Jancharian troops.

The decomposition of the body was the cause of the series of military defeats of the Ottoman Empire, starting from the end of the 17th century. Attempts by Sultanov (Mahmoud I, Selim III) reform it or create parallel military compounds of a new, European type, came out for a sharp opposition to Yanychar, who supported the Muslim clergy, Dervishi from the Order of Bekt, the ultrasound (laws), as well as the bottom of the Turkish society. Only Mahmoud II (1808-1839), who managed to provoke a split between the Janachars and religious circles, was able to conduct military reform. On May 28, 1826, he issued a decree on the creation of regular army compounds from the part of the Jancharian corps. In response, on June 15, Janakars raised the uprising, which was brutally suppressed. The body was abolished, the barracks were destroyed, the sacred boilers were destroyed, the name of the Yanaicar's name is made to the eternal curse.

Ivan Krivushin

Initially, it was a very difficult and disgraceful tax for the Christians of the Empire. After all, these boys, as their parents knew, in the future became terrible enemies of the Christian world. Well trained and fanatical warriors who were by the origin of Christians and Slavs (mainly). It should be noted that "Sultan's slaves" did not have anything in common with ordinary slaves. These were not slaves in chains that performed heavy and dirty work. Yanychars could achieve the highest posts in the empire in the administration, in military or police formations. At a later time, by the end of the XVII century, the Yanychar case has already been formed moreantly on the hereditary, class principle. And the rich Turkish families paid big money so that their children were accepted into the corps, since there it was possible to get a good education and make a career.

For several years, children forcibly torn off from the parental house were held in Turkish families that it is forgotten to forget home, family, homeland, family, to study the foundations of Islam. Then the young man came to the institute of "inexperienced boys" and here developed physically and brought up spiritually. There they served 7-8 years. A kind of it was a mixture of the Cadet Corps, Military "Looting", Stroybat and the Spiritual School. The devotion of Islam and Sultan was the goal of this education. Sultan's future warriors studied theology, calligraphy, right, literature, languages, various sciences and, of course, military affair. In their free time, students were used in construction work - mainly on the construction and repair of numerous fortresses and fortifications. Yanychar did not have the right to marry (marriage was banned until 1566), was obliged to live in a barracks, silently fulfill all the orders of the elder, and in the event of an imposition of disciplinary recovery, it was necessary, as a sign of humility, kiss the hand of the impossible penalty.

The main one was onions for a long time, in possession of which they achieved great perfection. Yanychars were hiking, excellent arrows. In addition to Luke, they were in service with sabers and yatagans, another cold weapons. Later, Janachara were armed with firearms. As a result, Janachara first were light infantry, almost without heavy weapons and armor. With a serious opponent, they preferred to lead a defensive battle at a fortified position, protected by the moat and light obstacles delivered in the circle of mesh carts ("Tabor"). At the same time, in the initial period of development, they differed in high discipline, organized and martial spirit. At the strong position of Janachara were ready to resist the most serious enemy. Halconedil, the Greek historian of the beginning of the XV century, being a direct witness to Yanychar's actions, attributed the success of the Turks to their strict discipline, excellent supply, care for maintaining communication paths. He noted a good organization of camps and auxiliary services, as well as a large number of pack animals.

An essential feature of Janicar was attitude to power. For Yanychar, Sultan was an indisputable leader, father. Cossacks during the creation of the Empire of Romanov often proceeded from their corporate interests and from time to time fought against the central government. At the same time, their performances were very serious. Cossacks opposed the center and during the times of the Troubles, and during Peter I. The last major speech occurred in the times of Catherine Great. Cossacks have kept their inner autonomy for a long time. Only at the late period, they became unconditional servants of the "Tsar-Batyushki", including in suppressing the performance of other classes.

Schweizer G. Die Janitscharen: Gemeine Macht Des Türkenreiches.Salzburg, 1979.
Goodwin G. The Janissaries.London, 1997.
Sergeev V.I. Yanychars: Sword Islam: Art of War early XIX. in. ad.Rostov-on-Don, 2000

Yanychars were elite warriors of the Ottoman Empire. They guarded the Sultan himself, were the first to enter Constantinople. The service of Janacares was prepared from early childhood. Disciplined, fanatical and absolutely devotees of Sultan, they lived war.

Army slaves

The young Ottoman state at the beginning of the XIV century has an urgent need for high-quality infantry, since the seizure of fortresses by the siege by the siege was too long and resource-friendly (the siege of Bruza lasted longer than 10 years).

In the Ottoman army of that time, the main shock force was the cavalry, which is affordable for assault tactics. The infantry in the army was irregular, hired only at the time of war. Of course, her level of preparation and loyalty to Sultan left much to be desired.

Forming the detachments of Yanychar from the captured Christians began to still Sultan Orhan, the son of the founder of the Ottoman Empire, but such a technique already by the middle of the XIV century began to give failures - the prisoners lacked, besides, they were unreliable. The son of Orhan, Murad I, in 1362 he changed the principle of the selection of Yanychar - they began to recruit Christians captured in military campaigns to the Balkans.
Such practice showed greater performance. TO XVI century She became a kind of service imposed on Christian lands, primarily Albania, Hungary and Greece. She got the name "Share of Sultan" and was that each fifth boy between the ages of five to fourteen years the Special Commission was selected for service in the Janchar Corps.

They took not everyone. The selection was based on the then ideas about psychophysiogenic. First, only children from noble families could take into Yanychars. Secondly, they did not take too talkative children (grow up stubborn). Also did not take children with gentle features of the face (prone to rebellion, and their enemies will not be afraid). Did not take too high and too small.

Not all the children were from Christian families. As a privilege, children from Muslim families of Bosnia could take, but importantly, the Slavs.

The boys ordered to forget about their past, dedicated to Islam and sent to prepare. From this time, their whole life was subordinate to the strictest discipline, and the main virtue was the absolute blind loyalty to Sultan and the interests of the empire.

Preparation

The preparation of Yanychar was systemic and thoughtful. Christian boys, separated from their past life, went to the family of Turkish peasants or artisans, served as rowers on ships or became assistants of butcher. At this stage, the newlyracted Muslims have suffered Islam, they learned the language and got used to harsh deprivation. We did not work with them on ceremony. It was a harsh school of physical and moral hardening.

After several years, those who did not break and survived were credited to the preparatory detachment of Janchar, the so-called Achmi Obanan (Russian. "Inexperienced young men"). Since that time, their preparation was the development of special military skills and severe physical work. From the young men, at this stage, the devotees of Islam were already brought up, which were unquestioned by all orders of commanders. Any manifestations of freedomiff or rafter preceded to the root. It was, however, in the young "cadets" of the Janachara corps and their own way. During the Muslim holidays, they could afford the manifestation of violence against Christians and Jews, which "older" treated rather complacently than critically.

Only in 25 years old are the most physically strong of the past training in Achmi Oban, the best of the best became Yanychars. It was necessary to deserve it. Those who for any reason did not pass the check, became "rejected" (Tour. Chikme) and was not allowed to military service in the building.

Lions Islam

How did it happen that children mostly from Christian families became fanatical Muslims, ready to kill their former units that became "incorrect" for them?

The foundation of the case of the Janicar was originally planned by the type of knightly religious Order. The spiritual basis of the ideology of Janacare was formed under the influence of the dervish Order of the Bekt. Even now in the Turkish language, the words "Yanychar" and "Bekt," are often used as synonyms. According to the legend, even the headpiece Janicar - a hat with the back of a piece of tissue, appeared due to the fact that the head of the Hacha Bektash, blessing the warrior, pulled the sleeve from his clothes, put it to the head of her neophyte and said: "Let these soldiers say. Yes There will be their courage always brilliant, their sword is sharp, their hands are victorious. "

Why precisely the Order of Bektsya became the spiritual stronghold of "new troops"? Most likely, this is due to the fact that the Yanyacharam was more convenient to practice Islam in this simplified ritual form. Bektashi was released from mandatory fivefold prayers, from pilgrimage in Mecca and post per month Ramazan. For the "Lviv Islam", living war, it was convenient.

One family

Yanychar's life was strictly declared by the charter of Murad I. Yanychars could not start families, they should have avoided excesses, abide by the discipline, obey the authorities, to respect religious prescriptions.

They lived in barracks (usually located near the Palace of Sultan, since his security was one of their main responsibilities), but their lives could not be called ascetic. After three years, Yanychars service received a salary, the state provided their nutrition, clothing and weapons. Failure to comply with the Sultan obligations to supply their "new troops" has repeatedly led to the Janacharsky Bunts.

One of the main symbols of Janacar was Kazan. He occupied such an important place in the life of Yanychar, that Europeans even took it for the banner of Ottoman soldiers. At the time when the Korpi Yanychar was stationed in the city, once a week, every Friday, Orta Janchar went with his cauldron to the Palace of Sultan behind the pilaf (rice with lamb). This tradition was mandatory and symbolic. If there was dissatisfaction among the Janacar, they could refuse Pilar and turn the boiler, which served as a signal to the beginning of the uprising.

Kazan held a central place during military hikes. It was usually carried in front of the Olya, and in the prival put in the center of the camp. The biggest "File" was the loss of Kazan. In this case, the officers traveled out of the detachment, punished and ordinary Yanychar.
Interestingly, during the excitement he could hide under the Kazan. Only in this case could forgive him.

Decay

The privileged position of the Yanaicar, a constant increase in their number, as well as the departure from the basic installations of the case, as a result of its degradation. By the end of the XVI century, the number of Yanychar reached 90 thousand, from the elite military compound they turned into an influential political force that felt the empire from the inside, made conspiracies and meters.
Since the beginning of the XVI century, the recruit system of selection system Yanychar began to undergo serious changes, there were more and more Turks in the corps, there was a departure from the principle of celibacy, Yanychars began to acquire families who demanded all big and large investments.

Yanychar's children received the right to enroll in Onts from birth, while they ended up with relevant benefits. Yanychars began to turn into a hereditary institute, with all the deposits that arise from this.

Of course, this situation has not satisfied. This and then, after the rebellion, the demonstration execution of the Janicar was arranged, but the question was not solved radically. There was even a phenomenon of the "dead souls", when in the Janachara whom we were not written, just to get extra pieces and benefits. The case was destroyed only in 1826 by the Sultan Mahmoud II. Not in vain it was called "Turkish Peter I".