Detailed view for this entity.
“War was not the only contributing factor to the growth of the Ottoman army. Another crucial pillar strengthening the state was the presence of strong artisans’ guilds and urban brotherhoods with links to the Islamic Sufi order, like the Ahis guild.”
“These guilds served as socioeconomic, religious, and political organizations and functioned as paramilitary groups. The Ahis produced weapons and military gear, and provided light infantry; however, their primary role was consolidating the Ottomans’ territorial gains by establishing branches in occupied towns.”