A new military force intially created by Orhan (d. 1359) in 1330, Murad I (1319-1389) re-organised the force into the standing paid army of the Ottoman Empire. Composed of Christian captives, the janissaries were educated in the Islamic faith and trained as soldiers. Under the direct command of the sultan, the janissaries countered the gazi nobility and were rewarded with land and administrative promotion, eventually occupying some of the highest positions in the Ottoman Empire.

Members of an elite Ottoman military corps; in Tripolitania ( q.v.), recruited from among Turkish peasants committed to a life of service. From the Turkish yeniceri, or "new soldier."

Ottoman infantry divisions that dominated Ottoman armies; forcibly conscripted as boys in conquered areas of Balkans, legally slaves; translated military service into political influence, particularly after 15th century. (p. 615)

Janissaries is a novel by science fiction author Jerry Pournelle. It was originally published in 1979, and was richly illustrated by comics artist Bermejo.