Hi,
I am a warmaster player, so I will use the list of ottoman turks in WM Medieval in my wargames. Said that, my question:
Silhidars reference (OT-3 cavalry lances) are Sipahis or fit better as Akinjis?.
By the way, I try to search information about silhidars meaning and found very little information. Can anyone tell me a little about the silhidars.
Last question is for WMM players, do you base them in short or long base.
Regards
From "By Fire and Sword" (so looking a bit later maybe?):
The heavily armoured silhadar (weapon bearers) were the oldest formation of the kapikulu cavalry corps. Due to the colour of their banners they were called the "Sari Bayrak" - meaning the Yellow Banners...
The silhadar were a heavy cavalry formation, well-equipped in armour and offensive armament, and their primary weapon was a lance. The silhadar were able to afford expensive and effective chain and plate armours where plates were joined with chain mail or mirror armours where a large round plated protected the chest of the warrior and smaller plates joined with chain mail protected sides and back. By the second half of the 17th century, however, this armour fell out of use. The head was protected by a helmet with nasal, cheek and next protection or a so-called turban helmet. The heavy Ottoman cavalrymen were also equipped with arm and shin guards. By the 17th century, the horses by in large, no longer wore armour, even though several pieces of horse armour was captured at Vienna...
Guard sipahi and silhadar were cavalry that charged the enemy. Able to charge at full gallop, similarly to Polish winged hussars. Their training, however, was worse and they were unable to keep in formation. They preferred close combat in which they were able to show their courage. Traditionally before the charge they shouted "Allach! Allach!" and charged three times. If the third charge was not successful they withdrew from the battle. During battles sipahi were placed on the right side of the commander-in-chief (usually a sultan or vizier). They were the reserve and personal bodyguard of the commander. The silhadar were always on the left wing and near the sultan if he was present. Their honorary task was to guard the sultan's tent. (pp349 - 50)
Thank you, now is all clear to me.