Functions of Military Artisans in the Ottoman Campaigns

This study treats, a long neglected unit, the orducus or military artisans who were a part of Ottoman military system but compared to other military regiments were a rather small and besides a non-combatant group. Nowadays, it can be observed that, studies on the Ottoman military structure, technology and logistics are increasing. Military campaigns of various years, campaign logistics army structure, tactics and developments in the military apparatus or uniquely the wars are being evaluated and cause-resul trelations are tried to be determined A study that investigate the status and importance of the orducu artisans with in the Ottoman military machine is much broad than the scope of an article. This study, though for from beign a complete treatment, aims to investigate guild members, and their productions who supplied the various needs of the Ottoman Army and were employed in the campaigns under the name of Orducu (military artisans)