Devshirme

Definition

Devshirme was a system used by the Ottoman Empire in which Christian boys were taken from their families, converted to Islam, and trained for military or administrative roles. This practice not only served as a way to staff the empire's elite military corps and bureaucracy but also facilitated the integration of diverse populations into the Ottoman state, thereby strengthening its centralized authority.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Devshirme system was established in the late 14th century and continued until the 17th century as a means to recruit soldiers and administrators.
2. Christian boys were usually taken from their families at a young age, typically between the ages of 8 and 18, and were raised in a Muslim household.
3. Boys selected for the Devshirme system received a high-quality education that included military training, religious instruction, and administrative skills, preparing them for service in the empire.
4. The loyalty of these boys to the sultan was considered crucial since they had no ties to their original families and were raised to be devoted to the state.
5. The Devshirme system contributed to social mobility within the empire, allowing some individuals from lower social backgrounds to rise to prominent positions in society.

Review Questions

• How did the Devshirme system reflect the broader governance strategies of the Ottoman Empire?
  • The Devshirme system exemplified the Ottoman Empire's approach to governance by ensuring loyalty and service from its subjects. By taking Christian boys and raising them as Muslims within the empire, the Ottomans created a class of officials and soldiers who were deeply loyal to the sultan. This practice not only helped in staffing key positions within the military and administration but also reinforced central control over diverse populations by assimilating them into the state structure.
• Discuss the implications of the Devshirme system on social mobility within the Ottoman Empire.
  • The Devshirme system had significant implications for social mobility in the Ottoman Empire. It allowed boys from lower socioeconomic backgrounds to receive an education and attain high-ranking positions within the military and administration. This means that individuals who may have otherwise remained in humble circumstances could rise through the ranks solely based on merit and loyalty to the sultan, thereby fostering a sense of opportunity amidst an otherwise rigid social hierarchy.
• Evaluate how the Devshirme system affected both Ottoman military power and societal cohesion within diverse communities of the empire.
  • The Devshirme system significantly bolstered Ottoman military power by creating an elite force of Janissaries who were loyal and well-trained. By integrating Christian boys into Muslim society through this practice, it helped to create a sense of unity within a diverse population. However, it also led to resentment among some communities whose children were taken away, which could cause tensions within those groups. The balance between strengthening military capabilities while managing diverse loyalties illustrates the complexities of governance in a multi-ethnic empire.

Related terms

Janissaries:

An elite military corps in the Ottoman Empire, primarily composed of boys taken through the Devshirme system, who received rigorous training and education.

Sultan: The supreme ruler of the Ottoman Empire, who held absolute power over the state and was often seen as both a political and religious leader.

Ottoman Bureaucracy: The administrative system that managed the vast territories of the Ottoman Empire, often filled with officials who were educated and trained through various means, including Devshirme.