82nd Orta
Cemaat Division Janissaries
Ottoman Empire
In the Reign of Sultan Mehmed III and Mehmed IV
A recreated living history/reenactment military unit of the 17th C. (target of 1670 but covering 1603-1683) with Timerot cavalry and Topsus (Artillery)
2005
DC Turkish Festival, Oct 2007 our 3rd presentation; better all the time!
More Pictures click here>>>>>>> Janissary Photo Gallery <<<<<<<<<<
We are a New group formed in 2007 and we also looking for brave men and women to join
us in this fascinating presentation. Also looking for Mehter bandsmen.
1st Event, MTT, April 2007
Captain John Smith 400th, Point Deposit MD, Sat. July 21
DC Turkish Festival, Sunday Oct 14. Freedom Plaza, downtown Washington DC
Tangiers , 1674, Nov 3 2007, Ft. Mifflin, (Philly PA)
Next event March 15 Jamestown VA MTA - a cameo appearance
Possibly April 2003, fieldtrip to Grand Tattoo Norfolk to see a Mehter Band; or
Turkish camp at Siege of Vienna 1683, MTT, Marietta Mansion MD April 19-20
For Information: Contact Reis the Lame Odabashi 703 528 5618 (e)
Our unit impression presents the material and military culture of the 17th C Ottoman Empire. The contribution of Ottoman culture and history to our present civilization is not well known, or sometimes negatively stereotyped, and our educational mission is to correct this (while having a great time!).
Why the 82nd?
The 82nd is a Regiment or "Orta" that has the crossbow as a symbol and had the traditional role of combat support including operation of ballista and catapults, so were artillery-related.
From the late 1300s, the Ottoman state had professional artillery crews, outside of the Janissary establishment. In 1460-70s Murad II established the Topsus Artillery division, supported with the Top arabact transport service and Cebecis Armourers (and an infantry regiment, also sappers; also Lagumcis sappers). Like Janissaries, these were devsirme-raised (draft of Christian Youth, who were then trained to be Muslim servants of the State (and slaves of the Sultan).
The 82nd retained a close association with the Artillery, but the exact role is not completely clear. They seem to have been engineers in their Peace-time role, and in War presumably the same plus as fusiliers ( specialist infantry for light artillery support.)
It varies.... our Presentation for the Turkish festival is John Smith's Ottoman Adventure, 1602-1603 Relating his initial Success against and eventual Capture by the Ottoman Army, his Captivity in Istanbul, his dalliance with a Beautiful Young Lady and other Felonious Deeds, his Escape, and his days as a Fugitive in Tatary.
Other times we have participated in mini battles, such as the recent Tangiers 1674 event.
Can I participate? we need help! Do I have to be a Turk to participate? All Ottomans were characterized by outsiders as "Turks", but Janissaries were almost never ethnically Turkish, except for some of mixed ancestry. Our membership is, not unlike the constitution of the historic 82nd Orta, ethnically diverse and substantially Slavic, with a sprinkling of Turks for seasoning.
Roles: Men, Women and Kids of any background are invited to participate. Possible roles may include:
Civilian: craftsman, merchant, Great Lady, farmer, ... imagine.
Military: we are flexible! Ghazi Cavalry, Janissary Infantry, Artilleryman, Engineer, Azap Infantry....
Kit:
The Janissary Uniform . patterns page
Janissary headgear and footwear page
Janissary Firepower page
Turkish Terms, Commands, Janissary Lingo
So I say to Anna: "why don't we go into the bomb bunker to practice our mehter, since no one will hear us down there." And a crowd of voyeurs and a video camera follows.--> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KpRIcmHt-s
Battle: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHD_-Q64nGw
Join this Yahoo group for living history discussions: SCA Turkish Personas
(We sometimes participate in SCA events, but usually we have events with firearms that are outside SCA scope)
Where do I get stuff?
We make and buy.
Some basic items such as tarbuch/kufi hats, turban cloths, and khuffs (need to be modified by replacing the zipper with lacing) can be obtained from Islamic supply houses:
http://www.alhannah.com/mensclothing.html
Hussar Supply Plus has sabers and other gear, and connections to a couple of competent tailors who can make kaftans.
Where can I get general information about Ottoman history?
The focus of this website are the details that are hard to find elsewhere about reconstructing actual Ottoman artifacts. General and specific historical and cultural information are available in many sources. We recommend: