37. The Turks Become Soldiers of Islam
The conquering Arabs appreciated the martial qualities of the Turks. Apart from the hardiness bred into them by a hard life on the Steppe, the nomadic life had imparted to the Turks a combative spirit, equestrian skills, and great talent as horseback archers. So the armies of the Islamic Caliphate began recruiting the subjugated Turks into their ranks.
Rare among armies throughout history, the armies of the Islamic Caliphate made use of slave soldiers. The recently converted Turks were given the status of superior slaves of the state, and were free to rise through the ranks by promotion. By the end of the ninth century, most military commands in the Caliphate, as well as many high-ranking political offices, were held by Muslim Turks.