Habit of a Commander of a Body of 100 Men

by Thomas Jefferys

This particular engraving by Thomas Jefferys can be considered one of the key illustrations of the military life in the 18th century. Habit of a Commander of a Body of 100 Men illustrates the authority of an officer from the military forces of the Ottoman Empire. This engraving perfectly demonstrates the costume design and social status system of the period when the Ottoman Empire reached its peak.

Thomas Jefferys was a renowned English geographer who produced numerous maps and prints for the king. This particular illustration reflects the shift of functions from purely military elements to ornate costumes worn by Ottoman officers. It should be noted that the "Commander of 100" was the equivalent of the Yüzbaşı rank which played an important role in the Ottoman middle management.