By Fire and Sword II: Besli

Besli were conscripted from the borderlands, one rider was picked from several families. They were part of the border garrisons and were paid by the provincial governors. Besli were armed in spears, javelins, shields and bows. Armor was seldom used. Besli were used for typical light cavalry tasks such as reconnaissance, screening, and raiding enemy territory. They conducted surprise raids against the small border forts of the enemy. As a part of garrison forces they threatened the rear of marching enemy armies and their lines of communication. During battles they supported sipahi by performing flanking maneuvers, shooting at the enemy with bows and sometimes conducting direct attacks.