The Janissaries originated as an exclusive military unit formed through the devşirme system, a process of enslaving Christian individuals from regions such as Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine. Under this system, these individuals were forcibly converted to Islam, subjected to circumcision, and subsequently integrated into the Ottoman army. Despite their enslaved origins, Janissaries were renowned for their remarkable internal unity, achieved through rigorous discipline and organization. In a departure from the norm, these soldiers received regular salaries. However, they were restricted from marrying or engaging in trade until the age of 40, emphasizing their unwavering loyalty to the Sultan.