Azebs, azabs, or azaps (, from Arabic, literally unmarried, meaning bachelor), also known as Asappes or Asappi, were irregular soldiers, originally made up of unmarried youths. They were conscripted among Rayah and served in various roles in the early Ottoman army.
History
Azebs were originally an auxiliary infantry unit harkening back to Anatolian beyliks that became independent from the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate. In the maritime beyliks, they also served as naval units. For instance, in the 13th century, sources address existence of troops called azebs in the Beylik of Aydın.
According to Stein (2007), by the 14th century azebs garrisoned in strongholds were called kale (fortress) azebs. Azebs in fortresses had duties such as building , working as and doing the job of Armourer, especially after conscription of devshirme armorers stopped.
In the Ottoman Empire the main role of Azaps were fighting as infantry Archery on front lines before the and Janissary,
Recruitment
Azebs were recruited in accordance with the
Ottoman law (law code) of the Suleiman I. Kadıs oversaw draft of the azebs at a local level, called
sancak. One man was levied from every 20-30 households whilst others supported him financially. The azaps were initially only recruited from
Turks, and, then
Rumelia. Azebs garrisoned in forts were regularly paid.
In the late 16th century all Muslim men could enlist.
Organization
Their official name -as generally appeared in pay lists- was
rüesa ve azeban. The word
reis (in plural
rüesa) referred to head or captain of a ship in maritime or chief of a medium-sized unit consisting of
kale azebs.
Kale azebs were divided into
ağalıks which were commanded by
ağas and their aides
kethüdas. These were subdivided into
cemaats or
riayets (a company consisting of 3 or 4 squads) which were led by
reises.
Equipments
As volunteers the azaps had a wide range of weaponry. These include pole arms, such as the
tirpan (
war scythe) and
harba as well as
balta (
bardiche). In addition to pole arms they were armed with a variety of maces, bows,
Sabre, and to a rarer extent
. Later on guns were adopted instead. Azebs also wore red
börks, a felt hat like the ones worn by janissaries but in different colours.
See also
Footnotes
Bibliography
