The Janissaries in Suleiman’s time numbered between twelve and fourteen thousand;[308] and this number probably did not include the garrison which supported the power of the empire in Egypt,[309] still less that which upheld the corsair rule in North Africa. Except in time of war many of the Janissaries were distributed in garrisons, so that probably not more than half resided in the capital.[310] Such of these as were married lived at home, and the others were lodged in two great barracks.[311] They were organized in messes of ten; ten messes constituted an _orta_ or _oda_, of which there were one hundred and sixty-five in Suleiman’s time.[312] Each _orta_ had its officers, who had been promoted from its ranks; and above all the _ortas_ was a graded set of officers, under the _Agha_, or general, of the Janissaries.[313] This official had never been a Janissary, but had come through the colleges of pages.[314] He not merely commanded the Janissaries, but was a sort of minister of war for them. Aided by his _Kiaya_, or lieutenant,[315] his chief _Yaziji_, or scribe, and a bureau of clerks, he directed their enrolment, the distribution of their pay, their promotions, their location, the purchase of their supplies and clothing, and all the other business of the corps. He was well paid and was of great authority, outranking all other generals, though on some occasions he was obliged to yield precedence to two of the generals of cavalry, whose corps were older than those of the Janissaries.[316]