Akıncı Akıncı ( , literally , " raider " , plural : " akıncılar " ) ( ) were irregular light cavalry , scout divisions ( delil ) and advance troops of the Ottoman Empire ' s military . When the pre - existing Turkish ghazis were incorporated into the Ottoman Empire ' s military they became known as " akıncı . " They were one of the first divisions to face the opposing military and were known for their prowess in battle . Unpaid they lived and operated as raiders on the frontiers of the Ottoman Empire , subsisting totally on plunder . History . In battle their main role was to act as advance troops on the front lines and demoralise the marching opposing army by using guerilla tactics , and to put them in a state of confusion and shock . They could be likened to a scythe in a wheat field . They would basically hit the enemy with arrows . When attacked in melee , they would retreat while still shooting backwards . They could easily outrun heavy cavalry because they were lightly armed and their horses were bred for speed as opposed to strength . Akıncı forces carried swords , lances , shields and battle axes as well , so that in a field of combat , they could face the enemy first and fight melee . In some Ottoman campaigns , such as the Battle of Krbava field , Akıncı forces were the only units utilized without any need for Ottoman heavy cavalry or infantry . Because of their mobility akıncı were also used for reconnaissance and as a vanguard force to terrorize the local population before the advance of the main Ottoman forces . Since they were irregular militia , they were not bound by peace treaties , so they could raid border villages and attack enemy garrisons , fortresses and border posts during peace time , constantly harassing the enemy and checking the weak spots on the rival country ' s defences . They would also attack trading routes to cut enemy ' s supply and transportation . Akıncı forces were led by certain families . Well - known akıncı families were Malkoçoğlu , Turhanlı , Ömerli , Evrenosoğlu , and Mihalli . These akıncı clans were mainly composed of Turkmen tribal warriors with a leading dynasty which descended from the warrior ghazi s of the first Ottoman ruler Osman I . Adventurers , soldiers of fortune , mercenaries , warrior dervishes , and civilians looking for fortune and adventure would also join the ranks of akıncı gangs . Since akıncıs were seen as irregular militia , they did not have regular salaries as kapikulu soldiers , or fiefs like timarli soldiers . Their only income was the plunder and the booties they got from the raids . Akıncıs used to wear colourful and interesting clothes to shock and confuse their opponents . They used to wear eagle wings on their backs ( this tradition was imitated by Polish light cavalry troops later ) , put on helmets with bull horns , wear coats made of leopard skin . Because of their unusual appearance and their almost suicidally courageous battle tactics , akıncıs were nicknamed by the public as " deliler " ( the crazies ) , and " serdengeçtiler " ( headgivers : meaning " the one who has already given his head to enemy " , a man who does not care if he lived or died ) . Akıncı system had an important role at the establishment of the empire and fast expansion of Ottoman territories in Europe . Though the akıncı system worked excellently from the 14th to 16th centuries , it began to decline after the 16th century . Starting with 16th - 17th century nomadic Tatar and Nogay cavalry from the Crimean Khanate also served as akıncıs for the Ottoman Empire . After the Ottoman advance in Europe stopped , akıncı warriors became unnecessary and without the economy of plunder this warrior class slowly faded away . After the modernization of the Ottoman army , the last few officially recognized akıncı clans were abolished . Still , last remnants of akıncı system existed till late 19th century in the Balkan provinces as the bashibozouk ( irregular ) warriors . In Literature . Akıncı lifestyle with battles and plunder was a romantic fantasy for the public and so akıncıs were a popular subject in Ottoman folk literature and music . " Serhad türküleri " or " border folk songs " is a subcategory of Ottoman folk music dealing mostly with akıncı raids and battles or love affairs of akıncı warriors , sometimes odes to fallen warriors . Alişimin Kaşları Kara " ( My Aliş had Black Eyebrows ) , " Estergon Kalası " ( Castle of Estergon ) are some of the most popular examples . In the modern period , romantic - revivalist Turkish writers also wrote poems about akıncıs . Yahya Kemal ' s " Akıncılar " is one of the most well - known example on this subject : " A thousand horsemen raiding , we were joyful like children ; A thousand horsemen , we beat a huge army that day ! White helmeted commander screamed : Forward ! We crossed Danube in procession on a summer day . . . We striked like lightning from seven directions , Like a lightning , following Turkish riders . One day full galloping on our horses , We lifted up from earth seven layers to sky . . . We see red roses of heaven blooming today , That crimson vision still trembles in our minds ! A thousand horsemen raiding , we were joyful like children ; A thousand horsemen , we beat a huge army that day ! " Yahya Kemal Beyatlı