Ottomans on Youtube

Those interested in wargaming the early Ottoman campaigns in the Balkans might like to view several videos uploaded on Youtube. Those styled 'Wallachian Prince Michael the Brave and His Victories over the Ottoman Turks' will certainly inspire you to paint up those lead figures. As costumes go, I've seen far worse used in Turkish and Indian historical productions. MGB

Siege of Malta 1565 Ottoman flags

The Matteo Perez di Allecio engravings of 1582 of the earlier Siege of Malta are often overlooked by wargamers, yet they include some interesting suggestions for Ottoman flags. Hope my renditions below are of interest. Note, the originals have somewhat rounded tails but I believe the style given here is more authentic. I have attempted to utilize the apparent shadings to make my conjectural choice in colours.

Napoleonic Russians V Ottoman Turks

Came across 'Lonely Gamers' blog by chance. Discovered two historical wargames involving Napoleonic Russians and Ottoman Turks. Try not to become too dissolutioned with your own efforts when you see the scale and quality of the painted collections. The Ottomans are mainly Old Glory 28mm, and the effect is superb...... can say no more. See Links.

Dust, Tears & Dice

Found another blog which includes several reports with photos of 28mm wargames involving Ottoman Turks. Worth a visit, see links.

Wargaming Constantinople 1453

Inspired by the epic historical event, the Honiton club were allowed to garrison Constantinople with as many 15th century medieval and warhammer figures they could muster (300plus), while a team from SKG3 took command of my near 600 Ottomans and their allies. Unfortunately for the Ottomans, most of our bombards facing the main wall cracked within a few shots, with no breaks on the city wall. Most of the best Ottoman troops were mounted, while the bulk of the foot were Azabs or colourful extras, on neither count of value attacking the defended walls. If that wasn't enough, we may have had six exotic tents, but hardly any siege equipment to cover our approach to the walls. Their garrison included some 50 English mercenary longbowmen, half of whom broke the final assault of some 90 janissaries attacking in column. Although the bombards facing the eastern walls made two breaches and brought down a tower, the two gallies and two rowing boats were insufficient to enable a major crossing to take advantage of the openings. Losses were no more than about 35 on the defenders, while we suffered about 100. Commencing at 8am, we concluded at 4pm, the Sultan unwilling to throw more lives against the city walls. We all enjoyed the game and I believe lessons were learnt on medieval tactics and the need for siegecraft. The rules were fast, fun, and realistic. Had the siege persisted and we had time to construct field works the result might have been different as most of the army was still intact, but ladders and dismounted siphari would have been vital. Sorry, most of the photos did not work out as well as hoped, but I'm confident the problems can be solved for future games.

Late Visigoths and Feudal Iberians 700 to 1100

Here is a photo of a pack of Saxons I bought early last year from MINIATURE DESIGN STUDIO for the special offer price of £25 for fifty figures. I had to take advantage of this as it provided an opportunity to raise some late Visigoth or Feudal Iberians to oppose my Moorish invaders. I finally got around to painting them over the Christmas holiday. Even with some cavalry, I'm not expecting any victories however. My thanks to Dave who kindly gifted me a handful of Normans for leaders and standard bearers.

Ottoman Silahtar Cavalry 1500-1800

Have recently completed a unit of Silahtars (Swordbearers). This formation was part of the Suvarileri (Household) cavalry belonging to the Ottoman Sultan. Note the distinct hat, similar but not the same as those used by the Janissaries. The figures are heavy converts from the splendid TAG and ESSEX ranges, the horses are Hinchliffe, the bow cases and quivers are from IRREGULAR MINIATURES