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. 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? To answer these questions, the book begins by exploring the origins of the Janissary corps with the careful selection of youths from Christian families in the Balkans. It then introduces the pillars of the Ottoman state which these recruits were to serve, and depicts the victorious years of this elite corps.

About the Author
Godfrey Goodwin taught art and architectural history at the University of the Bosphorus from 1957 to 1968 and is the author of several authoritative works, including Topkapi Palace, Sinan: Ottoman Architecture and its Values Today and The Private World of Ottoman Women, all published by Saqi Books.

Reviews
'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 Times



Book Information
ISBN 9780863567407
Author Godfrey Goodwin
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint Saqi Books
Publisher Saqi Books