Asli Turhanoglu of Devleti Aliyyei Orhaniyye

"So, What should we do with this fowl tonight? Turn it into a Kebab?"

The 3rd concept sketch of the Turkish Woman Warrior in the Historically Wrong Sketch Series, from the Project: Blood and Steel which is based on the Historical 17th Century Warfare. She is part of the Orhan Trio that served the Turkish Orhan Empire in the series, all of which are powerful women, both martially and politically.

Her Idea, believe it or not, actually came while accompanying my girlfriend for a Christmas shopping a few days ago. I was fascinated by an angelic figurine that was displayed amongst all the decorations made around the Christmas tree inside the shopping center, and at that time I thought of myself if i could perhaps create her into a drawing. It was not until i discover about the Turkish Akinci (Raiders) that i decided to make a different kind of "angel" with wings

Inspired by the Music: www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9No8k… - Uskudara Giderken (Turkish Music)

Historically speaking, the Akinci or Raiders, had been employed by the Turkish Army since medieval time, as irregulars, scouts or light mobile cavalry force. They were originally Ghazis, who were similar to levies drawn from the population in times of war, but later incorporated into irregulars in the Ottoman Army. They were in a sense differs from the Sipahis and the Janissary that were commonly associated with the Ottoman Empire. Sipahis were ethnic Turks that had been given land in exchange for military service, while Janissary were drawn mostly from christian population, non-turks, and remained the Ottoman's elite fighting Force. Akinci on the other hand, were largely composed of Turkomans (Muslim Oghuz nomadic Turks), could enter and exit military service as they see fit and were allowed to plunders and paid in spoils of War. At that time, The Ottomans waged plenty of wars back then, and the prospect of plunders and spoils made many men drawn from variety of background to join the Akinci regiments, hoping to make fame and fortune.

Given their status as mounted irregulars, they were mostly deploying in the advancing ranks or as light troops to disarray the enemy formation. When not in battle, they were used as reconnaissance force, as well as raiding enemy settlements, trade routes or viable targets for plunders. Thus, this would have kept the enemies in the frontiers in check, while slowy weakening them due to constant raiding by the Akincis. Renowned for their near foolish bravery and extravagant dress, their image would cause confusion, and their suicidal tendencies would definitely bring morale shock to the troops. Incase if you were wondering, they mostly dressed in bright colored clothing, headdress with feathers or bull horns as well as eagle wings attached on their back......yes, the eagle wing, a style that would later be followed and adopted by the Polish light Cavalry, eventually forming the image of the famous Polish Winged Hussars.

In this drawing, Asli Turhanoglu is perhaps drawn in a much more extravagant style than other women warriors in the series. Though her armor and armaments maybe of standard quality (Some may even be from looted enemies), she is depicted with wings and feathers to portray the image of a winged mounted warrior....or let's just say, a different types of Angel like what I initially said.

One thing to note, Out of all the women warriors that have been (or to be) depicted, she is the only one not from a noble background. Perhaps, what would be interesting from her character is that, she would travel far from her homeland in search of fame and wealth, amd her humble common background did not tangles her with all the political intrigues that many of the women warriors would play, outside their combat activity. Asli would simply lead a life of adventure, meeting interesting people along the way in the series and possibly making friends with them. Although, as idealized as it may sound, meeting other Noble women warriors in the series would not be easy due to her commoner status....and that, my dear reader, is where things will get interesting

In anycase, i tried drawing the woman warrior this time in a much less intimidating image, and showing a...lets just say, a more human side of her. I have to credit AngusMcBride and for the inspiration in creating this image .

(I think the sabre may be a bit too small...apart from many other errors )

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