The timar system, which was the reflection of the cavalry understanding of the Turks in the Ottoman Empire since Central Asia and has been actively maintained until quite recently, and the timar sipahis were the backbone of the Ottoman army and economy. Let’s take a closer look at what a groomed sipahi is, its features and duties.
The power of the military was extremely important during the period of strong domination of the Ottoman Empire, which lasted hundreds of years. When it comes to the Ottoman military, everyone thinks of the Janissary Corps, but the real biggest military power is the timar sipahis. consisting of Turks and Muslims timar sipahis live without receiving a penny from the state, they would protect their regions and form the most important military force by joining the army in all campaigns.
Groomed spahis are a result of the grooming system. Both this system and the soldiers called cebelü are actually a system that the Turks have had and have been using since the Central Asian steppes. For this reason, it is possible to encounter a system similar to the timar sipahi not only in the Ottoman Empire, but also in all Turkish states established in history. Bride What is a timarli sipahi, what are its features and duties Let’s take a closer look.
Let’s start with the basics, what is a grooming system?
A word of Persian origin, fief means land and loyalty. Throughout history, especially Turkish and Islamic states, especially the grooming system practiced in many states; It is the state’s giving its lands to individuals without any other remuneration in return for a service.
Founder of the Ottoman Empire There is evidence that it was practiced even during the Osman Bey period. In the fief system, the state gave land to people in regions far from the center within the framework of certain rules and asked for some services in return. At the beginning of these services were production, local security and, of course, training soldiers.
What is Groomed Spahi?
Persons who own land within the scope of the timar system, that is, timar owners, they would raise soldiers called cebelu with them. These soldiers did not receive a single penny from the state, worked with the fief owner, and at the same time provided the local security of the region. This force, called the timarli sipahis, would quickly join the army as soon as they got the news during the expedition.
When we look at the definition of groomed spahis, we do not encounter anything special. Because when we look at a history like this We see that the proto-Turks running on the steppes of Central Asia actually lived with this system. The Turks, known as the military nation, have always been ready for war throughout history, but at the same time, they continued to run their own business.
What are the characteristics of groomed spahis?
- Timarlı sipahis consist of Turks and Muslims.
- They are mounted soldiers.
- They use helmets and armor.
- They are found in areas far from the center.
- They do not receive a salary or any other fee from the state.
- They form the greatest strength of the army.
- They farm during non-war times.
- They are responsible for maintaining the security of the region.
- They do not gain loot from expeditions.
It is possible to describe many more features of timar spahis, but the best sentence to describe them is: are the guarantors of the state. Think; The value of a captured land is only revealed when it is cultivated, and this is done by timar sipahis. It is these people who ensure the security of the region.
Since they do not receive any salary from the state and they have to obtain products from those lands. They produce and contribute to the state economy. If they cannot produce good crops, their lands are taken from them. Like raising soldiers, perhaps the biggest problem of states can be solved by timar cavalrymen.
Perhaps not very well known, but the most important feature of the timar sipahi is that it is an alternative military power. In addition to being the greatest power of the army, the rebellious It is the nightmare of the Janissaries. Many Janissary revolts were suppressed by the timarlı sipahi who came to Istanbul on the order of the sultan. Being Turkish and Muslim preserves their cultural power.
What are the duties of groomed spahis?
- In wartime, they join the army and form a large military force.
- They provide the local security of the area during non-war times.
- They collect taxes from the people of the region where they are located.
- They train soldiers.
- They produce.
- They ensure that the army is always ready for war.
- They provide border security in extreme areas.
When were the timar spahis established?
It is extremely difficult to give a date for the establishment of timarli spahis because, as we have explained, this is It is a situation that is in the blood of our nation. The records of the first timar cavalrymen in the Ottoman Empire date back to Osman Bey, but we see that this system also existed during the Great Seljuk period. So this system was not established, we are the system.
When were groomed spahis abolished?
Here is an answer to this question. This system, which has served the Ottoman Empire for hundreds of years, and different Turkish and Muslim states for thousands of years; It was read in Gülhane Park on 3 November 1839 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. It was abolished with the Tanzimat Edict. According to the decision, the fief holders would remain in their lands until they died, but the fief system would not continue.
Why were the groomed spahis removed?
The rifle was invented, bravery deteriorated. With the invention of firearms, mounted soldiers began to lose their importance all over the world. With the growing need for cash in the imperial center The taxpayers began to do the tax collection work that would be done by the timar owners. The grooming system gradually weakened and eventually became dysfunctional. It is seen as one of the most important reasons for the loss of power of the empire.
forming the backbone of the Ottoman economy and military power. What is a timarli sipahi, what are its features and duties By answering the questions, we talked about the details you need to know about this system. You can share your thoughts about grooming spahis in the comments.