Tributary Nations and Vassals

The tributary nations of the Tartars, Wallachia, Moldavia, Armenia, Kurdistan, Serbia Cossack areas, Egypt, and parts of Hungary were required to provide military contingents for the wars. The faithfulness of this pact varied with the strength of the Porte's position in its tributary lands.

The Tartars were the classic light horse archer with composite bow, shield, sword and lasso. The Tartar dress was usually of black sheep skin with the wool outwards, or cloth jackets and caftans like those of the Russians, hats of the same sheep skins, linen trousers and half calf length red or yellow boots. Fur trimmed hats were common, but many preferred a white turban. Their leaders favored Tlirkish dress, often including mail shirts and metal helmets.

The Cossacks were armed and attired in a manner similar to their Russian counterparts. Wallachia, Moldavia, Serbia and Hungary provide their native troops. Light cavalry with bow and heavy cavalry with armor, shield spear, swordetc. The infantry were armed with a variety of hand weapons and firearms.

Freebooters

The last class of Turkish fighters were the freebooters who would flock to the Sultan's banner in time of war. They fought only for loot and plunder. Disaffected nobles of bordering states would also appear at the Sultan's door, seeking to avenge themselves on their fellow nationals. These were known by various names: Azabs, Akinji, Iayalars (fanatical Moslem infantry), Yuruks (Turkomen nomad light horse archers), and Arabs (Bedouin tribesmen). These were armed with various weapons--infantry and cavalry with bows, lances, swords and shields, and firearms.

More Ottoman Turk Army of the 17th to Early 19th Century

Introduction
The Standing Army
Feudal Hosts
Provincial Armies
Tribute States Armies and Freebooters
Battle Tactics