Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 135

Became the Sultan of Osman – Episode 135

The New Era (3)

Yusuf gazed down at Cairo from the palace within the citadel.

This citadel, commissioned by Saladin after reclaiming Jerusalem from the Crusaders, was a magnificent fortress perched atop a hill, offering a panoramic view of the ochre-colored city below.

“Grand Vizier, what are your thoughts on Saladin Yusuf?”

“Are you referring to the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty? I believe he was a competent leader.”

“He shares my name, yet your assessment is so reserved. Are you harboring some resentment towards me?”

“Padishah?!”

Gathering all those named Yusuf would be enough to surround a castle, as Yusuf, meaning Joseph, was an incredibly common name.

Choosing a king whose given name was Yusuf would yield quite a few candidates, yet when he made such a minor point, the Grand Vizier looked genuinely distressed.

“Just a jest. Isn’t this merely to illustrate the importance of your future tasks?”

He made a lighthearted joke, but the question wasn’t entirely without purpose.

Jerusalem was not only a Christian holy site but also one of the three holiest cities in Islam, along with Mecca and Medina.

His less-than-glowing evaluation of the hero who led the holy war and recaptured such a significant holy site was a common sentiment in the Islamic world of that era.

Ironically, the European side, the enemy, often held Saladin in much higher esteem, and there was a specific reason for this.

“He was too lenient.”

“Rather than lenient, he was weak.”

“One could interpret it that way.”

A kind and compassionate nature is admirable in an individual, but Saladin’s case was a prime example of why such traits aren’t always ideal for a ruler.

He released prisoners knowing they would return to the Crusades and even granted the request of someone who broke his promise not to antagonize him, allowing him to become a commander of the enemy.

Kindness that ultimately harms one’s own side is, in effect, a form of cruelty, and that was the root of his poor reputation in the Islamic world.

Although he shared the name Yusuf, Yusuf had no intention of showing meaningless mercy like Saladin.

“Grand Vizier, has the disarmament of the Mamluks been carried out thoroughly?”

“As you commanded, they have been disarmed and are under strict surveillance.”

“If there are any signs of resistance, eliminate them immediately. I intend to consign the Mamluks to the history books from this point forward.”

The Mamluk slave-soldier system continued its existence under Ottoman rule in the original timeline.

In fact, it grew even larger.

Previously, only the descendants of Mamluks who were enslaved could become Mamluks, but after the Ottoman occupation, anyone could simply enlist.

‘It was a conciliatory measure to embrace the Mamluk armed forces, but it proved to be a poor decision.’

The Mamluks, having transformed into an aristocratic class, instigated rebellions and gradually eroded the empire from within.

Upon hearing Yusuf’s decree, the Grand Vizier asked with concern.

“Will this be acceptable? Among those who surrendered and retained their status, many will undoubtedly object to this decision.”

For instance, there were the Amirs [governors or commanders], the governors of the cities that surrendered on the way to Cairo.

Many of them were of Mamluk origin and might feel threatened by the prospect of their power base collapsing.

Yusuf caressed his well-worn gun and said coldly.

“Change always brings pain. Hesitating out of fear of this pain will only cause us to miss the opportunity.”

“Are you suggesting that even rebellion is acceptable?”

“There’s no need to fear a few isolated rebellions. All major external threats have been neutralized for the time being.”

The news that Babur, the first emperor of the Mughal Empire, was occupying the remaining Safavid territories was unexpected, but it didn’t pose an immediate threat.

The Western powers were preoccupied with the turmoil on the Italian Peninsula, leaving them little time to focus elsewhere.

The biggest concern was Portugal, which was eyeing India, but it was a small country just beginning to enjoy the fruits of its wealth, so it wasn’t a significant worry.

Therefore, even if a rebellion erupted and a few cities were temporarily lost, there would be ample opportunity to suppress them.

“If a rebellion breaks out and provides a justification for a purge, all the better. Indigenous forces that haven’t assimilated into the empire are simply dangerous elements.”

There were such individuals near Baghdad, which he planned to occupy the following year.

Those who would readily stab you in the back if given the chance.

“Hasan.”

“Yes, Padishah.”

“That’s why your role is crucial. Can you see the faces of these subjects?”

Not just here, not just in this era, but regardless of how prosperous the country might be, the common people are invariably poor and struggling.

Conversely, if the country is in decline, it is the common people who suffer the most.

From the sight of those lined up to receive a meager serving of gruel, one could readily discern the impoverished state of the Mamluks.

“We must be a source of hope for them, not invaders but liberators. Does that seem difficult?”

“It is not.”

This wasn’t mere bravado; it was the result of Hasan having thoroughly examined the situation of the Mamluks after receiving Yusuf’s orders.

It would have been preferable to have a deathmatch between princes and incite a civil war, as the Mamluks’ power struggles were draining the lifeblood of the common people.

They indulged in extravagant luxuries, imposed exorbitant taxes, and forcibly seized land, their atrocities reaching extreme levels.

To Hasan, who had experienced the true depths of negativity in his past, it was simply a fertile ground for opportunity.

“I am already disseminating information about the atrocities of the past Mamluk dynasty. In contrast, I am informing them of the tax cuts that the Padishah has ordered.”

“Well done.”

Yusuf nodded in satisfaction.

To suppress the indigenous forces, the common people needed to prosper, mirroring the situation in Europe where the bourgeoisie gained wealth, weakening feudalism and paving the way for absolute monarchies.

‘Of course, the empowered bourgeoisie will eventually overthrow the king and dismantle the absolute monarchy themselves.’

That was a future that was at least 200 to 300 years away, and as he had previously considered, a wise king would avoid having his head severed by the guillotine.

Unfortunately, if a capable bloodline isn’t maintained and an incompetent descendant becomes Padishah, there’s little that can be done.

‘Then I must die.’

Having an incompetent ruler at the helm would only tarnish his legacy and harm the country.

“I entrust you, Hasan, with instilling the empire in the hearts of these subjects.”

“I will do my utmost not to disappoint you.”

Behind Yusuf, who was nodding, Silahhtar Agha [chief sword-bearer] knelt and announced.

“The escort to the canal is fully prepared, Padishah.”

More significant than the change of the Ottoman Sultan, more impactful than the demise of the Safavids with the death of Ismail.

The construction of the canal would be a pivotal moment in history, incomparable to anything else.

“Let us proceed, to where the future of the empire lies.”

***

A Sumerian clay tablet, believed to have been inscribed around 1700 BC, contains content scolding a son to study and develop some common sense.

Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, the Middle Ages, Han Feizi’s “Odu” [a collection of essays on political philosophy], and even the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty [historical records of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea] all contain writings lamenting the problematic nature of young people.

It was an example of how human thoughts remain consistent across time, and thoughts about the Suez Canal were similar.

“It would be ideal if we could simply connect the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.”

This idea had been circulating since the 19th century BC, and after numerous failed attempts, the canal was first completed by Darius I in the 5th century BC.

For the next thousand years, it served as a major transportation route for Egyptian agricultural products to be transported to Arabia, but it was later blocked during efforts to suppress a rebellion.

After a considerable period, it was the Mamluks, supported by Venice, who boldly promoted the construction of the canal once again.

“They were destined to fail.”

It seemed they barely avoided financial ruin simply because they were Mamluks.

Perhaps because construction was halted due to the war, a significant amount of land had been filled in, but the scale remained immense.

The long, semi-circularly excavated land, appearing as if one would perish if they fell, induced a dizzying sensation simply by looking down.

“Grand Vizier, what would you have done if I had declared my intention to excavate this land in this manner?”

“I would not dare to refuse the Padishah’s command, but I would have attempted to dissuade you.”

As if they weren’t the same people who built the great pyramids, I wondered, ‘How did they manage to dig this so effectively in an era without heavy machinery?’

“No wonder the Mamluks, who had accumulated vast wealth, were said to be impoverished.”

Neither the Sultan’s personal wealth nor the national treasury, nor even the assets of the powerful Amirs, possessed as much wealth as one might expect.

Of course, even that ‘small’ amount was substantial, but it was definitely less than the rumors suggested.

“I heard they received support because they promised to distribute the profits.”

The canal wasn’t a straight waterway like the modern Suez Canal.

It was a canal connecting the lower Nile River and the Great Bitter Lake, and this lake, in particular, had been considered a convenient stopover point to reduce costs since ancient times, even in the modern Suez Canal project.

Regardless, it was a project that incurred significant expenses, even if it shortened the distance compared to the Suez Canal, making securing investment a prudent decision.

“If we connect the canal, the Amirs will undoubtedly come forward and demand a share of the profits.”

“Even before that, when the Padishah announced his intention to inspect the canal, such requests began to surface.”

“I showed them mercy, but they still haven’t learned their lesson. I should have executed ten of them as a warning back then.”

They were attempting to insert themselves into the process at every opportunity.

I expedited the opening faster than anticipated, so I spared them, but they seemed to have lost their sense of fear.

“Identify those who raise objections carefully. They will be the first to have their heads removed when a justification arises.”

“I understand, Padishah.”

They were terrified and subdued, but it was evident that they would revert to their old habits and commit atrocities upon returning to the capital.

Yusuf slowly guided his horse along the canal.

When he first became Yusuf and met Bayezid II, the impulsive question and answer had, after a long time, become a reality, evoking a sense of novelty.

“Grand Vizier, how much more would it cost to reinforce the canal so that two large sailing ships can pass each other simultaneously?”

“Wouldn’t it depend on the manpower involved?”

“What if we primarily utilize prisoners of war from the conflict?”

There were a significant number of prisoners captured during the ongoing war.

In particular, because Tuman Bay’s assassination attempt failed and he died, most of the remaining enemy soldiers could be taken as prisoners, and there were as many as 50,000 prisoners who could be immediately put to work on the canal.

“I would estimate it would take at least five years.”

“Five years, huh.”

“If you don’t use large sailing ships as a standard, you can shorten the period further.”

“That’s not negotiable.”

It would be difficult to widen the canal once it’s connected and filled with water, so in the long run, it would be far more beneficial to endure the hardship now.

At Yusuf’s command, the Grand Vizier shook his head slightly.

“I don’t know who you will entrust this place to, but it seems they will face considerable challenges.”

They would have to monitor the existing local forces, the Mamluks and Amirs, revitalize the impoverished Mamluk lands, and also connect the canal.

The workload would be incredibly demanding, and their lives could be at risk if they made a mistake.

Yusuf smiled at the Grand Vizier’s concern.

“You needn’t worry. There is a suitable candidate.”

***

“Therefore, Shemsi Pasha is appointed as the Beylerbey [governor-general] of the newly established Egypt, joining the existing Rumelia and Anatolia.”

“…I am honored, Padishah. I will do my utmost to ensure that the Padishah’s will is carried out in this region.”

“That’s very reassuring.”

Yusuf, with a bright smile, patted Shemsi’s shoulder, whose face remained stoic.

Ignoring the subtly distorted expression, Yusuf surveyed the surrounding officials and inquired.

“Shemsi Pasha has demonstrated his capabilities by stabilizing the Georgia region. He is a talented individual well-suited to oversee Cairo, which will become the second city of the empire. Does anyone have any objections?”

“No, Padishah!”

Unlike the other officials, Shemsi, who wanted to voice an objection, spoke in a low voice that was barely audible.

“Are you perhaps seeking revenge for our childhood?”

Shemsi, who had once told Yusuf that he was both intelligent and foolish, spoke with a hint of resentment, but Yusuf simply smiled slyly.

“Revenge for childhood? I have no idea what you’re referring to. I’m merely utilizing talent in the most appropriate manner.”

There is suspicion, but no concrete evidence.

“…Then, I request that Hassan be assigned to me this time as well.”

“Unfortunately, that won’t be possible. Didn’t Nene recently give birth?”

Despite her advanced age, news had arrived that Nene had safely delivered a son.

Hasan had dedicated himself to Nene, who had been determined to kill him, so he might have become a broken man if she had died.

In any case, she gave birth without complications, but her body was weakened and required ample rest.

“He mentioned that he would name his son Al-Hasan, and requested time to be with him.”

In Arabic, al, as, and an are similar to the definite article ‘the,’ and it indicated that he was naming him after that Hassan.

Shemsi lowered his head upon hearing that Hassan had essentially dedicated his child to be with his wife.

“Then, would it be acceptable to bring someone from the capital?”

“If it’s a capable individual, of course. I will grant your request as much as possible.”

“Thank you, Padishah.”

***

Suleiman wore a weary expression and was engaged in a heated discussion with those gathered.

“I fail to see the problem with adopting words used by the Rum [Byzantines/Greeks] simply because we are a nomadic people!”

The Turks were originally nomads, so they lacked terms related to the sea or the names of fish in their language, and these missing words were borrowed from Greek.

Furthermore, there were numerous instances where expressions that didn’t exist were taken from Greek, Persian, or Arabic.

“Since we are establishing it anew, it wouldn’t be detrimental to create new terms!”

“I don’t understand why you’re bothering to create them! There’s no discomfort!”

Both arguments had merit, leading to a heated debate, and Suleiman, who had been listening quietly, slammed his hand on the desk.

“Silence!”

Suleiman, a former prince and Pasha, held considerable authority, and as the person in charge of this matter, everyone ceased talking and turned their attention to him.

“The important thing isn’t a few words. Aya.”

“Yes, Pasha.”

Addressing Aya, who was his milk-brother, Suleiman highlighted the most pressing issue.

“You must remember the letter that the Padishah sent. We are short on time.”

Recalling Yusuf’s letter that had arrived some time ago, Suleiman’s eyes flickered slightly.

-I intend to hold a national examination to select officials within the next four years.

Yusuf’s plan to select talent through examinations had been in motion since he ascended to the throne as Padishah.

As the territory expanded, the need for talented individuals increased, so there was no issue up to this point.

-I would like to include the newly created characters in that exam. Of course, if the preparation is insufficient, it can’t be helped, but I think it would be a great pity.

Stating that it would be a pity implied significant pressure.

He had to create and distribute the organized language in books and provide them with time to study, placing him under immense pressure.

It meant that it wasn’t the time to argue over a few words.

As the sound of quill pens filled the room once more, a man entered with a knock.

“Ilhan, a letter has arrived from your master.”

“From my father?”

Despite receiving a letter from his father, with whom he only exchanged one letter per year, the man with the impassive face opened the letter.

-My beloved son, I need your help.

It was a love letter written with Yusuf’s advice.