Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
THE KHWARAZMIAN EMPIRE
Former governors of the Seljuk sultanate, the Mamluk dynasty of the Khwarazmids crashed onto the scene under Khwarazmshah Tekesh, father of Muhammad II. Taking advantage of the collapse of the Seljuk empire, the Khwarazmshahs had taken center stage in the battle for Khorasan along with the Qara Khitay and Ghurids. Most importantly, Tekesh forged an alliance with the pagan Turkish tribes that had migrated into Khwarazm, marrying the Qangli princess Terken Khatun, granting the Khwarazmid realm access to a large contingent of elite soldiers, whose brutality only matched their lust for plunder. Tekesh's reign would also be the start of a strenuous relationship with the Sunni Caliph in Baghdad, who had recently found independence. Tekesh's son, Ala ad-Din Muhammad II Iskandar-i Sani (Alexander the Second), would be the one to make Khwarazm famous in the history books, defeating the Ghurids, Iranian Seljuks, Bavandids and just recently, in 1212, throwing off the Qara Khitay yoke and forming arguably the greatest power in the Muslim world.
Muhammad would grow the realm furthermore until his troops, sent to subjugate the Caliph, would face nature's wrath in the Zagros mountains and halt the invasion. His handling of the Mongol situation would see his realm quickly destroyed and he would die soon after the fall the Sarmarqand in an island on the Caspian sea. His son and heir, Jalal ad-Din Manguberdi, would see more success, defeating the Mongols at Parwan before needing to escape to Delhi, where he would eventually build back a force to invade his brother's realm in Fars and continuing further with success against the Caliphate and destroying the Georgian army, sacking their capital and butchering the population. His death by an assassin's hand would end the relatively brief Khwarazmid chapter in Iran's history.
The Khwarazmids are relatively unpopular with their new subjects in the Iranian plateau and their playstyle revolves around using their large and effective cavalry force. Their native infantry force is extremely limited in the first tier and as such, the early campaign will require large use of regional units.
Early Era
General units :
Khwarazmshah Ala ad-Din Muhammad II
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Khwarazmshah's Mercenary Guard
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Khwarazmian army centered, during the reign of Muhammad II, around a core of elite pagan Turkish cavalrymen from tribal groups such as the Qangli and the Qipchaqs. Due to the marriage of Khwarazmshah Tekesh, father of Muhammad II, to Terken Khatun, a Qangli princess and mother of Muhammad II, the Khwarazmshah could rely on these 'mercenaries' to fight for him in great numbers. They were quite likely the heaviest cavalry of the Muslim world in the early 13th century, with riders wearing heavy armour, usually metal lamellar, and horses covered in complete metal barding. They would become famous for their brutality, savagely plundering Iranian cities as the borders of the Khwarazmids grew.
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Ra'yat Skirmishers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Conscripts were part of the Iranian infantry the way back in Antiquity. Ra'yat (subjects) made poor soldiers, as they generally could not afford quality equipment and had no formal training or experience unless they had volunteered for military duty or had been conscripted before. Javelin throwing was a popular sport in medieval Iran and is a place where skill could easily translate to the battlefield.
Tribal Archers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkish groups of nomads had migrated into Khwarazm peacefully before the 13th century, and had also followed the Seljuqs in their conquest of Iran. Many had been settled and would bring their military skill to battle for the rulers and leaders they felt loyal to. Turkish skill in archery is well-known and even though a true Turk does not usually fight on foot, he does if the situation calls for it.
Charkh Infantry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Muslims, like the Franks of Palestine and Romans, used the powerful crossbow. The Persian charkh was generally a lighter type, which would have been favoured by Muslims, but the Saracens were also known to use large, fixed ballista-like versions, and even mounted them on camels.
Dismounted Savaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A Savar ('horseman', Faris in arabic), a soldier trained in the martial art of Furusiyya, can be described as a Muslim knight, or the equivalent of the Frankish knight. Taught to fight with most weapons, such as the bow and mace, the Savar was a professional soldier and a match to anything he could face on the battlefield.
Naffatun
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Greek fire had become a popular weapon in the Middle East during the Medieval era. Used either with a siphon or packed in a jar and used as a grenade, it was incredibly dangerous and devastating. It was typically used by specialist cores, like the Mamluk's Naffatun, and wore a fire-resistant coat over their armour.
Melee Infantry Units :
Ra'yat Spearmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Conscripts were part of the Iranian infantry the way back in Antiquity. Ra'yat (subjects) made poor soldiers, as they generally could not afford quality equipment and had no formal training or experience unless they had volunteered for military duty or had been conscripted before. Spears were the typical infantry weapon during the medieval era for common folk, as they were cheap and effective.
Siege Infantry
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Iranians and Northern Indians were known to have used various types of very large shields made of wicker or reed, practically mantlets, when in sieges. The purpose was to provide cover for missile troops or to form a 'roof' over sappers and engineers that worked on weakening the walls.
Ghazi
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghazi, in the medieval warfare context, can best be described as warriors on Holy warfare for Islam. Typically a good way to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world, rulers could also invoke Jihad as a way to bolster their manpower for campaigns, as there was no shortage of religious zealots and people looking for plunder. The Ghaznavids typically saw a great number of Ghazis flocking to their banner for their numerous campaigns against the Hindu Indian principalities.
Piyadegan
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Piyadegan ('infantry') was generally formed from non-nobles raised in war time. Armed and equipped by Iqta holders and amirs bound to raise armies for their rulers, Iranian soldiers traditionally fought with round shields, swords or axes, a conical or bulbous helmet and fabric or mail armour.
Daylami Mercenaries
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The collapse of the Shi'a Buyyid dynasty in the 11th century led to the elite Daylami soldiers to find employment elsewhere. From Egypt to India, the Daylami infantry was known for being the best of the best, used mostly for palace guard duties. They were still known for their high quality as soldiers during the Seljuq period. They typically used nachakh battle axes and maces, sometimes swords for the wealthier individuals. Despite wearing mail and metal helmets, their shields, the large januwiyah, was their main form of protection, fighting in a tight shield wall formation.
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Tribal Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkish groups of nomads had migrated into Khwarazm peacefully before the 13th century, and had also followed the Seljuqs in their conquest of Iran. Many had been settled and would bring their military skill to battle for the rulers and leaders they felt loyal to. Turks were born in the saddle and were known as fantastic cavalrymen, especially for their skill in archery on horseback. The importance of horse archers had gradually diminished from the Seljuq invasion, but they still were quite useful as scouts, raiders and skirmishers, harassing moving columns and screening the main army.
Ghulaman
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. Trained in Furusiyya, they were excellent cavalrymen, capable of mounted archery as well as fighting with all sorts of weapons from horseback, such as lances, swords, maces and axes.
Khwarazmian Mercenaries
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Khwarazmian army centered, during the reign of Muhammad II, around a core of elite pagan Turkish cavalrymen from tribal groups such as the Qangli and the Qipchaqs. Due to the marriage of Khwarazmshah Tekesh, father of Muhammad II, to Terken Khatun, a Qangli princess and mother of Muhammad II, the Khwarazmshah could rely on these 'mercenaries' to fight for him in great numbers. They were quite likely the heaviest cavalry of the Muslim world in the early 13th century, with riders wearing heavy armour, usually metal lamellar, and horses covered in complete metal barding. They would become famous for their brutality, savagely plundering Iranian cities as the borders of the Khwarazmids grew. While the favoured weapon of such cavalrymen was the wooden lance, part of the Khwarazmid heavy cavalry fought as horse archers, a role Turkish soldiers filled in great numbers.
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Desert Cavalry
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Camels are well-adapted as mounts for patrolling the desert and are effective for fighting cavalry, scaring the horses. There also happens to be a fair number of them all across Greater Iran, especially in Northern Khorasan. The Amudarya in Khwarazm is flanked by the Kyzyl-Kum and Kara-Kum desert, making camel cavalry very useful. Many Turkish nomads also happen to be camel pastoralists.
Mounted Sarbaazan
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
An Iqta holder can, and usually did in the Seljuq and Khwarazmid periods, have a military obligation to the one who granted it to him. The 'fief' would also stipulate how many soldiers a Muqta would have to provide to his overlord in war. Cavalrymen were a typical kind of soldier requested in Iqtas, and Iran had a rich history of mounted combat. Mounted Sarbaazan (soldiers) are shown, in miniatures, as wielding a weapon in one hand, quite commonly a sword, and a round sipar shield in the other, generally made of hardened leather. A kalkan shield (wicker shield) would have been a possibility. The tabarzin, or saddle axe, was also a very popular weapon amongst Eastern Muslim cavalrymen in the medieval era.
Tribal Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkish groups of nomads had migrated into Khwarazm peacefully before the 13th century, and had also followed the Seljuqs in their conquest of Iran. Many had been settled and would bring their military skill to battle for the rulers and leaders they felt loyal to. Turks were born in the saddle and were known as fantastic cavalrymen, especially for their skill in archery on horseback. Period art shows that amongst Turkish groups, the lance was a very popular weapon, typically wielded with both hands instead of the Frankish 'couched' style. Tribes generally identified themselves by tamgas (symbol) which was branded on their livestock, and the Khwarazmids typically depended on the Qangli and Qipchaq turks.
Savaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranian Savaran (horsemen) have existed since Antiquity, becoming most famous as the heavy cavalry of Arsacid and then Sassanid Iran. While the Arab conquest of Iran changed it forever, Iran helped shape the Muslim world. One such thing was the tradition of aristocratic heavy cavalry, changing to the medieval concept of the Faris. Further influence by Central Asian military culture, they now wear heavy lamellar armour or mail. Capable in ranged combat as well as fighting with the lance and shield, Savaran are the continuation of Iranian military tradition dating from over a thousand years.
Ghulam Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. Trained in Furusiyya, they were excellent cavalrymen, capable of mounted archery as well as fighting with all sorts of weapons from horseback, such as lances, swords, maces and axes. Much like the Frankish knights, the Ghulaman were capable of heavy lance charges to break formations and rout opponents.
Muqtas
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iqtas are generally described as the Muslim equivalent to the European fief. A Muqta (iqta holder) was not in fact a lord with a hereditary title, but rather a professional soldier* paid by collecting taxes for his lord and himself as per the iqta, and said iqta would return to his lord at the death of the holder. However, they were given to loyal soldiers who were then given extensive duties and acted much like landed nobility, forming a Muslim military aristocracy. Due to the nature of their armies, the Seljuqs and Khwarazmians typically granted iqtas to Turkish commanders, creating a Persianate Turkish ruling class.
*In some cases however, iqtas could be purely administrative. The military iqta was much more common during the Seljuq and Khwarazmian periods.
Khwarazmian Mercenary Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Khwarazmian army centered, during the reign of Muhammad II, around a core of elite pagan Turkish cavalrymen from tribal groups such as the Qangli and the Qipchaqs. Due to the marriage of Khwarazmshah Tekesh, father of Muhammad II, to Terken Khatun, a Qangli princess and mother of Muhammad II, the Khwarazmshah could rely on these 'mercenaries' to fight for him in great numbers. They were quite likely the heaviest cavalry of the Muslim world in the early 13th century, with riders wearing heavy armour, usually metal lamellar, and horses covered in complete metal barding. They would become famous for their brutality, savagely plundering Iranian cities as the borders of the Khwarazmids grew. The Khwarazmian heavy cavalryman relied on a long wooden lance, a shamshir (curved sword) or a tabarzin (saddle axe), a shield such as a kalkan (wicker shield) or sipar (round, hardened leather shield). Tribes generally identified themselves by tamgas (symbol) which was branded on their livestock, and the Khwarazmids typically depended on the Qangli and Qipchaq turks.
Elephants :
Indian Elephants
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The proximity to India allowed Iranian dynasties to purchase elephants and use their terrifying force in battle. The Ghaznavids are best known for their great use of war elephants. Elephants were noted to have been part of the Khwarazmian groups that fought the Mongols.
High Era
General units :
Sipahsalar and Retinue
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A sipahsalar was a term often used for high-ranking generals in medieval muslim armies. Such a figure's askar would probably be ghulaman, heavily armed and armoured, and most importantly, loyal.
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Dismounted Savaran (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A Savar ('horseman', Faris in arabic), a soldier trained in the martial art of Furusiyya, can be described as a Muslim knight, or the equivalent of the Frankish knight. Taught to fight with most weapons, such as the bow and mace, the Savar was a professional soldier and a match to anything he could face on the battlefield.
Turkoman Archers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Turkoman dynasties of Iran relied heavily on tribesmen to form the bulk of their armies. Turkish soldiers were known as great archers, and the Aq Qoyunlu relied on a large quantity of archers to form their infantry.
Melee Infantry Units :
Ghazi (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghazi, in the medieval warfare context, can best be described as warriors on Holy warfare for Islam. Typically a good way to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world, rulers could also invoke Jihad as a way to bolster their manpower for campaigns, as there was no shortage of religious zealots and people looking for plunder. The Ghaznavids typically saw a great number of Ghazis flocking to their banner for their numerous campaigns against the Hindu Indian principalities.
Yayas [high era Siege Infantry]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Yaya ('pedestrian') was a term used by Anatolian Turks to identify infantry. Unlike the Ottoman Yaya corps, the Aq Qoyunlu infantry does not seem to denote any specific form of organized military units, rather being a generic term.
Piyadegan (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Piyadegan ('infantry') was generally formed from non-nobles raised in war time. Armed and equipped by Iqta holders and amirs bound to raise armies for their rulers, Iranian soldiers traditionally fought with round shields, swords or axes, a conical or bulbous helmet and fabric or mail armour.
Arabic Auxiliaries [high era Daylami Mercenaries]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Arabic soldiers were an integral part of armies such as the Jalayirids and, later, the Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu. Auxiliaries from subject Arabic nobles in Iraq-i Arab formed an important part of the infantry, which was not commonly formed by Turks.
Javanmards
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Javanmard (futuwwa in arabic) organizations had a strong presence in Iran prior to the turkish invasions, namely in Samanid Khorasan. Such organizations brought together soldiers and irregulars to respect a certain code of conduct, serve their communities and take up arms in a way that is comparable, though not equivalent, to Western knights or the Christian military orders. Javanmards (loosely translated to honorable, chivalrous men) were an integral part of the Sarbadars of Sabzevar's military, as the Sarbadars formed an alliance with Shi'a dervishes, whose armed followers were organized in the typical javanmard fashion, and represented a very large and zealous urban militia.
Qolloghchi Spearmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Qollogchis ('servants') formed one of the major components of the 15th century Turkoman military feudal regiments. While the exact nature of the Qolloghchi regiments are unknown, that they were 'servants' would indicate a similar stature as a Mamluk or Ghulam, as they also mean 'servant'.
Dismounted Pushan-dar
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Pushan-dar formed the heavily armoured contingents of Irano-Turkoman militaries. The later military elite of Iranian armies that is depicted in miniatures display the overwhelming presence of very long, decorated helmets and the Turkoman 'turban' helmet, large-bossed wicker shields, limb armour and plated mail (jawshan). Amongst the many surviving artifacts are also found the iconic shields of late medieval and early modern Iran and India, the Sipar(Iran)/Dhal(India), made of either laminated hide or metal with 4 extruding bosses of metal.
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Tirkash-band
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. Cavalry remained the largest contingent of Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu armed forces and the main 'regular' corps of such forces were Tirkash-band, 'quiver-bearers', horse archers mostly drawn from the settled turkish tribal societies.
Ghulaman (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. Trained in Furusiyya, they were excellent cavalrymen, capable of mounted archery as well as fighting with all sorts of weapons from horseback, such as lances, swords, maces and axes.
Boy-nukar Archers [high era Khwarazmian Mercenaries]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Boy-nukars formed the regional contingents of the pushan-dar ('armorbearers'). Spread across the various parts of the Aq Qoyunlu realm, boy-nukars (along with the gorchus) formed the professional element of the Aq Qoyunlu military, wearing heavy armour and riding heavily barded mounts.
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Mohajeman
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Mohajeman, 'raiders', were traditionally used as a vanguard, and filling numerous important roles. Acting as scouts, to provide information on the enemy, and as pillagers in enemy territory to destroy local logistical support and terrorizing the local population. In battle, such light cavalry would use their bows to break enemy formation, then draw weapons and charge at isolated groups.
Mounted Sarbaazan (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
An Iqta holder can, and usually did in the Seljuq and Khwarazmid periods, have a military obligation to the one who granted it to him. The 'fief' would also stipulate how many soldiers a Muqta would have to provide to his overlord in war. Cavalrymen were a typical kind of soldier requested in Iqtas, and Iran had a rich history of mounted combat. The typical mounted soldiers, or sarbaazan, depicted in 14th century miniatures, when not in heavy armour or wielding a lance, wore mostly fabric armour, with vambraces, a helmet and wicker shield.
Turkoman Lancers [high era Tribal Lancers]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. While most Turkomans recruited as regulars were used as horse archers, the lance remained a very popular weapon for Turkoman tribesmen and for warfare in Iran in general.
Ghulam Lancers (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. Trained in Furusiyya, they were excellent cavalrymen, capable of mounted archery as well as fighting with all sorts of weapons from horseback, such as lances, swords, maces and axes. Much like the Frankish knights, the Ghulaman were capable of heavy lance charges to break formations and rout opponents.
Savaran (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranian Savaran (horsemen) have existed since Antiquity, becoming most famous as the heavy cavalry of Arsacid and then Sassanid Iran. While the Arab conquest of Iran changed it forever, Iran helped shape the Muslim world. One such thing was the tradition of aristocratic heavy cavalry, changing to the medieval concept of the Faris. Further influence by Central Asian military culture, they now wear heavy lamellar armour or mail. Capable in ranged combat as well as fighting with the lance and shield, Savaran are the continuation of Iranian military tradition dating from over a thousand years.
Muqtas (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iqtas are generally described as the Muslim equivalent to the European fief. A Muqta (iqta holder) was not in fact a lord with a hereditary title, but rather a professional soldier* paid by collecting taxes for his lord and himself as per the iqta, and said iqta would return to his lord at the death of the holder. However, they were given to loyal soldiers who were then given extensive duties and acted much like landed nobility, forming a Muslim military aristocracy. Due to the nature of their armies, the Seljuqs and Khwarazmians typically granted iqtas to Turkish commanders, creating a Persianate Turkish ruling class.
*In some cases however, iqtas could be purely administrative. The military iqta was much more common during the Seljuq and Khwarazmian periods.
Boy-nukar Lancers [high era Khwarazmian Mercenary Lancers]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Boy-nukars formed the regional contingents of the pushan-dar ('armorbearers'). Spread across the various parts of the Aq Qoyunlu realm, boy-nukars (along with the gorchus) formed the professional element of the Aq Qoyunlu military, wearing heavy armour and riding heavily barded mounts.
Gunpowder Units :
Tofangchiyan
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Tofangchiyan, 'musketeers', is a name used for essentially all late medieval and early modern soldiers using gunpowder weapons in Iran. These soldiers were typically lower class individuals who did not need much practice to effectively use the weapon.
Elephants :
Indian War Elephants
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The proximity to India allowed Iranian dynasties to purchase elephants and use their terrifying force in battle. The Ghaznavids are best known for their great use of war elephants. Elephants were noted to have been part of the Khwarazmian groups that fought the Mongols.
Late Era
General units :
Sipahsalar and Retinue (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A sipahsalar was a term often used for high-ranking generals in medieval muslim armies. Such a figure's askar would probably be ghulaman, heavily armed and armoured, and most importantly, loyal.
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Rayat Skirmishers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Conscripts were part of the Iranian infantry the way back in Antiquity. Ra'yat (subjects) made poor soldiers, as they generally could not afford quality equipment and had no formal training or experience unless they had volunteered for military duty or had been conscripted before. Javelin throwing was a popular sport in medieval Iran and is a place where skill could easily translate to the battlefield.
Tribal Archers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkish groups of nomads had migrated into Khwarazm peacefully before the 13th century, and had also followed the Seljuqs in their conquest of Iran. Many had been settled and would bring their military skill to battle for the rulers and leaders they felt loyal to. Turkish skill in archery is well-known and even though a true Turk does not usually fight on foot, he does if the situation calls for it.
Dismounted Savaran (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A Savar ('horseman', Faris in arabic), a soldier trained in the martial art of Furusiyya, can be described as a Muslim knight, or the equivalent of the Frankish knight. Taught to fight with most weapons, such as the bow and mace, the Savar was a professional soldier and a match to anything he could face on the battlefield.
Charkh Infantry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Muslims, like the Franks of Palestine and Romans, used the powerful crossbow. The Persian charkh was generally a lighter type, which would have been favoured by Muslims, but the Saracens were also known to use large, fixed ballista-like versions, and even mounted them on camels.
Turkoman Archers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Turkoman dynasties of Iran relied heavily on tribesmen to form the bulk of their armies. Turkish soldiers were known as great archers, and the Aq Qoyunlu relied on a large quantity of archers to form their infantry.
Melee Infantry Units :
Rayat Spearmen (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Conscripts were part of the Iranian infantry the way back in Antiquity. Ra'yat (subjects) made poor soldiers, as they generally could not afford quality equipment and had no formal training or experience unless they had volunteered for military duty or had been conscripted before. Spears were the typical infantry weapon during the medieval era for common folk, as they were cheap and effective.
Ghazi (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghazi, in the medieval warfare context, can best be described as warriors on Holy warfare for Islam. Typically a good way to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world, rulers could also invoke Jihad as a way to bolster their manpower for campaigns, as there was no shortage of religious zealots and people looking for plunder. The Ghaznavids typically saw a great number of Ghazis flocking to their banner for their numerous campaigns against the Hindu Indian principalities.
Turkoman Tabardaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkomans were a large part of the late era Iranian military, as tribes first formed a significant part of Timur's armies, but, most importantly, the later dynasties, that of the Qara Qoyunlu and the Aq Qoyunlu, were Turkoman confederations which greatly depended on tribes to provide soldiers for warfare. While most soldiers of these armies were mounted, a fair number of infantry were amongst these groups and miniatures of the Aq Qoyunlu period show foot soldiers of Turkoman origin, including some wielding large axes.
Yayas (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Yaya ('pedestrian') was a term used by Anatolian Turks to identify infantry. Unlike the Ottoman Yaya corps, the Aq Qoyunlu infantry does not seem to denote any specific form of organized military units, rather being a generic term.
Piyadegan (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Piyadegan ('infantry') was generally formed from non-nobles raised in war time. Armed and equipped by Iqta holders and amirs bound to raise armies for their rulers, Iranian soldiers traditionally fought with round shields, swords or axes, a conical or bulbous helmet and fabric or mail armour.
Arabic Auxiliaries (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Arabic soldiers were an integral part of armies such as the Jalayirids and, later, the Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu. Auxiliaries from subject Arabic nobles in Iraq-i Arab formed an important part of the infantry, which was not commonly formed by Turks.
Qolloghchi Spearmen (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Qollogchis ('servants') formed one of the major components of the 15th century Turkoman military feudal regiments. While the exact nature of the Qolloghchi regiments are unknown, that they were 'servants' would indicate a similar stature as a Mamluk or Ghulam, as they also mean 'servant'.
Dismounted Pushan-dar (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Pushan-dar formed the heavily armoured contingents of Irano-Turkoman militaries. The later military elite of Iranian armies that is depicted in miniatures display the overwhelming presence of very long, decorated helmets and the Turkoman 'turban' helmet, large-bossed wicker shields, limb armour and plated mail (jawshan). Amongst the many surviving artifacts are also found the iconic shields of late medieval and early modern Iran and India, the Sipar(Iran)/Dhal(India), made of either laminated hide or metal with 4 extruding bosses of metal.
Qolloghchi Pasdaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Qollogchis ('servants') formed one of the major components of the 15th century Turkoman military feudal regiments. While the exact nature of the Qolloghchi regiments are unknown, that they were 'servants' would indicate a similar stature as a Mamluk or Ghulam, as they also mean 'servant'. *Pasdaran translates to 'guards'.
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Tribal Cavalry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkish groups of nomads had migrated into Khwarazm peacefully before the 13th century, and had also followed the Seljuqs in their conquest of Iran. Many had been settled and would bring their military skill to battle for the rulers and leaders they felt loyal to. Turks were born in the saddle and were known as fantastic cavalrymen, especially for their skill in archery on horseback. The importance of horse archers had gradually diminished from the Seljuq invasion, but they still were quite useful as scouts, raiders and skirmishers, harassing moving columns and screening the main army.
Qizilbash
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A small Sufi Shia sect in Azerbaijan in the mid-15th century, the Safaviyya gained a foothold in Iranian politics when it received favour from Shah Uzun Hasan and the intermarriage between the royal family and their leader's gave them significant political clout. As the Aq Qoyunlu realm was collapsing to civil war, the young leader of the Safaviyya, Ismail, would forcefully take the capital of Tabriz and declare himself Shah. Throughout its existence, the Safaviyya would find support in a few Turkoman tribes, of which would come the armed wing of the sect, the Qizilbash, or 'red-headed', for the iconic headgear of the group.
Tirkash-band (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. Cavalry remained the largest contingent of Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu armed forces and the main 'regular' corps of such forces were Tirkash-band, 'quiver-bearers', horse archers mostly drawn from the settled turkish tribal societies.
Ghulaman (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Boy-nukar Archers [late]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Boy-nukars formed the regional contingents of the pushan-dar ('armorbearers'). Spread across the various parts of the Aq Qoyunlu realm, boy-nukars (along with the gorchus) formed the professional element of the Aq Qoyunlu military, wearing heavy armour and riding heavily barded mounts.
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Desert cavalry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Camels are well-adapted as mounts for patrolling the desert and are effective for fighting cavalry, scaring the horses. There also happens to be a fair number of them all across Greater Iran, especially in Northern Khorasan. The Amudarya in Khwarazm is flanked by the Kyzyl-Kum and Kara-Kum desert, making camel cavalry very useful. Many Turkish nomads also happen to be camel pastoralists.
Qizilbash Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A small Sufi Shia sect in Azerbaijan in the mid-15th century, the Safaviyya gained a foothold in Iranian politics when it received favour from Shah Uzun Hasan and the intermarriage between the royal family and their leader's gave them significant political clout. As the Aq Qoyunlu realm was collapsing to civil war, the young leader of the Safaviyya, Ismail, would forcefully take the capital of Tabriz and declare himself Shah. Throughout its existence, the Safaviyya would find support in a few Turkoman tribes, of which would come the armed wing of the sect, the Qizilbash, or 'red-headed', for the iconic headgear of the group.
Mohajeman (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Mohajeman, 'raiders', were traditionally used as a vanguard, and filling numerous important roles. Acting as scouts, to provide information on the enemy, and as pillagers in enemy territory to destroy local logistical support and terrorizing the local population. In battle, such light cavalry would use their bows to break enemy formation, then draw weapons and charge at isolated groups.
Mounted Sarbaazan (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
An Iqta holder can, and usually did in the Seljuq and Khwarazmid periods, have a military obligation to the one who granted it to him. The 'fief' would also stipulate how many soldiers a Muqta would have to provide to his overlord in war. Cavalrymen were a typical kind of soldier requested in Iqtas, and Iran had a rich history of mounted combat. The typical mounted soldiers, or sarbaazan, depicted in 15th century miniatures, when not in heavy armour or wielding a lance, wore mostly fabric armour, with vambraces, a helmet and wicker shield.
Turkoman Lancers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. While most Turkomans recruited as regulars were used as horse archers, the lance remained a very popular weapon for Turkoman tribesmen and for warfare in Iran in general.
Ghulam Lancers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Savaran (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Muqtas (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iqtas are generally described as the Muslim equivalent to the European fief. A Muqta (iqta holder) was not in fact a lord with a hereditary title, but rather a professional soldier* paid by collecting taxes for his lord and himself as per the iqta, and said iqta would return to his lord at the death of the holder. However, they were given to loyal soldiers who were then given extensive duties and acted much like landed nobility, forming a Muslim military aristocracy. Due to the nature of their armies, the Seljuqs and Khwarazmians typically granted iqtas to Turkish commanders, creating a Persianate Turkish ruling class.
*In some cases however, iqtas could be purely administrative. The military iqta was much more common during the Seljuq and Khwarazmian periods.
Boy-nukars [late]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Boy-nukars formed the regional contingents of the pushan-dar ('armorbearers'). Spread across the various parts of the Aq Qoyunlu realm, boy-nukars (along with the gorchus) formed the professional element of the Aq Qoyunlu military, wearing heavy armour and riding heavily barded mounts.
Gorchus
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Gorchus formed the personal guard of the Shah. Picked cavalrymen from the most loyal tribes of the Aq Qoyunlu confederation, the gorchus were full-time soldiers, and the best knights of Persia in their time.
Gunpowder Units :
Venetian Matchlockmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
With the rise of Ottoman power in the Eastern Mediterranean threatening Venice's Stato da Mar, a natural ally was found in the rival of such a threat. The Venetians found in Shah Uzun Hasan someone that could threaten the Eastern border of the Ottoman empire and sent many embassies to cement such an alliance. The Persians were found to be lacking in gunpowder armament and the Venetians made good on their alliance by attempting to provide material support. While the accounts vary on the actual shipments, one notes '52 mortars, six of them large ones, 500 arquebuses, and 200 musketeers in order to instruct his army in their use.'
CREDITS
This faction (and affiliated factions and units) could not have been completed without the significant contributions of Ltd., Slytacular, dontfearme22 and hessam the terrible for their models, model work, counsel and time. Also, a great thank you to everyone who provided opinions, research and other models that I cannot directly credit the work to but appear in the unit pictures.
Last edited by zsimmortal; February 15, 2018 at 10:45 AM.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
THE SALGHURIDS (Atabegate of Fars)
General units :
Atabeg Sa'd ibn Zangi
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Atabeg's Ghulaman
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. As time went on since the Abbasid implementation of the Ghulam system, they grew into some form of praetorian guard, playing kingmaker for the Caliphate. Regardless, Muslim rulers found Ghulaman to be indispensable for both their protection and to counter-balance the ambitions of powerful amirs. Many dynasties came from freed Ghulaman who were put into important positions of power and emancipated during power struggles, notable examples including Egypt, Northern India and Khwarazm.
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Ra'yat Skirmishers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Conscripts were part of the Iranian infantry the way back in Antiquity. Ra'yat (subjects) made poor soldiers, as they generally could not afford quality equipment and had no formal training or experience unless they had volunteered for military duty or had been conscripted before. Javelin throwing was a popular sport in medieval Iran and is a place where skill could easily translate to the battlefield.
Fars Archers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Archers are some of the most common skirmishers in medieval warfare. Equipped with recurve bows, but also swords and shields, Fars archers prefer to fire arrows from afar, but can also fight in close combat. Lightly armoured, they fight from behind ramparts or a sturdy line of spearmen.
Charkh Infantry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Muslims, like the Franks of Palestine and Romans, used the powerful crossbow. The Persian charkh was generally a lighter type, which would have been favoured by Muslims, but the Saracens were also known to use large, fixed ballista-like versions, and even mounted them on camels.
Dismounted Savar Archers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A Savar ('horseman', Faris in arabic), a soldier trained in the martial art of Furusiyya, can be described as a Muslim knight, or the equivalent of the Frankish knight. Taught to fight with most weapons, such as the bow and mace, the Savar was a professional soldier and a match to anything he could face on the battlefield.
Naffatun
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Greek fire had become a popular weapon in the Middle East during the Medieval era. Used either with a siphon or packed in a jar and used as a grenade, it was incredibly dangerous and devastating. It was typically used by specialist cores, like the Mamluk's Naffatun, and wore a fire-resistant coat over their armour.
Melee Infantry Units :
Ra'yat Spearmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Conscripts were part of the Iranian infantry the way back in Antiquity. Ra'yat (subjects) made poor soldiers, as they generally could not afford quality equipment and had no formal training or experience unless they had volunteered for military duty or had been conscripted before. Spears were the typical infantry weapon during the medieval era for common folk, as they were cheap and effective.
Siege Infantry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranians and Northern Indians were known to have used various types of very large shields made of wicker or reed, practically mantlets, when in sieges. The purpose was to provide cover for missile troops or to form a 'roof' over sappers and engineers that worked on weakening the walls.
Piyadegan
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Piyadegan ('infantry') was generally formed from non-nobles raised in war time. Armed and equipped by Iqta holders and amirs bound to raise armies for their rulers, Iranian soldiers traditionally fought with round shields, swords or axes, a conical or bulbous helmet and fabric or mail armour.
Daylami Mercenaries
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The collapse of the Shi'a Buyyid dynasty in the 11th century led to the elite Daylami soldiers to find employment elsewhere. From Egypt to India, the Daylami infantry was known for being the best of the best, used mostly for palace guard duties. They were still known for their high quality as soldiers during the Seljuq period. They typically used nachakh battle axes and maces, sometimes swords for the wealthier individuals. Despite wearing mail and metal helmets, their shields, the large januwiyah, was their main form of protection, fighting in a tight shield wall formation.
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Tribal Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkish groups of nomads had migrated into Khwarazm peacefully before the 13th century, and had also followed the Seljuqs in their conquest of Iran. Many had been settled and would bring their military skill to battle for the rulers and leaders they felt loyal to. Turks were born in the saddle and were known as fantastic cavalrymen, especially for their skill in archery on horseback. The importance of horse archers had gradually diminished from the Seljuq invasion, but they still were quite useful as scouts, raiders and skirmishers, harassing moving columns and screening the main army.
Ghulaman
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. Trained in Furusiyya, they were excellent cavalrymen, capable of mounted archery as well as fighting with all sorts of weapons from horseback, such as lances, swords, maces and axes.
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Camel Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Camels are well-adapted as mounts for arid climates and are effective for fighting cavalry, scaring the horses. There also happens to be a fair number of them all across Greater Iran, especially in Northern Khorasan.
Tribal Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkish groups of nomads had migrated into Khwarazm peacefully before the 13th century, and had also followed the Seljuqs in their conquest of Iran. Many had been settled and would bring their military skill to battle for the rulers and leaders they felt loyal to. Turks were born in the saddle and were known as fantastic cavalrymen, especially for their skill in archery on horseback. Period art shows that amongst Turkish groups, the lance was a very popular weapon, typically wielded with both hands instead of the Frankish 'couched' style.
Ghulam Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. Trained in Furusiyya, they were excellent cavalrymen, capable of mounted archery as well as fighting with all sorts of weapons from horseback, such as lances, swords, maces and axes. Much like the Frankish knights, the Ghulaman were capable of heavy lance charges to break formations and rout opponents.
High Era
General units :
Atabeg's Ghulaman (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. As time went on since the Abbasid implementation of the Ghulam system, they grew into some form of praetorian guard, playing kingmaker for the Caliphate. Regardless, Muslim rulers found Ghulaman to be indispensable for both their protection and to counter-balance the ambitions of powerful amirs. Many dynasties came from freed Ghulaman who were put into important positions of power and emancipated during power struggles, notable examples including Egypt, Northern India and Khwarazm.
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Fars Archers (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Archers are some of the most common skirmishers in medieval warfare. Equipped with recurve bows, but also swords and shields, Fars archers prefer to fire arrows from afar, but can also fight in close combat. Lightly armoured, they fight from behind ramparts or a sturdy line of spearmen.
Dismounted Savar Archers (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A Savar ('horseman', Faris in arabic), a soldier trained in the martial art of Furusiyya, can be described as a Muslim knight, or the equivalent of the Frankish knight. Taught to fight with most weapons, such as the bow and mace, the Savar was a professional soldier and a match to anything he could face on the battlefield.
Turkoman Archers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Turkoman dynasties of Iran relied heavily on tribesmen to form the bulk of their armies. Turkish soldiers were known as great archers, and the Aq Qoyunlu relied on a large quantity of archers to form their infantry.
Melee Infantry Units :
Ghazi (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghazi, in the medieval warfare context, can best be described as warriors on Holy warfare for Islam. Typically a good way to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world, rulers could also invoke Jihad as a way to bolster their manpower for campaigns, as there was no shortage of religious zealots and people looking for plunder. The Ghaznavids typically saw a great number of Ghazis flocking to their banner for their numerous campaigns against the Hindu Indian principalities.
Yayas [high era Siege Infantry]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Yaya ('pedestrian') was a term used by Anatolian Turks to identify infantry. Unlike the Ottoman Yaya corps, the Aq Qoyunlu infantry does not seem to denote any specific form of organized military units, rather being a generic term.
Piyadegan (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Piyadegan ('infantry') was generally formed from non-nobles raised in war time. Armed and equipped by Iqta holders and amirs bound to raise armies for their rulers, Iranian soldiers traditionally fought with round shields, swords or axes, a conical or bulbous helmet and fabric or mail armour.
Iranian Mercenaries [high era Daylami Mercenaries]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranians, like many other groups, would go to other regions for campaigns or military service. One such example is in India, where the Sultans of Delhi and regional successors such as the Sultanate of Gujarat or the kingdom of Bahman Shah.
Javanmards
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Javanmard (futuwwa in arabic) organizations had a strong presence in Iran prior to the turkish invasions, namely in Samanid Khorasan. Such organizations brought together soldiers and irregulars to respect a certain code of conduct, serve their communities and take up arms in a way that is comparable, though not equivalent, to Western knights or the Christian military orders. Javanmards (loosely translated to honorable, chivalrous men) were an integral part of the Sarbadars of Sabzevar's military, as the Sarbadars formed an alliance with Shi'a dervishes, whose armed followers were organized in the typical javanmard fashion, and represented a very large and zealous urban militia.
Qolloghchi Spearmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Qollogchis ('servants') formed one of the major components of the 15th century Turkoman military feudal regiments. While the exact nature of the Qolloghchi regiments are unknown, that they were 'servants' would indicate a similar stature as a Mamluk or Ghulam, as they also mean 'servant'.
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Tirkash-band
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. Cavalry remained the largest contingent of Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu armed forces and the main 'regular' corps of such forces were Tirkash-band, 'quiver-bearers', horse archers mostly drawn from the settled turkish tribal societies.
Ghulaman (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. Trained in Furusiyya, they were excellent cavalrymen, capable of mounted archery as well as fighting with all sorts of weapons from horseback, such as lances, swords, maces and axes.
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Mohajeman
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Mohajeman, 'raiders', were traditionally used as a vanguard, and filling numerous important roles. Acting as scouts, to provide information on the enemy, and as pillagers in enemy territory to destroy local logistical support and terrorizing the local population. In battle, such light cavalry would use their bows to break enemy formation, then draw weapons and charge at isolated groups.
Turkoman Lancers [high era Tribal Lancers]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. While most Turkomans recruited as regulars were used as horse archers, the lance remained a very popular weapon for Turkoman tribesmen and for warfare in Iran in general.
Ghulam Lancers (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulaman (sing. Ghulam) were the elite soldiers of medieval Muslim armies. Taken as slaves, mostly from Turkish groups in the steppes at this time of history, purchased, raised as Muslims and trained for warfare, they are fearsome slave-soldiers whose loyalty only lies to their master, as they have neither family nor local support, relying solely on his success for their own fortunes. Trained in Furusiyya, they were excellent cavalrymen, capable of mounted archery as well as fighting with all sorts of weapons from horseback, such as lances, swords, maces and axes. Much like the Frankish knights, the Ghulaman were capable of heavy lance charges to break formations and rout opponents.
Gunpowder Units :
Tofangchiyan
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Tofangchiyan, 'musketeers', is a name used for essentially all late medieval and early modern soldiers using gunpowder weapons in Iran. These soldiers were typically lower class individuals who did not need much practice to effectively use the weapon.
Late Era
General units :
Atabeg's Ghulaman (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Rayat Skirmishers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Tribal Archers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Dismounted Savar Archers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Charkh Infantry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Fars Archers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman Archers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Turkoman dynasties of Iran relied heavily on tribesmen to form the bulk of their armies. Turkish soldiers were known as great archers, and the Aq Qoyunlu relied on a large quantity of archers to form their infantry.
Melee Infantry Units :
Rayat Spearmen (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghazi (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman Tabardaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Yayas (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranian Mercenaries (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Piyadegan (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Piyadegan ('infantry') was generally formed from non-nobles raised in war time. Armed and equipped by Iqta holders and amirs bound to raise armies for their rulers, Iranian soldiers traditionally fought with round shields, swords or axes, a conical or bulbous helmet and fabric or mail armour.
Qolloghchi Pasdaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Tribal Cavalry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Qizilbash
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Tirkash-band (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. Cavalry remained the largest contingent of Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu armed forces and the main 'regular' corps of such forces were Tirkash-band, 'quiver-bearers', horse archers mostly drawn from the settled turkish tribal societies.
Ghulaman (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Camel Cavalry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Qizilbash Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Mohajeman (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Mounted Sarbaazan (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman Lancers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. While most Turkomans recruited as regulars were used as horse archers, the lance remained a very popular weapon for Turkoman tribesmen and for warfare in Iran in general.
Ghulam Lancers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
___________________________________________
THE HAZARASPIDS (Atabegate of Lurestan)
General units :
Atabeg Malik Hazarasp
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Atabeg's Bodyguards
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A ruler's askar is his retinue. Amongst his askari, one would find his most trusted soldiers and the elite of the army, including the commanders. Kurdish horsemen were well-known, especially in the Ayyubid army, for being heavy cavalry, using spear or sword, and wearing a mix of fabric and mail or dir hauberks (metal scale armour).
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Ra'yat Skirmishers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Conscripts were part of the Iranian infantry the way back in Antiquity. Ra'yat (subjects) made poor soldiers, as they generally could not afford quality equipment and had no formal training or experience unless they had volunteered for military duty or had been conscripted before. Javelin throwing was a popular sport in medieval Iran and is a place where skill could easily translate to the battlefield.
Shabankara Tribesmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Shabankara are a confederation of major Kurdish clans in Western Iran, along the Zagros mountains. The Hazaraspids are a Shabankara dynasty that took power in Lurestan and can rely on tribesmen from those mountainous areas as a source of reliable manpower. Lightly armoured, tribesmen can use the terrain to their advantage, ambushing enemies, launching javelins before charging with axe and shield.
Shabankara Archers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Shabankara are a confederation of major Kurdish clans in Western Iran, along the Zagros mountains. The Hazaraspids are a Shabankara dynasty that took power in Lurestan and can rely on tribesmen from those mountainous areas as a source of reliable manpower. Hunters of the Shanbakara tribes can fight as marksmen.
Charkh Infantry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Muslims, like the Franks of Palestine and Romans, used the powerful crossbow. The Persian charkh was generally a lighter type, which would have been favoured by Muslims, but the Saracens were also known to use large, fixed ballista-like versions, and even mounted them on camels.
Dismounted Savar Archers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A Savar ('horseman', Faris in arabic), a soldier trained in the martial art of Furusiyya, can be described as a Muslim knight, or the equivalent of the Frankish knight. Taught to fight with most weapons, such as the bow and mace, the Savar was a professional soldier and a match to anything he could face on the battlefield.
Naffatun
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Greek fire had become a popular weapon in the Middle East during the Medieval era. Used either with a siphon or packed in a jar and used as a grenade, it was incredibly dangerous and devastating. It was typically used by specialist cores, like the Mamluk's Naffatun, and wore a fire-resistant coat over their armour.
Melee Infantry Units :
Ra'yat Spearmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Conscripts were part of the Iranian infantry the way back in Antiquity. Ra'yat (subjects) made poor soldiers, as they generally could not afford quality equipment and had no formal training or experience unless they had volunteered for military duty or had been conscripted before. Spears were the typical infantry weapon during the medieval era for common folk, as they were cheap and effective.
Kurdish Infantry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Kurds are fiercely independent, as was demonstrated during the Seljuq period. The Shabankara leaders regularly caused problems for the Seljuq leaders and the successors of the Atabegate period. Where they lack in higher quality equipment from richer neighbours, they make up with fearless determination.
Siege Infantry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranians and Northern Indians were known to have used various types of very large shields made of wicker or reed, practically mantlets, when in sieges. The purpose was to provide cover for missile troops or to form a 'roof' over sappers and engineers that worked on weakening the walls.
Hazaraspid Askari
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A ruler's askar is his retinue. Amongst his askari, one would find his most trusted soldiers and the elite of the army, including the commanders. Kurdish elite warriors, especially in the Ayyubid and later Zangid armies, were known to use swords and wearing a mix of fabric and mail or dir hauberks (metal scale armour).
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Kurdish Mounted Skirmishers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Kurdish tribesmen were great cavalrymen and fought as both heavy cavalry and light cavalry. Light cavalrymen wore little to no armour and carried the typical shields of swift eastern horsemen, such as small leather or wicker shields. Javelins were a common weapon of mounted skirmishers and raiders.
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Camel Cavalry
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Camels are well-adapted as mounts for arid climates and are effective for fighting cavalry, scaring the horses. There also happens to be a fair number of them all across Greater Iran, especially in Northern Khorasan.
Savaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranian Savaran (horsemen) have existed since Antiquity, becoming most famous as the heavy cavalry of Arsacid and then Sassanid Iran. While the Arab conquest of Iran changed it forever, Iran helped shape the Muslim world. One such thing was the tradition of aristocratic heavy cavalry, changing to the medieval concept of the Faris. Further influence by Central Asian military culture, they now wear heavy lamellar armour or mail. Capable in ranged combat as well as fighting with the lance and shield, Savaran are the continuation of Iranian military tradition dating from over a thousand years.
Hazaraspid Mounted Askari
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A ruler's askar is his retinue. Amongst his askari, one would find his most trusted soldiers and the elite of the army, including the commanders. Kurdish horsemen were well-known, especially in the Ayyubid army, for being heavy cavalry, using spear or sword, and wearing a mix of fabric and mail or dir hauberks (metal scale armour).
High Era
General units :
Atabeg's Bodyguards (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A ruler's askar is his retinue. Amongst his askari, one would find his most trusted soldiers and the elite of the army, including the commanders. Medieval retinues for Muslim rulers generally included a fair number of Ghulaman, slave-soldiers trained by their masters to become reliable and loyal soldiers.
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Dismounted Savar Archers (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A Savar ('horseman', Faris in arabic), a soldier trained in the martial art of Furusiyya, can be described as a Muslim knight, or the equivalent of the Frankish knight. Taught to fight with most weapons, such as the bow and mace, the Savar was a professional soldier and a match to anything he could face on the battlefield.
Turkoman Archers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
The Turkoman dynasties of Iran relied heavily on tribesmen to form the bulk of their armies. Turkish soldiers were known as great archers, and the Aq Qoyunlu relied on a large quantity of archers to form their infantry.
Melee Infantry Units :
Ghazi (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghazi, in the medieval warfare context, can best be described as warriors on Holy warfare for Islam. Typically a good way to gain legitimacy in the Muslim world, rulers could also invoke Jihad as a way to bolster their manpower for campaigns, as there was no shortage of religious zealots and people looking for plunder. The Ghaznavids typically saw a great number of Ghazis flocking to their banner for their numerous campaigns against the Hindu Indian principalities.
Yayas [high-era Siege Infantry]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Yaya ('pedestrian') was a term used by Anatolian Turks to identify infantry. Unlike the Ottoman Yaya corps, the Aq Qoyunlu infantry does not seem to denote any specific form of organized military units, rather being a generic term.
Iranian Mercenaries [high era Daylami Mercenaries]
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranians, like many other groups, would go to other regions for campaigns or military service. One such example is in India, where the Sultans of Delhi and regional successors such as the Sultanate of Gujarat or the kingdom of Bahman Shah.
Javanmards
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Javanmard (futuwwa in arabic) organizations had a strong presence in Iran prior to the turkish invasions, namely in Samanid Khorasan. Such organizations brought together soldiers and irregulars to respect a certain code of conduct, serve their communities and take up arms in a way that is comparable, though not equivalent, to Western knights or the Christian military orders. Javanmards (loosely translated to honorable, chivalrous men) were an integral part of the Sarbadars of Sabzevar's military, as the Sarbadars formed an alliance with Shi'a dervishes, whose armed followers were organized in the typical javanmard fashion, and represented a very large and zealous urban militia.
Qolloghchi Spearmen
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Qollogchis ('servants') formed one of the major components of the 15th century Turkoman military feudal regiments. While the exact nature of the Qolloghchi regiments are unknown, that they were 'servants' would indicate a similar stature as a Mamluk or Ghulam, as they also mean 'servant'.
Hazaraspid Askari (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A ruler's askar is his retinue. Amongst his askari, one would find his most trusted soldiers and the elite of the army, including the commanders.
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Tirkash-band
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman armies in the later medieval period still kept, for the most part, numerous aspects of tribal organization. Cavalry remained the largest contingent of Qara Qoyunlu and Aq Qoyunlu armed forces and the main 'regular' corps of such forces were Tirkash-band, 'quiver-bearers', horse archers mostly drawn from the settled turkish tribal societies.
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Mohajeman
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Mohajeman, 'raiders', were traditionally used as a vanguard, and filling numerous important roles. Acting as scouts, to provide information on the enemy, and as pillagers in enemy territory to destroy local logistical support and terrorizing the local population. In battle, such light cavalry would use their bows to break enemy formation, then draw weapons and charge at isolated groups.
Savaran (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Iranian Savaran (horsemen) have existed since Antiquity, becoming most famous as the heavy cavalry of Arsacid and then Sassanid Iran. While the Arab conquest of Iran changed it forever, Iran helped shape the Muslim world. One such thing was the tradition of aristocratic heavy cavalry, changing to the medieval concept of the Faris. Further influence by Central Asian military culture, they now wear heavy lamellar armour or mail. Capable in ranged combat as well as fighting with the lance and shield, Savaran are the continuation of Iranian military tradition dating from over a thousand years.
Hazaraspid Mounted Askari (high)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
A ruler's askar is his retinue. Amongst his askari, one would find his most trusted soldiers and the elite of the army, including the commanders.
Gunpowder Units :
Tofangchiyan
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Tofangchiyan, 'musketeers', is a name used for essentially all late medieval and early modern soldiers using gunpowder weapons in Iran. These soldiers were typically lower class individuals who did not need much practice to effectively use the weapon.
Late Era
General units :
Atabeg's Bodyguards (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Skirmisher Infantry Units :
Rayat Skirmishers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Shabankara Tribesmen (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Dismounted Savar Archers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Charkh Infantry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Turkoman Archers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Melee Infantry Units :
Rayat Spearmen (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Ghazi (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Kurdish Infantry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Turkoman Tabardaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Yayas (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Iranian Mercenaries (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Qolloghchi Spearmen (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Hazaraspid Askari (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Ghulam Pasdaran
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Skirmisher Cavalry Units :
Kurdish Mounted Skirmishers (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Qizilbash
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Tirkash-band (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Melee/Shock Cavalry Units :
Camel Cavalry (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Qizilbash Lancers
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Mohajeman (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Mounted Sarbaazan (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
See Atabegate of Fars
Savaran (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Hazaraspid Mounted Askari (late)
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Last edited by zsimmortal; June 11, 2017 at 12:13 AM.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
IRANIAN REGIONAL UNITS
Khorasan :
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Savaran
Early Era
High Era
Late Era
Iranian Savaran (horsemen) have existed since Antiquity, becoming most famous as the heavy cavalry of Arsacid and then Sassanid Iran. While the Arab conquest of Iran changed it forever, Iran helped shape the Muslim world. One such thing was the tradition of aristocratic heavy cavalry, changing to the medieval concept of the Faris. Further influence by Central Asian military culture, they now wear heavy lamellar armour or mail. Capable in ranged combat as well as fighting with the lance and shield, Savaran are the continuation of Iranian military tradition dating from over a thousand years.
Khorasani Muttawwi'a
Early Era
High Era
Late Era
Muttawwi'a (volunteers) were traditionally soldiers assigned to guard the borders of Islam, stationed in forts (ribats). In the history of Muslim Khorasan, it became normal for men to go on Jihad, not as conquering Ghazi, but rather as defenders of their home, finding in Islam the justification to bear arms and armour as semi-professional urban militias and fort garrisons. The local rulers of Khorasani silk road metropolises like Bukhara, Samarqand, Nishapur, Merv and Herat could muster a huge number of volunteers to man their walls in times of need.
Khorasani Archers
Early Era
High Era
Late Era
Khorasan, with its long history of metal working and arms manufacturing, gave Eastern Iran its reputation for being on the cutting edge of military technology in the Muslim world. Local garrisons and raised infantry could be equipped with better armour and weaponry than everywhere else in Greater Iran.
Qarakhanid Tribesmen
Early Era
High Era (Turko-Mongol Tribesmen)
Late Era (Turko-Mongol Tribesmen)
The Qarakhanids were a confederation of Turkic tribes that flourished in a large empire in Central Asia, namely ruling over Transoxiana. Wedged between the 2 rising powers of the region in the late 12th and early 13th century, they were absorbed by the Khwarazmian Empire and the Qarakhitai Khanate, shortly followed by the Mongol invasions. As common with Central Asian Turkic tribes, they excelled in mounted combat, including mounted archery.
Fars :
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Savaran
Early Era
High Era
Late Era
Iranian Savaran (horsemen) have existed since Antiquity, becoming most famous as the heavy cavalry of Arsacid and then Sassanid Iran. While the Arab conquest of Iran changed it forever, Iran helped shape the Muslim world. One such thing was the tradition of aristocratic heavy cavalry, changing to the medieval concept of the Faris. Further influence by Central Asian military culture, they now wear heavy lamellar armour or mail. Capable in ranged combat as well as fighting with the lance and shield, Savaran are the continuation of Iranian military tradition dating from over a thousand years.
Kurdish Mounted Skirmishers
Early era
Late era
Kurdish tribesmen were great cavalrymen and fought as both heavy cavalry and light cavalry. Light cavalrymen wore little to no armour and carried the typical shields of swift eastern horsemen, such as small leather or wicker shields. Javelins were a common weapon of mounted skirmishers and raiders.
Fars Archers
Early era
High Era
Late Era
Archers are some of the most common skirmishers in medieval warfare. Equipped with recurve bows, but also swords and shields, Fars archers prefer to fire arrows from afar, but can also fight in close combat. Lightly armoured, they fight from behind ramparts or a sturdy line of spearmen.
Kurdish Infantry
Early era
Late era
Kurds are fiercely independent, as was demonstrated during the Seljuq period. The Shabankara leaders regularly caused problems for the Seljuq leaders and the successors of the Atabegate period. Where they lack in higher quality equipment from richer neighbours, they make up with fearless determination.
Shabankara Tribesmen
Early era
Late era
The Shabankara are a confederation of major Kurdish clans in Western Iran, along the Zagros mountains. The Hazaraspids are a Shabankara dynasty that took power in Lurestan and can rely on tribesmen from those mountainous areas as a source of reliable manpower. Lightly armoured, tribesmen can use the terrain to their advantage, ambushing enemies, launching javelins before charging with axe and shield.
Tabaristan :
Spoiler Alert, click show to read:
Daylami Cavalry
Early Era
High Era
Late Era
At the start of Buyyid domination of Western Iran, Daylami cavalry was essentially mounted infantry, carrying soldiers to the battlefield where they dismounted for combat. As time went on, a mounted contingent fought alongside the Ghulam cavalry as skirmishers, using the traditional Daylami weapon, the zupin shortspear. At the end of the Buyyid dynasty, Daylami cavalry had shifted from mounted skirmishers to something closer to a heavy cavalry role, wearing mail armour, using sipar shields and carrying a tabarzin (saddle axe) along with their zupin.
Daylami Skirmishers
Early Era Late Era
Being a group from a mountainous area, Daylami had made their name as excellent foot soldiers. The common soldier in the medieval era was a lightly armoured infantryman, relying on large, colourfully painted turs shields for protection, and zupin shortspears as heavy javelins and spears.
Daylami Mercenaries
Early Era
High Era (Iranian Mercenaries)
Late Era (Iranian Mercenaries)
The collapse of the Shi'a Buyyid dynasty in the 11th century led to the elite Daylami soldiers to find employment elsewhere. From Egypt to India, the Daylami infantry was known for being the best of the best, used mostly for palace guard duties. They were still known for their high quality as soldiers during the Seljuq period. They typically used nachakh battle axes and maces, sometimes swords for the wealthier individuals. Despite wearing mail and metal helmets, their shields, the large januwiyah, was their main form of protection, fighting in a tight shield wall formation.
Afghanistan :
TO BE ADDED AT A FURTHER DATE
Last edited by zsimmortal; June 06, 2017 at 04:17 PM.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Great work, especially great looking tunics.
But i wonder if poor tribal men could affort such colourful and highly decorated clothing.
Is there any evidence they did?
Also desert cavalry should wear beduine clothing due to the fact they are from desert regions and not the tunics i mentioned before which are more typical for tribespeople of Iran and local regions.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Originally Posted by Locus_Devium
Great work, especially great looking tunics.
But i wonder if poor tribal men could affort such colourful and highly decorated clothing.
Is there any evidence they did?
Actually yes. Turkish weaving was one of the finest in the world. They had very luxurious kaftans and would sell tunics and carpets (and other fabric products). Turkmens still do sell such things today.
Originally Posted by Locus_Devium
Also desert cavalry should wear beduine clothing due to the fact they are from desert regions and not the tunics i mentioned before which are more typical for tribespeople of Iran and local regions.
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They should not, as there were no Bedouins in the deserts of Khwarazm (Kyzyl Kum and Kara Kum). There would have been Iranian groups and Turkish groups (like the Seljuks, who were originally camel pastoralists).
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Indeed very impressive i looked it up on Google and saw the nomads who inhabit these deserts until today and especially the womens clothing was very beautiful.
Just one thing i am wondering about the hazaraspids roaster.
They have heavy lancers with bows (savaran) which means horsearchery is practiced by them but no other horsearcher unit which gives them a disadvantage against other persian / irani factions?
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Originally Posted by Locus_Devium
Indeed very impressive i looked it up on Google and saw the nomads who inhabit these deserts until today and especially the womens clothing was very beautiful.
Just one thing i am wondering about the hazaraspids roaster.
They have heavy lancers with bows (savaran) which means horsearchery is practiced by them but no other horsearcher unit which gives them a disadvantage against other persian / irani factions?
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The Savaran are an Iranian unit and yes there were mounted archers. Also javelin throwing was a popular sport in medieval iran. But for all intents and purposes, it becomes a bit redundant if everyone has the same units. They do get some light cavalry that skirmish with javelins.
Keep in mind that the theme of the faction is more directed towards the Kurdish tribes from the Zagros mountains as a source of manpower than simply being a generic Iranian faction. There's actually no information (from all the source that I've read) which suggests that the Kurds used mounted archery, though this is moreso for the Ayyubid Kurdish soldiers (which generally fought as light or heavy cavalry).
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
It would be nice if you could rename some units for us to understand which culture they represent. It might get confusing with these multi-cultural empires. Tribal units especially.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Originally Posted by OutsiderKK
It would be nice if you could rename some units for us to understand which culture they represent. It might get confusing with these multi-cultural empires. Tribal units especially.
All units look awesome by the way
It's kind of hard to do so as units often have interweaving cultures. Tribal units represent the 'nomadic' groups of Turks (the Qanglis and Qipchaqs are adequately represented with their tamgas), but it's hard, in the Khwarazmian context, to separate the pagan Turks from the Turkomans, as the former had a large influence in the Khwarazm region while the others had more presence in Iran. Similarly, units like Ghazi combine both native Iranians with some Turks, as does the Desert cavalry. Most foot units are Iranian though, and Turks can usually be identified by what they are wearing (i.e. kaftans are a dead giveaway, but helmets also help). Tawashi and Shanbakara identify Kurds.
I'm sorry if this is what people wanted, but I'd rather avoid 'ethnic' naming units as I feel it really fails to capture the shifting demographics of the medieval era and I just dislike limiting a unit to ethnicity/geography and a role unless it is fitting or a regionally recruitable unit.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Very nice roster for Hazarspids but I would suggest changing the name Tawashi with Kurdish, Hazarspids or Nobles. Tawashi system were used by Ayyubids and Mamluks. Also I would suggest to add Kurdish Fursan unit as heavy shock cavalry because Kurds were known for the charge of their Cavalry
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Originally Posted by nnnm
Very nice roster for Hazarspids but I would suggest changing the name Tawashi with Kurdish, Hazarspids or Nobles. Tawashi system were used by Ayyubids and Mamluks. Also I would suggest to add Kurdish Fursan unit as heavy shock cavalry because Kurds were known for the charge of their Cavalry
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I'll look into what you're suggesting, but Tawashi just means 'Free man' from what I remember. They're free born soldiers. All the sources I've read indicate that Kurdish heavy cavalry used swords and not lances (and the sword and tabarzin were the favoured weapons of cavalrymen for Eastern Muslims if I'm not mistaken). They have access to Iranian shock cavalry regardless.
EDIT : After further reading, it does appear that Tawashi is closely intertwined with the Ayyubid military. I'll have to reconsider the naming of the Kurdish units. I also forgot to mention that the bodyguard unit is wielding spears, so there's that.
Last edited by zsimmortal; February 20, 2017 at 01:17 PM.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Originally Posted by nnnm
Tawashi means eunuch in fact.
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As per David Ayalon, Mamluk historian, it was for free-born 'professional' soldiers (i.e. non-Mamluks/Ghulams). They received Iqtas and had comparable training to Mamluk Fursan, only during the Mamluk period (so, after the Ayyubid period, especially from the works of ibn Khaldun) did it mean eunuch.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Originally Posted by nnnm
No, the troops in a "Tulb" a unit as it known in Ayyubids terms were free born but their commander was a Tawashi. That why they called Tawashiyyah
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I don't know, take it up with the guy that wrote the books on the Mamluks. It's quite possible that's also what was referred to, it just sounds a lot broader than simply unit commanders. Regardless, it's a term I will have to replace.
Re: Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
Finished uploading all the tier 1 stuff. Definitely open for suggestions on the Kurdish-oriented stuff as these are the best names I can come up with with some research into the regional history, along with some further research in Zangid and Ayyubid Kurdish troops.
Medieval Kingdoms Total War : The Khwarazmian Empire and the Armies of Iran
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Originally Posted by Locus_Devium
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