Touloumbadji (Fire
Fighter)
These were responsible for extinguishing fires. The name means "man who carries
a hand pump," since they originally put out fires by using hand fire pumps.
The Chief Fireman was called Reis or Agha. Below the Second in Charge were the
Phenerdji, Boroudjou, Khortoumdjou and so on. The Phenerdji (the lamp lighter)
was the leader while the Boroudjou (pipe carrier) actually discharged the water
onto the fire. Oushaks were servants who carried the hand pumps while the Khortoumdjou
held the water container. When they had finished their work they were given a
sheep or some other animal by the landowner of the house where the fire had been.
The Phenerdji always took charge of the road, warning people to be careful, to
avoid the fire, and so on.
Ousta (Cook)
These were the minor officers of the Janissary Corps. Their job was to take
charge of the cooking. Each battalion Ousta had a different uniform.
Kaliondjou (Sailor)
This was a sailor who worked on large sailing war ships. They wore a short braided
waistcoat called a fermene and an Arabian cloak. A big knife was held by a cummerbund
around their waist. Their turban was called a makdem.
Chirak Esnaph (Apprentice)
This was a novice Janissary tradesman.
