This month's cover design is of three members of Humbaraci, the Ottoman Mortar Corps. From left to right they are a Timarli, a member of the corps who was supported by the income from a government fief; a Ulufeli, who was paid directly by the state, and a Timarli Subayi, an officer of the corps.

The drawing is based on a print by Jean Brindisi and illustrates the dress of the members of the unit following Sultan Mahmud II's reorganization of the corps in 1826. However, the uniforms would serve just as well for the Napoleonic era and before. The Humbaraci were one of the few old-style units not to receive new uniforms in the reorganization. They had remained loyal to the Sultan during the Janissary rebellion of 1826. As a reward both they and the Lagimciyan were allowed keep their traditional uniforms.

As indicated, some members of the corps were supported by Timars (military estates) while others were paid directly by the state. But whether there was any real difference in the uniforms based on how they were paid seems doubtful.

The uniforms for the force were drawn from the traditional costume of Bosnia with the addition of the tall cylindrical cap characteristic of the Djelli cavalry.

Unfortunately, my copy of this print is in black and white. In the new Osprey book (see review) there is a color sketch of the Ulufeli. In that drawing, the tall cap is black, the coat, skirt and pants are a sort of a bright olive drab with black piping and closures. The shoes are red and the shash around the waist is orange. The shirt is white with muted orange stripes.

Back to Table of Contents