Who was the leader of the Janissaries?

The Janissaries were an elite infantry unit in the Ottoman Empire, known for their military prowess and political power. The leader of the Janissaries was called the Janissary Aga, or the Chief Janissary. This position was one of great influence, as the Janissaries were seen as the elite of the Ottoman military and held significant political power in the empire.

The Janissary Aga was appointed by the Ottoman Sultan, and the position was held by a Janissary who had risen through the ranks of the organization. The Janissary Aga was responsible for the training and discipline of the Janissaries, as well as their deployment in battle. He also served as a liaison between the Janissaries and the Ottoman government, negotiating their salaries and other benefits.

The position of Janissary Aga was abolished in 1826 by Sultan Mahmud II, who saw the Janissaries as a threat to his authority. The Janissaries had become too powerful and had begun to engage in political intrigue, often taking control of the government and even deposing sultans. The Janissary corps was subsequently disbanded, and many of its members were either killed or exiled.