Orhan Gazi: Ottoman Military Builder.

 

Source: Print.Online.

Today, we will discuss about Orhan Gazi, Ottoman Sultan who build Ottoman Army. He is builder from Ottoman Military Institution. He also became pioneer from Ottoman Expansion at Europe. Ok, please read this article until end and subscribe our blog for more information about Islamic History and Civilization. It is easy verb for you, but have big role for help us flo our blog that add your perspective about Islamic History and Civilization. 

Orhan Gazi, or also popular wit Orhan Beg, is Ottoman Sultan who ruled from 1324-1360 AD. He replaced his father, Osman Gazi , who became founder from Ottoman Empire. Orhan, make City Of Bursa at Anatolia as Ottoman Capital. He conquerr several territories at Anatolia from Byzantine Empire. Such as Izmit, Aqchahoja, and Aydos, also City Of Samandira. He can expand Ottoman Territories until Coastal Of Boshporus and Black Sea. 

Ibn Batutta, 14 TH Century Moroccan Traveler who visit Anatolia, report at his notes, Rihla Ibn Batutta,  that Orhan is biggest Turkish King at Anatolia and according Ibn Batutta, Orhan has strong army and  almost 100 castles at his territories. Orhan, according Ibn Batuta, continued fight againt infidels ( Byzantine Empire) and he can conquer Nicaea  ( Iznik/Yaznik). 

At 1328 AD, Byzantine Emperor, Andronicos III,  bring his army cross Strait Of Boshporus. Andronicus meet Orhan and his army at Pelecanon. Battle broke at Pelecanon and Andronicos II defeated until he must escaped from Ottoman Army.  And, at 1331 AD, Orhan can captured Nicaea from Byzantine Empire. 

Orhan, always threat people at territories that conquest by Ottoman Empire with good threatment. Because this, many Christian Peoples at Anatolia, came to  Nicaea  for life under Ottoman Goverment. When Ottoman Empire conquer City Of Taraqli, many Christian Civilians submit castle and many villagers at Anatolia .

At Bursa, Orhan build several Islamic Schools and change several catedral into mosque.  At 1334 AD, Orhan conquer Territories Of Gemlik and Armutlu at South Coastal Of Marmara Sea . Orhan give adminsitration from conquest territories to his son, Sulaiman Pasha.  He also build Ottoman Regular Army.

According Ottoman Historian, Prof.DR.Mehmet Maksudoglu, Orhan became pioneer from buildings from Ottoman Regular Army. At era of his father, Osman Gazi, Ottoman Army only militias who called by Gazi, usually consist from several man who can fight and riding horse. They only gather at battle time, but, after battle, they back to their village for raised and farmed.  Orhan, change this system. He build regular army that consist from infantry that named by Yaya Unite and cavalry that named by Musellem Unite.

At his era also, builded Ottoman Elite Army, Janissary . This army recruited by several Christian Hostages and they  built as army unite with Islamic Education and Turkish Lanuage. Orhan build Janissary at 1362 AD, and Janissary Unites,  enhaced by next sultan, Murad I. According Islamic Research and Studies Team Of Egypt, Janissary members is came from several Byzantines Children that lost their parents at battle, they recruited by Ottoman Empire as elite military unites and convert to Islam. 

Orhan, also started Ottoman Expansion to East Europe. At 1335 AD, he started conquest to Byzantine Territories that at Europe ( now Turkey s part at Europe).  Orhan send his army under his son, Sulayman Pasha to attack Byzantine Fortress Of Chimbeni, near Strait Of Dardanelles. Sulayman can burn  several Byzantine Warships. Ottoman Army easily conquer many Byzantine Territories, because at this time, Byzantine Empire enslaved their people and Christian Peoples at Byzantine Territories more loved Ottoman Govemernt.

At his goverment age, Orhan Gazi always give  allowances to Koran (Islamic Holy Book) memorizers and also Islamic Scholars. He die at 1362 AD and replace by his son, Murad I. May Allah Subhanahuwataala bless him.

Refrences:

Maksudoglu, Prof.DR.Mehmet: The Untold History Of Ottoman: Menelusuri Daulah Islamiyah Terbesar di Dunia dan Pemerintahannya, Pustaka Al-Kautsar, 2023 M.

Tim Riset dan Studi Islam Mesir: Ensiklopedi Sejarah Islam, Pustaka Al-Kautsar, 2019 M.

Batutah, Ibnu: Rihlah Ibnu Batutah: Catatan Perjalanan Sang Musafir Abad Pertengahan, Penerbit Alvabet, 2023 M.