Yerliyya

In the Ottoman Empire of the 17th century the yerliyya was a term used to describe local Janissaries. These were Janissaries that had been sent to an urban centre many years ago and had become fully integrated into their surroundings, often playing important roles in the commercial and political life of the area. The other sub-group of Janissaries were known as the kapikulu, these were Jannisaries that had been sent on direct order from the Sultan. In general the kapikulu were far more loyal to the Porte than the yerliyya. In many areas of the empire conflict developed between these two groups of Jannisaries which persisted until the Janissaries were abolished in 1826.