Posted by Emperor on 10 May 2018, 14:15
@Ochoin- While Ottoman troops at begining of XIX century didn t had standard uniforme like British and French before Selim III reform of 1807, for which he got killed and introduce of Nizam and final disband of Janissare in 1826, there was a some rules about clothing of people in Ottoman empire. Ottoman citizens at begining of XIX centur all wore baggy pants called shalvare, they wore also something called yelek or or anteri it is a small vest. They also had a large colorful belt around pants in which warriors putted their pistols and yatagans. Ussually they would have two or three pistols. There also was rule which divided Muslim the ruling class form Christians. For example since those were dangerous times a young men wore ear ring in their ears to show he is single male child into house. Serbs also had long ponitail called perchin. Muslims ussualy wore turban with chalma, while cristians wore fez or traditiona fur hat or shubara. There also was rule that said which colors can Muslim have on their clothes and which Christians. Usually in Ottoman army nobles and elite went into cavalry and they had fine silk clothes. Infantry was not so well dressed. I think this set is good for any period from 16 to XIX century. Remember this set is for Russo Turkish war of 1878, but Ottoman empire had problem with modernisation. Basically revolt agains Selim III was because he tired to modernise Ottoman army which was conservative and resisted modernisation. Even cannons from beggining of XIX century were old fashion. Ottoman empire from its founding was feudal desighnet for war. Peaces of land were gave to bravest soldiers and those land was called chitluk. Hatli or the cavalaryman also Sipahi were considered knights in the ottoman empire. The Empire also was desighnet so that common man could get to high position if he is talented and proved worthy in service, but it also was harsh to those who disobeyed like any other powerful nation.