An archaic or historical term for Turkish mercenary soldiers or warriors, particularly those serving in Ottoman armies or Central Asian forces.
From Turkish and Persian 'ghāzī,' meaning a warrior or fighter, particularly one engaged in holy war (gazavat). The term entered European languages through contact with Ottoman and Central Asian military forces.
The 'ghuz' warriors—especially the Ghuzz Turks—were so feared in medieval Europe that their name became synonymous with exotic, brutal military might, influencing European literature's portrayal of 'the Turk' as a formidable exotic enemy.
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