The term "Janissary" refers to elite infantry units that formed the backbone of the military of the Ottoman Empire. Established in the late 14th century, they were originally composed of Christian boys taken from their families through the devshirme system, converted to Islam, and trained as soldiers. Janissaries were known for their discipline, loyalty, and advanced military tactics. Over time, the Janissaries gained significant political power and influence within the empire. They played a crucial role in various military campaigns and were instrumental in the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. However, by the 19th century, their power began to decline, leading to their eventual disbandment in 1826 during the Auspicious Incident.