16C Ottoman Turks

[Nosher]

Hi all

I'm looking to put together a FoG Ren Ottoman Army and know very little about the army, terminology etc.

I trust that the sipahi pack OT4 can be used for Quapakulu and both Roumeliot and Anatolian sipahis? Is this right because I am looking for figures that are armoured and unarmoured?

And what are Silhidars cavalry (OT3) are these unarmoured sipahi?

I think I can work out the rest but am really confused by the differences between the sipahis - HELP!

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Turks changed very little up to the napolionic wars, so yes you can use the Turkish, and some of the Arab figures. You may also be able to use some Madishts as well. It is just a matter of weapoin balance, the regualr stuff would be Musket armed, and the Azabs/Levy bow/spear/musket.

IanS

[Hertsblue]

The Qapakulu were the permanently embodied "household" cavalry of the Porte. As such they would be better armoured and armed than the others. All the rest were raised on a feudal basis, the Roumeliot and Anatolian spahis originating in Turkey-in-Europe and Turkey-in- Asia respectively. They provided their own weapons and armour (if any) so you probably have a wide choice of figures. Not sure about the Sihildars - weren't they Indians?

Depending on the part of the 16C you plan to game you may also have a whole crowd of Akinjis.

[Nosher]

Cheers Chaps

Still left wondering what the Silhildar Cavalry in the Ottoman range are though and what cavalry they might represent in FoG Ren terms?

[Leman]

Hi Nosher,
Here's a bit of info from that old staple, Renaissance Armies by George Gush. The Silhidars were one of the two new Household cavalry regiments, the other being known as the Spahis. The Spahis formed on the right (of the Sultan presumably) and the Silhidars formed on the left. Each Silhidar was to be accompanied by four or five armed and mounted slaves. (The Spahis were expected to bring 5 or 6 each) So the Silhidar were yet another armoured heavy cavalry similar to Spahis of the Porte. Incidentally there were four older household cavalry regiments, known collectively as the Boluks. Make of that what you will. The Gush book is from 1975 so whether this info is still current I don't know I'm afraid.
DP

[Nosher]

Cheers DP

I have shelved plans for this army for another whimsical folly!

[Leman]

Much like myself then Nosher, since Schleswig-Holstein reared its rather beautiful Head.
DP

[FierceKitty]

Well, my Turks are going strong. The only army I play at four commands (550 points), which makes them very maneuvrable but brittle, owing to the lower breakpoints.