The New International Encyclopædia/Bostangi

BOSTAN′GI (from Turk. bostan, Pers. bustān, garden). A class of men in Turkey who, originally the Sultan's gardeners, now perform a variety of duties, such as mounting guard at the seraglio and rowing the Sultan's barge. Their chief, called Bostangi Bashi, holds the rank of pasha, is governor of the Sultan's residences, and chief of police of the capital. The bostangi at one time numbered 3000, and were united with the janissaries in military duty. In war time their strength was 12,000. Their present number is about 600.