Became The Sultan Of The Ottoman Empire [EN]: Chapter 74

Became Sultan (3)

The Sultan’s power was at its weakest upon his ascension.

Even with practical training as a Sanjakbey [governor of a district] since childhood, governing a vast empire was a different matter, and the assistance of existing officials was essential.

Furthermore, he hadn’t yet fully secured the loyalty of the central army, including the Janissaries [elite infantry units], who were crucial for maintaining power.

‘The usual practice is to forgive those who were once troublesome, give money to the central army, and offer them patronage to ensure cooperation.’

However, Yusuf was unlike previous Sultans.

Having already proven his abilities through numerous victories, the suppression of rebels, and the capture of the capital, Yusuf commanded unwavering loyalty from the central army.

Moreover, having defeated Selim, who had caused a great disaster, and entering the capital as a savior, Yusuf enjoyed solid support from the people.

Upon his ascension, Yusuf, not needing to be mindful of anyone, began with the empire’s council.

The first order of business was with the Grand Vizier [chief minister].

“This old man will now relinquish this undeserved position and return to his former post.”

“You have worked hard all this time.”

Yusuf accepted the resignation of Hadim Ali Pasha, the Grand Vizier.

Since Ali Pasha’s original position, denoted by the title ‘Hadim’ [eunuch], was that of a eunuch, there was no need for regret.

The vacant Grand Vizier position was immediately filled with a suitable candidate.

“Hersekzade Ahmed Pasha, I look forward to your performance in the future.”

“I will do my best with all my heart.”

Hersekzade bowed his head, his face filled with emotion.

Whether biologically or not, he was at least politically Hatis’s father, and he had already risen to the position of Grand Vizier twice.

It was displeasing that he was also trying to curry favor with other princes, but it could be overlooked as resourcefulness.

Of course, a warning was issued.

“I hope you don’t do anything surprising this time. I almost used the gunpowder I worked so hard to gather on you first. Of course, I’m just joking.”

Although he said it was a joke, Hersekzade felt a cold sweat trickling down his back at the sight of Yusuf’s chilling eyes.

He knew that if things had gone wrong during their first meeting, he would have been treated to a spectacular fireworks display, with his own body as the main attraction.

Back then, he had tested Yusuf by mentioning the saltpeter [key ingredient in gunpowder] he was secretly collecting, as Yusuf wasn’t a particularly important prince, and Yusuf had immediately lowered his head.

“The Padishah [Ottoman sovereign] will see everything I do, just as Allah is watching.”

“I trust your words.”

It was a vow to conduct all affairs transparently.

The next position to be addressed was that of the Vizier, also known as the Minister.

“Koca Mustafa Pasha, who followed the misguided Padishah Selim, will be dismissed, and Şemsi Pasha will be appointed in his place.”

The Vizier assisted the Grand Vizier and took his place in the Grand Vizier’s absence, making it the second most authoritative position.

In particular, Koca was the most senior among the Viziers, and Yusuf placed Şemsi in that position.

At this order, Koca simply bowed his head with a dark expression.

This was a retaliatory measure for refusing the meetings he had continuously requested when Yusuf came to the capital by the Sultan’s order.

It was the end for a figure who had risen to the position of Grand Vizier in the original timeline.

“I will contribute to the glorious empire according to the Padishah’s will.”

“I believe you will do well, as I have observed you for a long time.”

The usual cold expression was gone, and excitement filled Şemsi’s face.

It was the moment he was rewarded for supporting the least likely prince for 10 years, having been sidelined in the power struggle.

However, contrary to what those around him thought, it was not simply a retaliatory measure or a reward-based appointment.

‘No one knows what happened in Trabzon as well as Şemsi.’

Trabzon was where many trials were conducted for the future of the empire.

Many attempts were made, such as using barley tea to reduce the intake of contaminated drinking water and lower the infant mortality rate, and implementing the four-field crop rotation method to slow down soil depletion.

Şemsi was the best person to expand these practices to the entire Ottoman Empire, and he knew this well.

In addition to that, several personnel adjustments took place, and Arda, who had assisted Yusuf in Trabzon, was appointed as the Sanjakbey of Trabzon.

“Arda, your role is significant. You know that, right?”

“Of course. I will do my best not to disappoint you.”

Once the internal affairs were stabilized, the first enemy to fight would be the Safavids [a Persian dynasty], and Trabzon was on the front line.

“Please take good care of my two concubines and children as well.”

“I will protect them with my life.”

Yusuf nodded.

He wondered how she had managed to hide the fact that she was pregnant so perfectly, but he wasn’t upset because he knew it was also out of consideration.

Having appointed Arda as the Sanjakbey, Yusuf completed all the personnel changes.

Those who had not expected Yusuf to wield such a sharp blade so soon after his ascension breathed a sigh of relief at Yusuf’s declaration.

That’s how unconventional Yusuf’s actions were.

However, these were not the only unconventional actions.

Below the Divan [imperial council] meeting hall, a pale-faced boy bowed his head, and Yusuf spoke to him.

“Suleiman, has your heart calmed down a bit?”

“It is all thanks to the Padishah’s grace.”

Suleiman’s words were not just a formality.

Although the Ottoman dynasty believed that the only true brother was a dead brother, they treated those who had become good after death properly.

They properly recovered the body, held a funeral, and buried it in a decent place.

Even in brotherhood where beheading was not enough, using silk cords for execution was a kind of consideration.

However, Selim’s case was a bit different.

‘He received too much resentment to receive such consideration.’

Those who firmly believed in Yusuf’s words harbored intense malice towards Selim and openly said they wanted to throw Selim’s body to the dogs.

However, Yusuf treated his brother properly on his final journey, and Selim’s body was placed next to Bayezid.

Even if Yusuf was the cause of his death, Suleiman was sincerely grateful.

“Padishah, may I say something?”

The Grand Vizier carefully opened his mouth in a somewhat amicable atmosphere.

“Speak.”

“I do not know the merciful Padishah’s heart, but is there a need to leave behind the seeds of discord?”

As the Grand Vizier spoke first, those in the Divan meeting agreed.

“Since the princes are still young, it could be dangerous.”

Since the oldest, Mehmed, was only 6 years old, Suleiman, who was 16, had the potential to become a dangerous element in the future.

Even if it was a slim possibility, the dynasty could not tolerate even that.

“What do you wish me to do?”

“I hope you will act according to the customs before the fratricide law [law permitting the Sultan to execute his brothers to prevent civil war]. Even that is a merciful judgment that everyone will praise.”

A heavy silence fell upon the Grand Vizier’s request.

The matter he was talking about was not a light one.

“Do you want me to take Suleiman’s eyes?”

“Even if it’s not the eyes, there are ways to take away his ears or tongue.”

It might seem like making him disabled was not a merciful judgment, but it was merciful if he could save his life by doing so.

During the reign of Mehmed III, which led to the abolition of the fratricide law, he killed all 19 of his brothers who had sworn allegiance and become deaf and mute.

At the Grand Vizier’s request, Yusuf waved his hand.

“Enough. If I make him like that, would I be able to use him properly? Suleiman.”

“Yes, Padishah.”

“Do you remember the conversation with Selim, my brother and your father?”

“…Of course.”

How could he have forgotten when it had only been a few days?

It was the first day he had truly felt fatherly love, so he would never forget it.

“My brother said you would be useful, so he told me to keep you by my side and use you for a long time.”

“That is correct.”

“But am I supposed to have conversations with you through writing for decades?”

He was sure that he would get frustrated and regret making him disabled.

Thinking about that, it would be better not to use him and leave him in that remote area or send him to his father’s side.

Suleiman shed tears at the touch that came and pressed down on his head.

It was the same warm touch he had felt when he first met him in Trabzon.

“I command you, Suleiman.”

“Yes, Padishah.”

Suleiman and all the officials knelt down and paid their respects, and Yusuf gave the order.

“I strip Suleiman of the title of Shehzade [prince] and bestow upon him the title of Pasha [high-ranking officer].”

The title of Shehzade meant heir to the throne, and it was essentially a declaration that he was not a member of the royal family.

Suleiman immediately responded to this.

“I swear to Allah that the title of Shehzade will never be attached to my name.”

“May there be a curse upon you for all eternity if you break this oath.”

At Yusuf’s words, Suleiman bowed his head even deeper.

Yusuf had even predicted the earthquake, so he did not take this warning lightly, considering it as just an empty threat.

“Suleiman Pasha.”

“Yes, Padishah.”

Yusuf chuckled at Suleiman, who felt unfamiliar with the title of Pasha.

“As your father said, I hope you will serve me well until the day you grow old, go blind, have difficulty walking, lean on a cane, and beg me to let you rest and resign.”

Sweat dripped from Suleiman’s forehead.

***

Scholars were summoned to draw up urban plans, and finance ministers racked their brains to calculate the restoration costs.

Şemsi struggled with Yusuf’s order to quickly introduce the four-field crop rotation method throughout the Ottoman Empire, and Suleiman, feeling his life threatened, brought his friend Yahya.

At the moment when officials screamed at his orders, Yusuf was also busy designing future plans.

“After all, conquering the Mamluks [a powerful Islamic dynasty] is the priority.”

He had set a grand goal of an empire spanning six continents, but he shouldn’t be buried in the goal.

The first goal is to conquer the Safavids and Mamluks to secure the sea route to India.

‘Not only spices, but also saltpeter is scattered in India.’

If he could only mine the buried saltpeter in India, he could alleviate the most pressing gunpowder problem.

He could also keep an eye on Portugal and earn a lot of money through trade.

In an era where gold and silver were military power, it was the first goal.

If he could tightly control the Eastern trade, he could occupy the unclaimed land of Oceania as much as he wanted.

“The biggest problem is America.”

Breaking through the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and going to America is no ordinary task.

If the pagan demon, the Ottoman, tries to go to the Mediterranean, all of Europe will risk their lives to stop him.

Spain is currently holding Gibraltar tightly.

‘Still, it’s worth trying now, before the European powers are fully established.’

Of course, a lot of preparation was needed for that.

As Yusuf pondered, he heard the voice of a eunuch.

-Padishah, Sheikh al-Islam [highest religious authority] and the Ulama [Islamic scholars] have requested a meeting.

Sheikh al-Islam was the highest authority in the Islamic religion, with a status equal to the Grand Vizier, and the Ulama referred to Islamic scholars.

“It’s later than I thought.”

Yusuf smiled and got up and went to the Gate of Felicity, where those who had requested the meeting greeted Yusuf with respect.

“We greet the great Padishah.”

“You came later than I thought. I thought you would come right away after seeing the letter I sent throughout the Ottoman Empire.”

The faces of those gathered at Yusuf’s words hardened.

The letter he sent was a kind of inaugural address, and they could indirectly know his future rule.

It opened with.

-The Ottoman Empire, the well-protected country, and the owner of Rum [Rome/Byzantium].

This expression itself would have been offensive.

The Ottoman Empire does not yet have a formal national name, and various names are used depending on the occasion.

The expression Ottoman Empire was used when emphasizing the Ottoman dynasty, and the well-protected country is a commonly used name.

Rum, which means Rome, is a word used when embracing Christians.