The Janissary Corps: Elite Soldiers of Ottoman Constantinople

We trace the origins of the devshirme system, where Christian boys from the Balkans were recruited into the Sultan’s service, and how this practice created the Janissary corps. We explore their rigorous training at the Enderun school, their loyalty to Mehmed II and later Sultans, and their evolution from elite infantry to a powerful political force. The episode examines key figures like Piyale Pasha and Koca Sinan Pasha, the Battle of Mohacs, and the eventual decline of the corps in the 19th century. We also look at their architectural legacy in Istanbul, including the Sinan-designed mosques that still define the skyline.

#Janissaries #Devshirme #OttomanEmpire #MehmedII #Constantinople #Istanbul #SinanArchitect #PiyalePasha #KocaSinanPasha #BattleOfMohacs #EnderunSchool #Yeniceri #SultanSelimII #Bosphorus #HagiaSophia #HistoryPodcast #FexingoHistory #MilitaryHistory

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