PLATE XXVIII.
AN O F F IC E R
0 F THE JANISSARIES.
T hroogbout the whole extent of the Mussulman empire, the,®3§iA
ta rj government' forraa the'hasis i f the constitution. Each, indi-.
with the exception of the ministers of religion, may* he
considered ;asrh soldier, who is always ready to take- up arms and
march under the banner o f the Prophet. . And'we may indeed consider
the whole'nation,, as a large armed .body, of which the Sultan
is the generalissimo. The Mussulman soldiers are divided into two
classes:; -the Spahis, or cavalry, and the Janissaries, or infantry.
The latter are dispersed throughout the different parts of the empire,
and, although they have their diflerent officers, and constantly
receive pay B&e regular troops, yet, they follow other trades and
professions, This plate representsan under officer of Janissaries in
bis common dress.
