News Update May 8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire (1 Viewer)

Julie

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JJDESIGNS NEWS UPDATE 8th MAY 2023
THE SIEGE OF MALTA 1565
THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE

In the mid-16th Century, a long running conflict between two of the most powerful world religions is building up to a climactic battle in the Mediterranean. Facing each other are the knights of the Order of St. John, a small but formidable and fanatical Christian military Order and the Muslim Janissaries, the fearsome crack troops of Suleyman the Magnificent.
The Great Siege of Malta occurred in 1565 when the Ottoman Empire attempted to conquer the Island of Malta, then held by the Knights Hospitaller.
The siege lasted nearly four months, from 18[SUP]th[/SUP] May to 11[SUP]th[/SUP] September 1565.

OTT1-M.jpg


The forces of Suliman the Magnificent were impressive. The armies of the Sultan were hated and feared by the common folk of the west, and respected for their fighting prowess by the military.
The elite of the troops were, unusually for the time, infantry. The Janissaries were the backbone of the army.

OTT2-M.jpg


A Janissary was a member of the elite infantry that formed the Ottoman Sultan’s household troops and were considered the first standing army in Europe. The corps was most likely established under the Sultan Orhan (1324-1362). Although the origins remain surrounded in mystery, they were also certainly among the first troops to adopt firearms as their principal weapon.
Janissaries began as elite corps made up through the system of child levy enslavement. They became famed for internal cohesion cemented by strict discipline and order. Unlike typical slaves, they were paid regular salaries. Forbidden to marry before the age of 40 or engage in trade, their complete loyalty to the Sultan was expected.

OTT3-M.jpg


Zihril Nefer in Turkish means “armoured soldiers” and were a special category of Janissaries.
Zihril Nefer were made of volunteer Janissaries and received double pay. Their job was to lead the charge and attack the enemy at the most crucial or weakest point.
The best examples were at the Siege of Constantinople or the First Siege of Vienna where in both cases they charged at the crippled wall.
It is easy to conclude why these soldiers were armored and received double pay. Their casualties were very high. They were often called Serdengeçi meaning “the one who doesn’t care for their lives”.
It was also a good way to gain promotion which is one reason why there was never a shortage of volunteers.

OTT4-M.jpg


The main body of the invasion force were the Spahis, drawn from Anatolia, Karamina, and Romania. Although originally cavalry, during a siege they would have little value. They were armed with bow, crossbow and matchlocks.


Best wishes,
john jenkins
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

Looks like a great group!
Pat & Pat
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

I am looking forward to this range. Hopefully, the walls of Saint Elmo are not far behind.
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

I'd really enjoy painting these if they were available in kit form.
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

Beautiful work John showcasing the upcoming Ottoman Turks.

Cheers,
Grey
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

I am definately getting all of these. Absolutely magnificent sculpts, cant wait to see them painted.
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

I'm really looking forward to seeing the painted masters of this series of Ottoman troops.

This will be a series that my tempt me, well after Wellington in India has run is course.

Recently, after seeing the Janissary in John's Advent calendar it reminded me that I had a set of castings by Tradition of London hidden away in 'stash of lead', so I got them out, assembled and painted them as you can see below. figure on the right is a Sadden.

jannisary.jpg

My painting guide were these prints by Knotel and you can see where the idea for the sculpting came from.

Knotel-J1.jpgKnotel-S2.jpg

I wonder when these new figures will be released ????

John
 
So looks like there will be only 9 poses, at least initially. JJD is going to be the only Renaissance era Turks i collect, so i am gonna get myself a good outfit. Got 9 musketeers and one armoured guy on the way. Hopefully we get a few colour choices for the archers, a few more armoured guys to come, that will give me a good little force.
but we will need a commander fir the aTurks
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

I'm really looking forward to seeing the painted masters of this series of Ottoman troops.

This will be a series that my tempt me, well after Wellington in India has run is course.

Recently, after seeing the Janissary in John's Advent calendar it reminded me that I had a set of castings by Tradition of London hidden away in 'stash of lead', so I got them out, assembled and painted them as you can see below. figure on the right is a Sadden.

View attachment 296382

My painting guide were these prints by Knotel and you can see where the idea for the sculpting came from.


View attachment 296383View attachment 296384

I wonder when these new figures will be released ????

John

I have a couple of these bought in their London shop many moons ago - wished I had bought all eight painted figures but there were so many other goodies to buy that day. Wish the shop was still open.
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

I have a couple of these bought in their London shop many moons ago - wished I had bought all eight painted figures but there were so many other goodies to buy that day. Wish the shop was still open.

You can still by the figures from Tradition of London, but not from the walk in shop, try the website, that what i use to get new stuff from them.

John
 
Re: News Update May8th, 2023 - Ottoman Empire

You can still by the figures from Tradition of London, but not from the walk in shop, try the website, that what i use to get new stuff from them.

John

Those guys are lovely.
We're gonna' get Green & Red Arquebusiers and all 3 Heavys from JJD,
30 total Ottomans are enough. Musicians etc. will be tempting though...
Best Wishes.
Paddy
 
Yeh, 30 is heaps. This has to be a smaller enterprise for me, so i am maxing out at about 20 turks, a dozen Maltese defenders and a few Team Winged Hussars. Gives me the option of making a defence of Malta dio or An Easter European skirmish.
 
Yeh, 30 is heaps. This has to be a smaller enterprise for me, so i am maxing out at about 20 turks, a dozen Maltese defenders and a few Team Winged Hussars. Gives me the option of making a defence of Malta dio or An Easter European skirmish.

Our Ottomans will have to face 10 Aeroart Landsknechts, 6 Frontline Polish Winged Hussars and all of our Maltese defenders with their Spanish allies. We will get the next two heavies as well.
So those archers will be tempting. But we may just put our 2 FL archers with the charging group for covering fire. A crossbowman would be very cool, but he'd have be a single at this point. Maybe. It is an awesome range so far.
Jingling Johnnys? Drums? Artillery?
I wonder how far John will take this field...
Best Wishes
Paddy
 
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