The Janissaries had changed from an elite corps tied directly to the sultan into a hereditary institution with weakened discipline. Selim's Nizam-i Cedid recruits Anatolian peasants and uses European officers, weapons, uniforms, and training. By 1806 it numbers roughly 24,000-25,000 men, including a modern artillery arm. That force looks militarily promising but politically dangerous to Janissaries defending their own institutional independence. Selim will not deploy the new army against domestic opponents or replace the palace guard, leaving the reform program unable to secure the political center.
Chapter · 17:05-20:15
Why the Nizam-i Cedid threatened the Janissaries
Selim's European-trained new army promises modern combat power but threatens a hereditary Janissary institution that now claims interests independent of the sultan.