The Janissaries
Published on 22. May 2014
212 pages
978-0-86356-781-0 (ISBN)
Description
From the fifteenth to the sixteenth century, the janissaries were the scourge of Europe. With their martial music, their muskets and their drilled march, it seemed that no one could withstand them. Their loyalty to their corps was infinite as the Ottomans conquered the Balkans as far as the Danube, and Syria, Egypt and Iraq. They set up semi-independent states along the North African coast and even fought at sea. Their political power was such that even sultans trembled. Who were they? Why were they an elite? Why did they decline and what was their end? These are some of the questions which this book attempts to answer. It is the story of extraordinary personalities in both victory and defeat.
Reviews / Votes
`An incredible book ... a tour de force.' Middle East International; `Well written and lucid.' Muslim World Books Review; 'Goodwin has done so much in his scholarly career to introduce a wide audience to Ottoman culture.' Financial TimesMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
18 b&w illustrations; 18 Illustrations
File size
4,95 MB
ISBN-13
978-0-86356-781-0 (9780863567810)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
Godfrey Goodwin is the author of several authoritative works, including The Private World of Ottoman Women, Sinan: Ottoman Architecture and its Values Today and Topkapi Palace, all published by Saqi Books.
Content
- Intro
- Title
- Contents
- List of Illustrations
- Acknowledgements
- Genealogy of the House of Osman
- A Note on Pronunciation
- Glossary
- Introduction
- 1. The Origins of the Janissary Corps
- 2. The Devsirme or Christian Levy
- 3. Pillars of the Empire
- 4. The Ottoman Armed Forces
- 5. The Victorious Years
- 6. The Great Campaign
- 7. Fish Stink from the Head
- 8. Sharp Eyes and Long Legs
- 9. Tulips and Turmoil
- 10. The Auspicious Event
- Epilogue
- Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
- Copyright
