The Muteferrika Cavalry and the Beginning of the Janissaries
The Muteferrika: An Elite Cavalry Unit Besides the regular Spahis, the Ottoman Empire also had a smaller and more prestigious […]
The Decline of the Spahis and the Other Cavalry Units
The Fall of the Spahi Rebellion As Ensar Tour Guide often explains during Ottoman history tours, the story of the
The Fall of Hasan Ağa’s Rebellion
Hasan Ağa’s Appeal to the Sultan As Hasan Ağa and his followers approached Üsküdar, he claimed that his actions were
The Decline of the Ottoman Spahis
Losing Their Prestige The Spahis were once among the most respected soldiers in the Ottoman Empire. Their close relationship with
The Rise and Decline of the Ottoman Spahis
An Elite Military Order For many centuries, the Spahis were among the most respected soldiers of the Ottoman Empire. They
The Duties of the Ottoman Spahis During War
Gifts from the Sultan When the Ottoman Sultan personally led the army into battle, he followed an old imperial tradition
The Promotion and Benefits of the Ottoman Spahis
Reforming the Military Pay System The Ottoman government understood that soldiers needed to be paid fairly and on time. In
The Pay and Discipline of the Ottoman Spahis
Discipline and Punishment The Ottoman Empire maintained strict discipline among its elite cavalry, the Spahis. Soldiers who committed serious crimes
The Decline of the Ottoman Spahis
The Fall of the Powerful Cavalry The Ottoman Spahis were once among the richest and most respected cavalrymen in the
Weapons and Skills of the Ottoman Spahis
The Arms of the Ottoman Cavalry The Spahis, the elite cavalry of the Ottoman Empire, were famous for their skill