"Any Ottoman experts out there?" Topic

I would be interested in detailed info about Ottoman tactics, units and formations – hopefully something that goes beyond "Army List" info.

I am speculating that Ottoman infantry would consist of regular (Janissaries) and levy. Does anyone know what formations were used? Did Janissaries use arquebuses or bows? How large were the units? Did size and composition change over time? How many ranks deep would they be?

Ditto info for cavalry, which I guess would be composed of Feudal (Spahis) and irregular (Dellis, Tartars, etc.) Would Spahis use bows or pistols? How many ranks in a formations, etc?

I am guessing there would be some development over the period and the army from the 1500's would be somewhat different from that at the Siege of Vienna (1683) or Chocim (1620's).

Thanks for any help! The Ottoman army was arguably the best army of the 16th and early 17th century and there is almost no hard info on it, even in the Osprey on the Janissaries.

The detested "Army Lists" would have answered most of your questions…

I suggest that you try to get hold of George Gush's "Renaissance Armies" for a primer. Then, try the old 2nd edition army lists for his rules. He has three differet Ottoman army lists, as does DBR.

John the OFM has taken the words from my…er…fingers?

The bounder

While they may not be the last word (irony), Gush's 2nd ed. lists are rather comprehensive. The rules are rather good too

Condottiere, I just checked the book on Amazon. It looks like a "serious history", with more focus on socio-economic factors than the sort of stuff we like. Nevertheless, it's available at my local university library and i will pick up a copy and review it on this board in the next week or two. Might save you some $$$ – or not.

Thanks for the link!

William Johnson. But most of his work is in the 1700-1800s.

In addition to George Gush's 'Renaissance Armies', get 'Armies of the Middle Ages Vol. 2 1300-1500' by Ian Heath, answers many your questions. Also the WAB 'Vlad the Impaler' has a lot of good info.

Gush's 'Renaissance Armies' is a good first source.

The Ottomans change much from the Medieval period into the 18th century. Even in the Medieval period the Ottomans had a core of trained troops of high morale. The rest of the army consisted of troops from dubious quality to acceptable quality. The Ottomans seem to have acquired weapons technology somewhat quickly in the early Renaissance.

In battle the Ottomans would deploy light horse archers on the flanks with feudal Sipahis (heavier armed lancers with bow) behind. The center would consist of poor quality light infantry armed with various weapons. Gunpowder artillery if present wold be deployed in the center and forward. Behind all of this would be a reserve of trained infantry and cavalry. These would be household troops, including Janissaries (Yeniceri).

The Ottomans would use defenses to protect the guns including war wagons, chains, ditches, stakes, etc.

The army is a lot of fun to play with and has lots of missile troops. The artilley is very useful in the late medieval period since many armies don't have it. You have to learn to use the light cavalry like any horse archer army, and the feudal Sipahis can be useful when the enemy gets disordered.

Notice also the Ottomans ability to draw troops from their Rumelian (European) vassals, as well as the hordes of irregular infantry that could flock to join the army in hope of rich looting.

Griefbringer

Great book recommendation Condottiere; thanks!

Hi Guys,

I have Ottomon Warfare 1500-1700.

Its a very nice book, but very, very little on tactics. Its mostly about the mechanics and dynamics of the Ottomon military establishment (e.g. supply, financing, etc.).

I bought it for tactical information. Was disappointed. Enjoy what it does offer though.

Cheers

Mark

Sadly, The Dragoman is no longer being published (I was the assistant editor). But I understand that all the back issues are available on Magweb.