Questions 1-2 refer to the following passage: 'The Sultan’s power is based on the devshirme system, by which the finest Christian youths are recruited, converted, and trained. These men, having no family ties or inherited status, owe their absolute loyalty only to the Sultan, serving as his elite Janissary corps and his most trusted administrators.' — Ogier de Busbecq, Austrian Ambassador, c. 1550.