Steve Barber Ottoman Regular (2014)

Here's another Steve Barber Model miniature from the Greek Wars of Independence range, this time an Ottoman Regular (GWI22).

For centuries the backbone of Ottoman armies was formed by Jannissaries, a corp composed of Christians taken away from their families when children and educated by the army as Muslim fighters. As the Empire declined, however, so did they, becoming softer and corrupted.  

In 1826 the Sultan ordered the formation of a new army, trained and equipped in the European way. The Jannissaries mutinied and, after violent fights, were all killed or executed, except for a few who escaped and lived in hiding until their last days.

The Mansure Army was segregated from the civilians, living in their own barracks. They were trained by European commanders and divided in infantry, artillery and cavalry. Officers were educated in military academies. They were governed by a strict military law and their life was highly standardized to teach them to follow orders and discipline rather than develop blind courage.

The new military was formed by Turkish Muslims, and the population's perception of the army changed positively. Corruption was greatly reduced, by abolishing provincial armies and establishing a central Military Council.