What best describes the first janissaries?

The first Janissaries were best described as Christian boys taken as tribute from conquered territories who were converted to Islam and trained as elite soldiers for the Ottoman Empire.

Here's a breakdown of their key characteristics:

* Christian Origins: They were not originally Muslim, but were taken from Christian families in the Balkans, particularly Serbia and Greece.

* Forced Conversion: They were forcibly converted to Islam and raised within the Ottoman military system.

* Military Training: They received rigorous military training from a young age, becoming known for their discipline, loyalty, and fighting prowess.

* Elite Status: The Janissaries were considered the elite fighting force of the Ottoman Empire, forming a powerful and influential social group.

It's important to note that the Janissaries were not initially a group of volunteers but rather a system of devshirme, where young boys were taken from conquered territories. This system evolved over time, with some Janissaries eventually becoming more powerful and demanding more rights and privileges.