Which elite military unit of the Ottoman Empire was originally composed of Christian boys taken through the devshirme system?

The Janissaries were an elite military unit of the Ottoman Empire, known for their skill and loyalty. They were originally formed through the devshirme system, a practice where Christian boys from the empire's conquered territories were taken and converted to Islam. These boys were trained rigorously in both military and administrative skills, eventually becoming highly disciplined soldiers who played a crucial role in the expansion and defense of the empire.

The Janissaries were unique because they represented a significant departure from traditional military structures, as they were not drawn from the nobility or land-holding classes but rather from a diverse range of backgrounds, specifically targeting Christian populations. This system contributed to the Ottoman Empire's strength and effectiveness by supplying the military with a devoted and well-trained force. Their loyalty was largely to the Sultan, which helped to centralize power in the empire.

In contrast, other groups mentioned, like the Spahi, were light cavalry used primarily in the Ottoman military but did not share the same origins or the unique recruitment system as the Janissaries. The Samurai, a class of warrior from Japan, and Knights, from medieval Europe, do not relate to the Ottoman military structure or the devshirme practice. Thus, the Janissaries stand out distinctly as the