Question

1. Describing What main similarities and differences do you notice between the

janissaries shown in each of these two images?

2. Interpreting In the picture of the standing janissary, notice the cord that he has wrapped around his wrist. What do you think these cord might be?

Answer 1

Similarities and Differences between the Janissaries in the Images:

• Both janissaries are wearing a yatağan, a reverse-curved Turkish sword.
• Both janissaries are depicted as fit and well-trained soldiers, standing tall and alert.

Differences :

• Weapons
• Timeline

How are the janissaries different ?

The first image shows a janissary with a matchlock musket, while the second image shows a janissary with a bow and arrows. This reflects the transition in weaponry that occurred during the janissaries' history, with firearms gradually replacing traditional archery.

The first image likely depicts a janissary from the eighteenth century, based on the presence of the flintlock musket. The second image, on the other hand, depicts a janissary from the fifteenth century, as evidenced by the presence of the bow and arrow.