"1. What is Çeri?
The word "Çeri" means soldier in ancient Turkic societies. It was used during the Göktürk, Uyghur, Seljuk, and early Ottoman periods. The term was often combined with "Sü", meaning "army", to form "Sü Çerisi" (army soldier).

During the Göktürk and Uyghur periods, "Çeri" referred to warriors and regular soldiers.

In the Seljuk and early Ottoman periods, it continued to be a general term for soldiers in the army.

2. Connection to the Janissaries (Yeniçeri)
In the Ottoman Empire, during the reign of Murad I, the Janissaries (Yeniçeri, يڭيچرى) were established as Kapıkulu troops (elite household soldiers). The term Yeniçeri is a combination of "Yeni" (New) and "Çeri" (Soldier), meaning "New Army" or "New Soldiers."

During the classical Ottoman period:

Çeri referred to regular army soldiers.

Yeniçeri was a specialized military unit and part of the Kapıkulu Corps (Imperial Guard).

3. Summary of Differences
Term Meaning Period of Use
Çeri General term for soldiers From the Göktürks to the Ottomans
Yeniçeri Elite Ottoman military unit (Kapıkulu Corps) Ottoman Empire (1363 - 1826)"