Continuing the Ottoman theme, here is a figure study of a Janissary armed with a matchlock musket. These elite infantrymen were distinguished by a long fabric headdress with brass band and tube-shaped plume-holder. Firearms had seen extensive use in Ottoman campaigns by the late 16th century; typical musketry equipment would include a pouch containing musket-balls, lead bars and a ball-mould, as well as a powder-horn, priming- flask and small axe for cutting up lead. In addition to his musket, this soldier carries a straight-bladed sword with sabre-hilt.
By Ibrahim Zamir
Empire of History 