My first go with the Turks: Volume II

[caravel]

I knew that Jannissaries would be a great replacement for the core of my armies but never having played the turks I never bothered to fathom thier cost. If I understand it correctly, there is a valor bonus for them in bulgaria, and it takes a grand mosque and a military academy to get them.

Thats an expensive unit.... I certainly have the florins, but if my assumption is correct that means they can only be built in one province.

Expensive but well worth the money. You will a military academy as well as the usual weapons/armour buildings of the correct level. To build a military academy you will first need a grand mosque, this is unique of course which is why you can only train janissaries in one province. You can employ a cheesy strategy though. Once the Military academy is being built you can destroy the grand mosque and build it elsewhere, then build another military academy there. Rinse and repeat etc. The valour bonuses for Janissaries are as follows:
JA: Georgia
JI: None
JHI: Bulgaria

JA are simply not worth it, so it is better to build the grand mosque in bulgaria and start there.

Having played for years I know that the mongol event can be crippling, thus my concern for a northern expansion. I guess my question should have been, do I expend my energies for the next 25 years on prep for the mongols, or expansion north of my empire?

I would concentrate on teching up and wait for the mongols to pass before expanding further, though it's up to you. Try to strengthen your current positions and abandon any provinces that are not worth holding onto for now.

I can probaly do both but it would come down to my generalship, not my troop superiority should I choose both. While I am confident I can defeat the AI 95% of the time, I do struggle with the mongols, I always have.

Their weakness is their lack of good infantry especially spears. The mongol warriors aren't bad if used correctly (skirmish turned off) but the AI never does. They are vulnerable to your cavalry staging hit and run charges. This serves to lure the MHC towards you. When fighting the horde you should fight even your offensive battles defensively. Let the MHC waste themselves pinned down by saracens then send in ghazis to attack their rear. You should give them a good shooting up with your bows and crossbows (no arbs for the Turks!) before they get too close. Your archers (Futuwwa, Janissary Infantry, Turcoman Foot Soldiers) are vital for tacking the MHAs. These devils will ruin all of your plans if you don't have missiles with which to decimate their ranks with. You should have some crossbows up front to shoot exclusively at the MHCs. I have fought them in Georgia by setting up my formation, on a hill, with ghazis hiding in the trees on each wing. The saracens screen extends from one wood to another (sometimes there is only one wood available so you have to make the best of it) and the enemy must enter the woods to attempt to flank them. I have lured MHC into the woods and slaughtered them on many occasions. Many times I have held off 7-8000 mongols with my 2000 strong force, eventually with a bit of luck they will get the message and reinforcements will come on and withdraw. The following year they'll be back again, so you need to be ready!

Also I do have multiple training depots for armored and non armored units (including AHC). I like AHC they fit my style, just thought the Turks might get a better unit in 1205.

AFAIK in High the turks get, crossbows and Janissary units, as well as the updated Ghulam Bodyguards. I can't think of anything else off the top of my head (I can't remember when Khwarazmian are available from as I never use them). In late you'll get Ottoman Infantry, Sipahi and Sipahi of the Porte. The last two are nothing special. Sipahi of the porte are 20 man bodyguard horse archers, and Ottoman Sipahi are a poor cavalry unit that doesn't supersede... anything. Ottoman Infantry are ok AP attack flanker/skirmishers, they're cheap enough and get a valour bonus in Rum. They're a good replacement for Ghazis as they're more versatile but lack the Ghazis' punch.