JANIZARY Meaning and
Definition
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Janizary refers to a term that originated from the Ottoman Empire, denoting a member of an elite infantry unit. The Janizaries formed a highly influential and formidable force within the Ottoman military, renowned for their loyalty, discipline, and impressive combat skills. Initially, the Janizaries were primarily composed of non-Muslim children who were conscripted or forcibly taken from their families as young boys. These boys were then converted to Islam and received intensive training in warfare, such as archery, swordsmanship, and horsemanship.
Over time, the Janizaries evolved into a professional standing army, serving as the Sultan's personal guard and entrusted with maintaining the internal security of the empire. They became a symbol of the Ottoman Empire's military might and political power. Apart from their military duties, the Janizaries also performed welfare and administrative functions, acting as the emperor's advisors and controlling key administrative positions.
However, their influence eventually grew to a point where they posed a threat to the stability of the empire. The Janizaries became more autonomous, establishing their own barracks and accumulating economic power. This eventually led to their decline and subsequent abolition in 1826, through a series of repressive measures enacted by Sultan Mahmud II.
Today, the term Janizary is used metaphorically to refer to an unquestioningly loyal follower or a dedicated servant who may also exhibit a zealous or fanatical devotion to a particular cause or leader.
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The name of the once formidable infantry of the Turkish empire-destroyed to the number of 25,000 by Sultan Mahmood, A.D. 1825.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for JANIZARY
- hanizary
- nanizary
- manizary
- kanizary
- ianizary
- uanizary
- jznizary
- jsnizary
- jwnizary
- jqnizary
- jabizary
- jamizary
- jajizary
- jahizary
- janjzary
- jankzary
- janozary
- jan9zary
- jan8zary
Etymology of JANIZARY
The word "Janizary" derives from the Turkish term "yeniçeri", which means "new soldier". It is composed of two elements: "yeni", meaning "new", and "çeri", which comes from the Persian word "cherikh", meaning "armed" or "soldier". The term "Janizary" specifically refers to the elite infantry units of the Ottoman Empire, known as the Janissaries, who were highly trained and fiercely loyal. These soldiers were initially recruited from Christian territories, primarily from the Balkans, as part of the devşirme system, which involved drafting young boys from non-Muslim families, converting them to Islam, and training them to become loyal soldiers of the sultan. The Janissaries played a significant role in the Ottoman military and political structure for several centuries until their abolition in the early 19th century.
Similar spelling words for JANIZARY
- Janizar,
- janisary,
- genasaur,
- JNCIAER,
- GENSER,
- GENSER/ISS,
- jenzer,
- january,
- genasauria,
- JNCIEER,
- jouncer,
- jaunsar-bawar,
- gencer,
- janissary.
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