Information Package / Course Catalogue
Early Modern Ottoman Military Structure
Course Code: TRH619
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Third Cycle (Doctorate Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

To enable students to have knowledge about the military structure of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th and 16th centuries, which was born as a result of a series of military activities and established dominance in a very wide geography as a result of successful military activities.

Course Content

The formation of the Ottoman military class in the early modern period and the institutionalization of the military system during the Empire will be explained in general.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Students comprehend the differences between the military structures in the foundation and rise periods of the Ottoman Empire.
2.They learn how important the Janissary Corps was for the Ottoman Empire in military and political terms.
3.Learn the functions and versatility of the Ottoman timar in both military and economic fields.
4.They realized that the Ottoman Empire's military power at sea was at least as important as its land troops.
5.Can compare the Ottoman Empire with other contemporary European states in terms of military aspects.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.ismail hakkı uzunçarşılı kapıkulu ocakları
2.Gabor Agoston Osmanlı'da Strateji ve Askeri Güç
3.Edward J. Erickson, Mesut Uyar Osmanlı Askeri Tarihi
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Ottoman military structure in the Foundation Period. Tribal troops. Yaya and Musellem organization.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Ottoman conquest policy: Istimalet. The effects of lodges and dervish lodges opened in Rumelia on military conquests
Week 3 - Theoretical
The establishment of the Janissary Corps and its importance for the Ottoman Empire
Week 4 - Theoretical
Janissary laws.
Week 5 - Theoretical
Ottoman Timar system and its functions.
Week 6 - Theoretical
The military value of Timar sipahi in campaigns and the changes in the Ottoman Timar system since the late 16th century.
Week 7 - Theoretical
The military value of Timar sipahi in campaigns and the changes in the Ottoman Timar system since the late 16th century.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Organization of Ottoman campaigns.
Week 9 - Theoretical
Auxiliary military and reaya-based troops on campaigns.
Week 10 - Theoretical
Comparison of Ottoman firepower in wars with the armies of European and Asian states.
Week 11 - Theoretical
The place of cannon and gunpowder in the Ottoman army.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Ottoman naval units. Ships and personnel.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Ottoman shipbuilding techniques and centers. Personnel working in shipyards.
Week 14 - Theoretical
The maritime position of the rival states of the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean.
Week 15 - Final Exam
Final Exam
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Midterm Examination1%40
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory1409126
Midterm Examination1011
Final Examination1011
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)128
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
OÇ-1
1
OÇ-2
2
OÇ-3
5
OÇ-4
4
OÇ-5
3
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026