Ottoman military started as steppe-nomadic cavalry force under Osman I. Orhan organized standing army paid by salary instead of loot. Ottoman Empire became first Islamic Gunpowder Empire with artillery. Janissaries became first modern standing infantry force equipped with firearms
Timar system was central to Ottoman administration and military recruitment. System provided land revenue for sipahis and their armed retainers. Central government initially controlled timar assignments, later provincial governors gained autonomy. Timar rotation and inheritance rules were maintained until mid-16th century
Born in 1804 in Constantinople to Ottoman Court instructor Halil Ramis Agha. Received private education until age fourteen, then joined Divan Hümayun. Studied in Paris at École Militaire under Sultan Mahmud II
Born around 1756, possibly of Abaza descent. Protégé of Küçük Hüseyin Pasha, who became Kapudan Pasha in 1792. Commanded Ottoman troops in British-French Rosetta expedition in 1801
Born in 1672 as Peter Alekseyevich Romanov, son of Alexis I. Became tsar at age 10 after his father's death in 1676. Faced power struggle between his half-brother and stepmother families
Lucius Severus was a Roman emperor from 193 to 211 CE. He came from a prominent Punic family in Lepcis Magna. He married two women: Paccia Marciana and Julia Domna