sipahi

The sipahi was a class of mounted soldiers in the Ottoman Empire's army. The term "sipahi" itself is derived from the Persian word "asp," meaning horse. Sipahis were primarily cavalrymen and played a crucial role in Ottoman military campaigns for centuries.

There were two main types of sipahis: the Timariot sipahis and the Kapikulu sipahis. Timariot sipahis were granted land, known as a timar, in exchange for their military service. They were responsible for collecting taxes from the land and using a portion of those revenues to equip and maintain themselves and their retinues for war. These sipahis formed the backbone of the Ottoman army, especially in the provinces.

Kapikulu sipahis, on the other hand, were part of the Sultan's household troops. They were paid directly by the state and were considered elite soldiers. This group included various cavalry units, such as the six cavalry regiments of the Kapikulu.

Sipahis were known for their horsemanship and their ability to fight effectively in various terrains. They were equipped with lances, sabers, and bows, and later adopted firearms. Their role evolved over time, but they remained a significant military force until the late 19th century when the Ottoman army underwent modernization and the sipahi system was gradually phased out.