22. Janissaries eventually learned to use a variety of weapons. When the group was first established, however, what was their role in the military?
From Quiz Tales of the Janissary
Answer:
Infantry archers
After completing their seen-year period of indoctrination and service, during which time they also served as laborers for the family with whom they lived, the Janissary-in-training would be taken to a training camp. Here his skills would be assessed and he could be placed in a number of situations. The very intelligent would be sent for further education, some who were more advanced than others might be selected for different Janissary corps, and others would have another six years of specialized training. While training in the use of a variety of weapons was given, Janissaries initially became expert archers and the bow became their main weapon. Originally they did not comprise the largest number of fighters in the Sultan's army - that division was the cavalry unit. It is estimated that in the 1300s about 1000 Janissaries were in the Ottoman army, and by the late 1400s the number rose to about 6,000. Of course, when firearms became available, Janissaries also became competent in their use; in fact, it didn't take as long to train a soldier to use a firearm as it did to become an excellent archer. Other training involved learning to use swords, daggers, axes, and pole weapons. In the Ottoman army, the Cebeci formed a corps responsible for the upkeep and transport of weapons, and the Derbendjis guarded roads, mountain passes, and other important locations.