Question

Which statement describes the ottoman devshirme system?

1) It taxed Jews more heavily than Muslims.
2) It divided non-Muslims into distinct religious communities.
3) It enslaved Christian boys in the Balkans and made them become soldiers.
4) It prevented Muslims from having to pay taxes.

Answer 1

The ottoman devshirme system was a form of taxation that involved gathering Christian boys, converting them to Islam, and training them to become elite soldiers in the Ottoman Empire.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ottoman devshirme system was a form of taxation on the Christian territories of Ottoman-controlled Europe. It involved gathering boys between the ages of eight and ten from specified villages, converting them to Islam, and giving them education and military training to create an elite military force.

These boys, known as Janissaries, served as soldiers and bodyguards to the sultan.