Final answer:
Christian boys in the Ottoman Empire were subjected to the devshirme system, which involved their recruitment, education, conversion to Islam, and training to become soldiers, scribes, or palace administrators. The system aimed to create a loyal elite for the Ottoman state and maintain political stability.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the Ottoman Empire, Christian boys were subjected to a system known as the devshirme or "gathering." This involved the recruitment and enslavement of Christian boys who were taken from their European subjects and brought to Istanbul. The boys were educated, taught Turkish, and converted to Islam. They were then trained to become soldiers, scribes, or palace administrators. Some of them even rose to occupy important positions in the empire.
The devshirme system lasted until the late 1600s and aimed to create a loyal administrative and military elite for the Ottoman state. The boys selected for the devshirme were chosen based on their physical attributes and intelligence. They were trained to be disciplined, enduring, and loyal to the sultan.
Overall, this system was part of the Ottoman Empire's efforts to maintain control, ensure political stability, and create a self-perpetuating system of administrators and military leaders.