The Ottoman Empire

         I thought the whole concept and process of devsirme was really interesting, because it lasted so long and, when you look at it, was pretty effective. Even though it’s kind of horrible to think about these children being taken away from their families at a young age and having to learn a new language and basically being under the government’s thumb for the rest of their lives, at least they were being educated. They probably ended up knowing the most about the governmental system out of everyone (beside those who were actually in it, of course) because they were educated so thoroughly and sent to be in the janissary corps or being placed in administrative posts. As it was pointed out, it’s obvious that these children living within the Ottoman government and following their rules, speaking their language and pretty much being slaves (albeit slaves with an education and jobs), they would be absolutely loyal to that government and owe their lives and livelihood to them. I also thought it was interesting how these children were only taken from the Christian families in the empire, and not the Muslim ones.

            Another thing I found interesting was how the Ottoman government was able to, or at least tried to, adapt to new economic or political situations so that they would still be able to function well and keep their hold on the lands they held. Even though in later years, it was more difficult to successfully change enough to have a solid hold on their empire. Of course any ruling system or empire or monarchy is going to want to hold on to their power, and it’s important to change and adapt to changes in society and be able to respond to how others were changing, and the Ottoman’s were able to continually have ways of keeping their system intact while also making enough changes to cement their hold.