Akinji

'raider', IPA: [akɯnˈdʒɯ]; plural: akıncılar) were irregular light cavalry, scout divisions (deli) and advance troops of the Ottoman Empire's military.

In war their main role was to act as advance troops on the front lines and demoralise the marching opposing army by using guerrilla tactics, and to put them in a state of confusion and shock.

Akinji forces carried swords, lances, shields, battle axes and maces as well, so that in a field of combat, they could face the enemy first and fight melee.

[citation needed] The Akinji system had an important role at the establishment of the empire and fast expansion of Ottoman territories in Europe.

Starting with 16th-17th century nomadic Tatar and Nogay cavalry from the Crimean Khanate also served as akinjis for the Ottoman Empire.

Still, last remnants of akinji system existed till late 19th century in the Balkan provinces as the bashi-bozouk (irregular) warriors.

Alişimin Kaşları Kara (My Little Ali Has Black Eyebrows), and Estergon Kalesi (Castle of Esztergom) are some of the most popular examples.

Yahya Kemal's Akıncılar is one of the most well-known examples on this subject:[5] We were as merry as children that day in thousand-mounted-raids, We, thousand-mounted, defeated a giant army.