He Became Napoleon’S Genius Son [EN]: Chapter 221

(221) The Janissaries are Preemptively Ambushed in Konya

Bursa, an ancient city that was the capital of the Ottoman Empire in its early days.

“Let’s go, to kill the Frankish bastards!”

This place is no longer Europe.

Anatolia, often called Asia Minor.

To save the Ottoman Empire in crisis, elite troops gathered in Rumelia and crossed the Dardanelles.

Soldiers in bizarre attire, a mix of muskets and turbans, march vigorously.

And the soldiers marching on either side are cavalry.

– Clatter, clatter, clatter!

The so-called Sipahi, the cavalry that Ottoman Turkey boasts of.

Originally divided into the Timarli Sipahi [provincial cavalry] and the Kapikulu Sipahi [central army cavalry], the knights gathered here are mainly from the Rumelia Timarli side.

This is because many of the Kapikulu cavalry died in the last Battle of Damietta.

The remaining knights were mostly guarding the capital, Constantinople.

Of course, it was also because of the order of Sultan Selim III that they rushed from all over Rumelia, that is, Greece.

Suddenly, Haji approached Pazvantoğlu, who was riding proudly at the head.

“Unexpectedly, you formed the army mainly with Janissary infantry.”

“What do you mean, Haji? This is not my private army, but the Empire’s army. Of course, we must make full use of the Sipahi.”

“After winning, you will make these cavalry your own army?”

Pazvantoğlu, who glanced back at Haji Mustafa, laughed heartily.

“Heh! You’re quick-witted. You better stand in line well, Haji. After winning this war, no one in this empire will be able to ignore me.”

Haji Mustafa gritted his teeth.

However, Pazvantoğlu’s words are not wrong.

Half of the empire is currently in French hands.

Even though the empire’s mainland is Anatolia and the core interests are in Rumelia, it is clearly a huge blow.

Besides, wasn’t the entire southern coast of Anatolia devastated?

If there is someone who can solve this national crisis, he is definitely the top candidate for Grand Vizier.

That means a former Bosnian rebel could become the most powerful person in the empire.

Suppressing his boiling anger, Haji asked.

“Let’s hear the plan. How are you going to lure them to Konya and fight?”

Pazvantoğlu replied as if it were very simple.

“Konya is a transportation hub. If we win there, the Frankish bastards can advance to Bursa and then to Constantinople.”

“Who doesn’t know that?”

“So they have no choice but to respond to the lure. But, they will obviously mobilize line infantry. It’s a tactic that the Frankish bastards often use.”

Of course, even as a transportation hub, it is only a city with a population of about 40,000.

However, the Ottoman Empire has a relatively small population compared to its vast territory.

Especially in Anatolia, it is definitely a large city.

So, if Konya is occupied, the land route to Constantinople will be wide open.

In terms of supply lines, the supply lines leading to Egypt, Cyprus, and Rhodes can be directly connected to Konya.

Therefore, Pazvantoğlu was convinced that the French army would definitely come to Konya.

The problem is what comes next.

Already in Alexandria, in Damietta, and in Acre, the French army has always won.

From the Mamluks and Albanian mercenaries to the Nizam-i Jedid [New Order Army], all the troop types that the Ottoman Empire could offer were defeated.

But, can we win in a pitched battle, not in a guerrilla battle or an ambush?

“Then, the answer is simple. We ambush them before they deploy their line infantry.”

Pazvantoğlu answered Haji’s question as if it were simple.

When the line is fully deployed, the firepower of the muskets fired by the European-style line infantry is enormous.

To the extent that the old-fashioned army cannot withstand it.

This has already been proven in the Battle of Alexandria.

But what if they can’t properly deploy that line?

Haji Mustafa also understood to some extent.

“Speed will be an issue.”

“That’s right. The Mamluks of Misr [Egypt] and the Albanian mercenaries of Syria have never experienced a European-style army. But, my men are different.”

“The Sipahi cavalry are not your men.”

Pazvantoğlu snorted at Haji’s remark.

“They will receive the command of my men. Clear, fast, and accurate command.”

They are soldiers trained in Vidin, right on the border of the Austrian Empire in the northwest of the empire.

Former Janissaries, Albanian mercenaries, and private soldiers skilled in European-style combat.

It is the officer corps that currently commands Pazvantoğlu’s 30,000 infantry, 20,000 Sipahi, and 10,000 Rumelia Janissaries.

It is not for nothing that Pazvantoğlu insists on a pitched battle.

Haji Mustafa licked his lips and grabbed the reins.

“Okay, then I’ll go prepare the cannons.”

“Where are you going to prepare them?”

“There is an artillery unit moving from Constantinople. It’s the last hope of the Nizam-i Jedid. 30 heavy cannons and 20 light cannons.”

Haji said, recalling the direct artillery unit that the Sultan had created with great difficulty.

“I will take that unit to Konya.”

It is truly an all-out battle, pouring in almost everything except the Constantinople garrison and border guards.

Including the troops that will gather from all over Anatolia, a total of 100,000 troops are moving.

The cost of that alone is bankrupting the Ottoman Empire’s finances this year.

So, even if he finds the former rebel in front of him unpleasant, he must win.

Watching Haji Pasha, a loyal general, ride away, Pazvantoğlu laughed heartily.

“Good. I’ll kill the Frankish brat in one battle in Konya! Let’s go, very quickly!”

This battle is a battle between cavalry and infantry, where speed dominates.

Pazvantoğlu was confident.

That he would be much faster.

***

However, at the end of the 18th century, the fastest infantry in the world is not the Janissaries, but the French Revolutionary Army.

“Isn’t this a lure?”

On the way from Kash to Konya, Ippolito clicked his tongue as he looked around at the unexpectedly rough passage.

“Did you just realize that?”

“Huh? Then shouldn’t we retreat right away?”

“Don’t worry. We have a guide. Isn’t that right, Theodoros Kolokotronis?”

As Eugene asked very casually, a young man with a Greek-style beard nodded.

He is the Peloponnesian rebel commander that Governor Ypsilantis mentioned.

Eugene, who didn’t necessarily need guerrilla tactics, wanted this person as a guide.

Even though it is a battlefield facing an old-fashioned army, this place is a completely foreign land.

Therefore, local support, especially a guide, is essential.

The young man, Theodoros, said while riding a mule and leading the way.

“It’s easy to think that only Turks live here in Anatolia. But, in reality, there are a lot of us Greeks living here.”

“I was quite surprised to come here. I think I’ve seen more Greeks than Turks.”

“Many people will have been hurt in the process of the French army’s attack.”

After trembling for a while, Theodoros shouted vigorously.

“Unfortunately, it can’t be helped. To take revenge on the Turkish bastards!”

Originally, Theodoros’ hometown is the west, the Peloponnese.

However, he had a father who was a famous figure in the Greek independence movement, and he also had connections with the Greek network scattered throughout Anatolia.

So, even in Anatolia, he is opening the way by mobilizing local Greeks.

For example, like this.

First, the French army sends out a search party as an outpost.

Then, they contact local Greeks, identify routes, and check for ambushes or enemy troops.

Finally, when safety is secured, the main army moves.

Of course, there were mostly disorganized defense forces, so they were easily repelled and they were advancing.

However, it is true that Greeks suffered quite a bit in the maritime raid.

Although they tried not to kill civilians, cannons have no eyes.

Eugene stared at Theodoros and asserted.

“I will definitely win this battle for you.”

Theodoros nodded and hurried to the vanguard.

Perhaps his heart is already in Konya.

Suddenly, Senior Division Commander Marceau, the deputy commander of the expeditionary force, rode his horse and approached Eugene.

“According to the information gathered so far, there is talk of at least 100,000 troops gathering on the Konya side.”

“That’s what the plan says, Marceau.”

“Of course, it seems that only about 60,000 troops have gathered right now.”

Marceau asked anxiously.

“Shouldn’t we strike first?”

Currently, the French army has about 23,000 troops.

The Turkish army outnumbers the French army with just the numbers gathered already.

No matter how much of an era of gunpowder weapons it is, the number of troops cannot be ignored.

Anyway, it’s not the era when machine guns were made.

Eugene nodded lightly.

The easiest way for a minority to defeat a majority is, of course, a surprise attack.

“That’s an accurate judgment. However, when we go, the enemies will try to carry out a siege.”

“What should we do? Even if we have a guide, this is enemy territory.”

“Not at all, that’s not true.”

For a moment, Eugene took out his pocket watch from his pocket and replied.

“Didn’t I say that Anatolia is not only inhabited by Turks?”

At that time, the sound of horses neighing echoed loudly from the southeast valley far away.

– Neigh!

Junot, the cavalry division commander who was in charge of the front and marching, was surprised and rushed over on his horse.

“What is it, sentry! What’s wrong with the alert? I didn’t know the enemy was approaching so close!”

“They are not enemies, Junot.”

“Then who are they? Huh?”

It was the moment Junot was growling while riding his horse.

A cavalry unit is rushing in with a cloud of dust in the distance.

It is an old-fashioned army with traditional weapons, but it has a subtly different appearance from the Turks.

The moment the French army was surprised and took out their muskets, someone suddenly ran out from one side.

It was Hassan Toubar, the commander of the auxiliary troops, the Mamluks and Bedouins, who was marching on the right wing.

“Abdullah Bey! I see the clan of Rozaki here!”

“Hassan Toubar! My friend, how could I not come when you called me?”

“Haha! Glory to Botan Amir’s future!”

While the two men wearing turbans were facing each other and bursting into laughter, Marceau was also surprised and asked Eugene.

“Who the hell is that? Is he pretending to be friends with Toubar?”

Eugene rode his horse and ran to the newly appeared cavalry and replied.

“Kurd, the father of Bedir Khan Bey. Monsieur Toubar! Please introduce me to him too!”

In later original history, there is a nation that became an independence movement force in Turkey, the successor to Ottoman Turkey.

Kurd, a tribal group with Saladin as their ancestor.

Abdullah Rozaki was a local Kurdish lord of that era, a Bey [a Turkish title denoting a chieftain or governor] who submitted to the Ottoman Empire.

However, Abdullah’s son, Bedir, would later become a pioneer of the Kurdish independence movement in history.

Suddenly, Ipolite exclaimed in admiration.

“Indeed, that’s the real local cooperative force!”

The real local collaborators Eugene had summoned through Hassan Toubar after pacifying Syria.

The Kurdish cavalry had arrived.

***

Finally, an army of 60,000 reached the vicinity of Konya.

“Ottoman Pazvantoğlu Pasha! It is reported that Franks [a historical term for Western Europeans, especially the French] have appeared in Kabak, forward of Konya!”

Hassan Bey, a subordinate, rushed in to report.

In pre-modern times, assembling an army was a massive undertaking.

Europe has relatively small spaces and developed cities, making supply relatively easy during marches.

Even so, proper supply takes a tremendous amount of time.

The French Revolutionary Army’s advantage stemmed from bypassing this supply process.

However, the Ottoman Turkish Empire has a low urbanization rate, making looting in its own territory somewhat difficult. Its structure involves supply items being gathered from various locations to a central point.

Therefore, it is not strange that it took a month for 60,000 troops to arrive in Konya.

Rather, Pazvantoğlu was confident that he had come very quickly.

“Send out 3,000 Sipahi cavalry! Harass the enemies incessantly so they cannot form ranks!”

“Yes!”

“But do not get too close. Only prepare outside the firing range of the enemy’s muskets!”

Pazvantoğlu was about to order the cavalry to advance when-

-Doo-doo-doo!

Unexpectedly, the sound of hooves came not from the Turkish army’s camp, but from the outskirts.

“What is it? Did they come from Constantinople?”

Pazvantoğlu tilted his head and looked ahead.

Somehow, dust was rising heavily.

Clearly, it was the sound of cavalry moving.

Suddenly, Adjutant Hassan reported in a trembling voice.

“Pasha, that looks like cavalry?”

“Are they Sipahi who have not finished their conscription yet?”

“It doesn’t seem to be the regular equipment of the Sipahi.”

At that moment, a gunshot rang out.

-Bang!

The cavalry rifle has a relatively short range.

So, the bullet did not reach Pazvantoğlu’s army gathered near Konya.

The approaching cavalry could be seen retreating quickly.

Nevertheless, the sound of the gunshot itself shocked the army of 60,000.

“It’s the enemy, an ambush! Form ranks immediately!”

The moment Pazvantoğlu was surprised and gave the order, the sound of horses echoed from all four sides of the flanks.

-Iheeheeheeing!

On the left were Mamluk Bedouin cavalry armed with British-style cavalry carbines.

However, on the right were Kurdish cavalry.

Pazvantoğlu, who had considered cavalry as his trump card, screamed as he was attacked by cavalry instead.

“This is absurd! We’re being ambushed in Konya?”

October 31, 1798.

Konya, in the heart of the Ottoman Empire.

A plain where cavalry could thrive.

The last hope of the Ottoman Empire was preemptively ambushed in the ancient city of the Seljuks.

(221) Janissaries Preemptively Ambushed in Konya

Bursa, an ancient city that was the capital when the Ottoman Empire was still in its early stages.

“Let’s go, to kill the Frankish bastards!”

This place is no longer Europe.

Anatolia, commonly known as Asia Minor.

Elite troops from Rumelia [the European part of the Ottoman Empire] gathered to save the Ottoman Empire in crisis and crossed the Dardanelles.

Soldiers with a strange attire of muskets and turbans march vigorously.

However, the soldiers marching on either side are cavalry.

-Clatter, clatter, clatter!

The so-called Sipahi, the cavalry that the Ottoman Turks boast of.

Originally divided into the Timarli Sipahi, who were provincial lord troops, and the Kapikulu Sipahi, who were central army troops, the knights gathered here are mainly from the Rumelia Timarli side.

This is because many of the Kapikulu cavalry died in the last Damietta battle.

The remaining knights were mostly guarding the capital, Constantinople.

Of course, it was also because of Sultan Selim III’s order that they rushed from all over Rumelia, that is, Greece.

Suddenly, Haji approached Pazvantoğlu, who was riding proudly at the head.

“Unexpectedly, I thought you would form the army mainly with Janissary infantry.”

“What do you mean, Haji? This is not my private army, but the Empire’s army. Of course, we must make full use of the Sipahi.”

“And after winning, you will make these cavalry your own army?”

Pazvantoğlu glanced at Haji Mustafa and laughed heartily.

“Heh! You’re quick to catch on. You better stand in line, Haji. After winning this war, no one in this empire will be able to ignore me.”

Haji Mustafa gritted his teeth.

However, Pazvantoğlu’s words were not wrong.

Half of the empire is currently in French hands.

Even though the empire’s mainland is Anatolia and the core interests are in Rumelia, it is clearly a huge blow.

Besides, wasn’t the entire southern coast of Anatolia devastated?

If there is someone who solves this national crisis, he is undoubtedly the top candidate for Grand Vizier [the prime minister of the Ottoman Empire].

That means a former Bosnian rebel could become the most powerful person in the empire.

Suppressing his boiling anger, Haji asked.

“Let’s hear the plan. How are you going to lure them to Konya and fight?”

Pazvantoğlu replied as if it were very simple.

“Konya is a transportation hub. If we win there, the Franks can advance to Bursa and then to Constantinople.”

“Who doesn’t know that?”

“So they have no choice but to respond to the lure. But, they will undoubtedly mobilize line infantry. It’s a tactic the Franks often use.”

Of course, even as a transportation hub, it is only a city with about 40,000 people.

However, the Ottoman Empire has a relatively small population compared to its vast territory.

Especially in Anatolia, it is definitely a large city.

So, if Konya is occupied, the land route to Constantinople will be wide open.

In terms of supply lines, the supply lines leading to Egypt, Cyprus, and Rhodes can be directly connected to Konya.

Therefore, Pazvantoğlu was convinced that the French army would definitely come to Konya.

The problem is what comes next.

Already in Alexandria, in Damietta, and in Acre, the French army has always won.

Every type of soldier the Ottoman Empire could field, from Mamluks and Albanian mercenaries to Nizam-ı Cedid [the New Order army, a modernizing Ottoman army], was defeated.

But can they win by fighting in a pitched battle, not in a guerrilla battle or an ambush?

“Then, the answer is simple. We ambush them before they deploy their line infantry.”

Pazvantoğlu gave an answer as if it were simple to Haji’s question.

When the line is fully deployed, the firepower of the muskets fired by the European-style line infantry is tremendous.

To the extent that the old-fashioned army cannot withstand it.

It has already been proven in the Battle of Alexandria.

But what if they can’t properly deploy that line?

Haji Mustafa also understood to some extent.

“Speed will be the issue.”

“That’s right. Mamluks from Misr [Egypt] or Albanian mercenaries from Syria have never experienced European-style armies. But my men are different.”

“The Sipahi cavalry are not your men.”

Pazvantoğlu snorted at Haji’s remark.

“They will be under the command of my men. Clear, fast, and accurate command.”

They are soldiers trained in Vidina, in the northwestern part of the empire, right on the border with the Austrian Empire.

Former Janissaries, Albanian mercenaries, and private soldiers skilled in European-style combat.

This is the officer corps that currently commands the 30,000 infantry, 20,000 Sipahi, and 10,000 Rumelia Janissaries led by Pazvantoğlu.

It is not for nothing that Pazvantoğlu insists on a pitched battle.

Haji Mustafa licked his lips and grabbed the reins.

“Okay, then I’ll go prepare the cannons.”

“Where are you going to prepare them?”

“There is an artillery unit moving from Constantinople. It’s the last hope of the Nizam-ı Cedid. 30 heavy cannons and 20 light cannons.”

Haji said, recalling the direct artillery unit that the Sultan had created with great difficulty.

“I will take that unit to Konya.”

It is truly a gamble, pouring almost everything except the Constantinople garrison and border guards.

Including the troops that will gather from all over Anatolia, a total of 100,000 troops are moving.

The cost of that alone is bankrupting the Ottoman Empire’s finances for this year.

So, even if he dislikes the former rebel in front of him, he must win.

Watching the loyal general, Haji Pasha, rush away, Pazvantoğlu laughed heartily.

“Good. I’ll kill the Frankish brat in one battle in Konya! Let’s go, very quickly!”

This battle is a confrontation between cavalry and infantry, where speed dominates.

Pazvantoğlu was confident.

That he would be much faster.

***

However, at the end of the 18th century, the fastest infantry in the world was not the Janissaries, but the French Revolutionary Army.

“Aren’t we being lured in?”

Ipolite clicked his tongue as he looked around the unexpectedly rough passage from Kash to Konya.

“Did you just realize that?”

“Huh? Then shouldn’t we retreat immediately?”

“There’s nothing to worry about. We have a guide. Isn’t that right, Theodoros Kolokotronis?”

Eugene asked very casually, and a young man with a Greek-style beard nodded.

He is the Peloponnesian rebel commander that Governor Ypsilantis spoke of.

Eugene, who did not necessarily need guerrilla tactics, wanted this man as his guide.

Although it is a battlefield facing an old-fashioned army, this place is completely foreign land.

Therefore, local support, especially a guide, is essential.

The young man, Theodoros, said, guiding the way on a mule.

“It’s easy to think that only Turks live in this place, Anatolia. But in reality, many of us Greeks also live here.”

“I was quite surprised when I came. It seems I’ve seen more Greeks than Turks.”

“Many people will have been hurt in the process of the French army’s attacks.”

After trembling for a moment, Theodoros shouted forcefully.

“Unfortunately, it can’t be helped. To take revenge on the Turkish bastards!”

Originally, Theodoros’s hometown is the west, the Peloponnese.

However, he had a father who was a famous figure in the Greek independence movement, and he also had connections with the Greek network scattered throughout Anatolia.

So, even in Anatolia, he is mobilizing local Greeks to clear the way.

For example, like this.

First, the French army sends out a scouting party as an outpost.

Next, they contact local Greeks to identify routes and check for ambushes or enemy troops.

Finally, once safety is secured, the main force moves in.

Of course, most of the defenses are just unorganized militias, so they are easily defeated as they advance.

However, it is true that the Greeks also suffered quite a bit of damage during the naval raids.

Although they tried not to kill civilians, cannons have no eyes.

Eugene stared intently at Theodoros and stated firmly.

“We will definitely win this battle.”

Theodoros nodded and hurried to the vanguard.

His heart was probably already in Konya.

Suddenly, Marceau, the senior division commander and deputy commander of the expeditionary force, rode up to Eugene.

“According to the information gathered so far, there are reports of at least 100,000 troops gathering near Konya.”

“That’s what the plan says, Marceau.”

“Of course, it seems that only about 60,000 troops have gathered right now.”

Marceau asked anxiously.

“Should we strike first?”

The current French army numbers around 23,000.

The Turkish army already outnumbers the French army with just the troops gathered.

Even in the age of gunpowder weapons, the number of troops cannot be ignored.

After all, it’s not the age of machine guns yet.

Eugene nodded lightly.

The easiest way for a minority to defeat a majority is, of course, a surprise attack.

“That’s a correct judgment. However, when we go, the enemy will try to encircle us.”

“What should we do? Even with a guide, this is enemy territory.”

“Not at all.”

In an instant, Eugene took out his pocket watch from his pocket and replied.

“Didn’t I say that Anatolia is not only inhabited by Turks?”

At that moment, the sound of horses neighing loudly echoed from the southeastern valley in the distance.

-Heeheehee!

Junot, the cavalry division commander in charge of the front, was startled and rushed over on his horse.

“What is it, sentry! What’s wrong with the security? How could you not know until the enemy got so close!”

“They are not enemies, Junot.”

“Then who are they? Huh?”

Junot was about to growl as he rode his horse.

A cavalry unit is rushing in with a cloud of dust in the distance.

It is an old-fashioned army with traditional armaments, but with a subtly different appearance from the Turks.

The moment the French army was surprised and took out their muskets, someone suddenly ran out from one side.

Hassan Toubar, the Mamluk and Bedouin commander of the auxiliary forces marching on the right wing.

“Abdullah Bey! I see the Rozaki clan here!”

“Hassan Toubar! My friend, how could I not come when you called?”

“Haha! Glory to the Botan Amir!”

While the two men wearing turbans were laughing face to face, Marceau was also surprised and asked Eugene.

“Who the hell is that? Is he pretending to be close to Toubar?”

Eugene rode his horse to the newly appeared cavalry and replied.

“Kurd, the father of Bedir Khan Bey. Monsieur Toubar! Please introduce me to him too!”

In later original history, there is a nation that became an independence movement force in Turkey, the successor to Ottoman Turkey.

Kurds, a tribal group with Saladin as their ancestor.

Abdullah Rozaki is the lord of the Kurdish people at the time and a Bey [chieftain] who submits to the Ottoman Empire.

However, Abdullah’s son, Bedir, later becomes a pioneer of the Kurdish independence movement in original history.

In an instant, Ippolito exclaimed in admiration.

“Indeed, that’s the real local cooperative force!”

The real local collaborators that Eugene summoned through Hassan Toubar after pacifying Syria.

The Kurdish cavalry has arrived.

***

Finally, an army of 60,000 approached Konya.

“Ottoman Pazvantoğlu Pasha! Franks have appeared in Kabak, in front of Konya!”

Hassan Bey, a subordinate, rushed in to report.

In the pre-modern era, the gathering of an army itself is a huge undertaking.

Europe has relatively narrow spaces and developed cities, making supply relatively easy during marches.

Still, it takes a tremendous amount of time to properly supply.

This is why the French Revolutionary Army, which omitted this supply process, gained an advantage.

However, the Ottoman Turkish Empire has a low urbanization rate, it is a bit difficult to plunder its own territory, and the structure is such that supplies from various places gather at the assembly point.

Therefore, it is not strange that it took a month for 60,000 people to arrive in Konya.

Rather, Pazvantoğlu was confident that he had come very quickly.

“Send out 3,000 Sipahi [Ottoman cavalry]! Harass the enemies constantly so they cannot form ranks!”

“Yes!”

“However, don’t get too close. Prepare only outside the enemy’s firing range!”

Pazvantoğlu was about to order his subordinates to advance the cavalry.

-Doo-doo-doo!

Unexpectedly, the sound of hooves was heard from the outskirts, not from the Turkish army camp.

“What is it? Did they come from Constantinople?”

Pazvantoğlu tilted his head and looked forward.

Somehow, it is full of dust.

It is definitely the sound of cavalry moving.

Suddenly, Lieutenant Hassan reported in a trembling voice.

“Pasha, that looks like cavalry?”

“Is it Sipahi who have not finished their conscription yet?”

“It’s not the regular equipment of Sipahi.”

At that moment, a gunshot rang out.

-Bang!

The cavalry rifle has a relatively short range.

So the bullets did not reach the Pazvantoğlu corps gathered near Konya.

The cavalry that came running also quickly retreated.

Nevertheless, the sound of gunfire itself shocked the 60,000-strong army.

“It’s the enemy, a surprise attack! Immediately form ranks!”

The moment Pazvantoğlu was surprised and gave the order, the sound of horses neighing echoed from all four sides of the wings.

-Heeheehee!

The left wing is the Mamluk Bedouin cavalry armed with British-style cavalry guns.

But the right wing is the Kurdish cavalry.

Pazvantoğlu, who had used cavalry as a trump card, but was instead attacked by cavalry, screamed.

“This is ridiculous! We are being attacked in Konya?”

October 31, 1798.

Konya, in the heart of the Ottoman Empire.

A place with plains perfect for cavalry to operate.

In the ancient city of Seljuk, the last hope of the Ottoman Empire was preemptively attacked.

(221) Janissaries are preemptively attacked in Konya

Bursa, the [ancient city] that was the capital when the Ottoman Empire was still in its early days.

“Let’s go, to kill the Franks!”

This is no longer Europe.

Anatolia, commonly called Asia Minor.

To save the Ottoman Empire in crisis, elite troops gathered from Rumelia [the Balkans] and crossed the Dardanelles.

Soldiers in bizarre costumes with muskets and turbans march vigorously.

However, the soldiers marching on both sides are cavalry.

-Clatter, clatter, clatter!

So-called Sipahi, the cavalry that Ottoman Turkey is proud of.

Originally, it is divided into Tımarlı Sipahi, a local lord army, and Kapıkulu Sipahi, a central army, but the knights gathered here are mainly from Rumelia Tımarlı.

Because many of the Kapıkulu cavalry died in the last Damietta battle.

The remaining knights were mostly guarding the capital, Constantinople.

Of course, it was also because of the order of Sultan Selim III that they came running from all over Rumelia, that is, Greece.

Suddenly, Haci approached Pazvantoğlu, who was running proudly at the head.

“Unexpectedly, I thought you would form an army mainly with Janissary infantry.”

“What do you mean, Haci? This is not my private army, but the army of the Empire. Of course, we must make full use of the Sipahi.”

“After winning, you will make these cavalry your army?”

Pazvantoğlu glanced at Haci Mustafa and laughed heartily.

“Keuk! You’re quick to notice. You better stand in line, Haci. After winning this war, no one in this empire will be able to ignore me.”

Haci Mustafa gritted his teeth.

However, Pazvantoğlu’s words are not wrong.

Half of the empire is currently in French hands.

Even though the empire’s mainland is Anatolia and the core interests are in Rumelia, it is clearly a huge blow.

Besides, wasn’t the entire southern coast of Anatolia devastated?

If there is someone who can solve this national crisis, he is definitely the top candidate for Grand Vizier.

That means a former Bosnian traitor could become the most powerful person in the empire.

Suppressing his boiling anger, Haci asked.

“Let’s hear the plan. How are you going to lure them to Konya and fight?”

Pazvantoğlu replied as if it were very simple.

“Konya is a transportation hub. If we win there, the Franks can advance to Bursa and then to Constantinople.”

“Who doesn’t know that?”

“So they have no choice but to respond to the lure. But they will obviously mobilize line infantry. It’s a tactic that the Franks often use.”

Of course, even though it is a transportation hub, it is only a city with about 40,000 people.

However, the Ottoman Empire has a relatively small population compared to its vast territory.

Especially in Anatolia, it is definitely a big city.

So, if Konya is occupied, the land route to Constantinople will be wide open.

In terms of supply routes, the supply routes leading to Egypt, Cyprus, and Rhodes can be directly connected to Konya.

Therefore, Pazvantoğlu was confident that the French army would definitely come to Konya.

The problem is what comes next.

The French army has always won in Alexandria, Damietta, and Acre.

All the soldiers that the Ottoman Empire could offer, from the Mamluks, Albanian mercenaries, to the Nizam-ı Cedid [New Order army], were defeated.

But can we win by fighting in a pitched battle, not in a guerrilla battle or an ambush?

“Then the answer is simple. Before they spread out the line of line infantry, we attack them then.”

Pazvantoğlu gave an answer as if it were simple to Haci’s question.

When the line is fully deployed, the firepower of the muskets fired by the European-style line infantry is enormous.

Enough for the old-fashioned army to not withstand it.

It has already been proven in the Battle of Alexandria.

But what if they couldn’t fully deploy that line of battle?

Haci Mustafa Pasha somewhat understood.

“Speed will be the problem.”

“Exactly. The Mamluks of Misr [Egypt] or the Albanian mercenaries of Syria have never experienced European-style armies. But my men are different.”

“The Sipahi [Ottoman cavalry] cavalry are not your men.”

Pazvantoğlu scoffed at Haci’s remark.

“They will be under my command. Clear, fast, and precise command.”

These are soldiers trained in the northwest of the empire, in Vidin, right on the border with the Austrian Empire.

Former Janissaries [elite Ottoman infantry], Albanian mercenaries, and soldiers skilled in European-style combat.

This is the officer corps that currently commands Pazvantoğlu’s 30,000 infantry, 20,000 Sipahi, and 10,000 Rumelian Janissaries.

It’s no wonder Pazvantoğlu insists on a pitched battle.

Haci Mustafa smacked his lips and grabbed the reins.

“Alright, then I’ll go prepare the cannons.”

“Where will you get them?”

“There’s an artillery unit moving from Constantinople. The last hope of the Nizam-ı Cedid [New Order army]. Thirty heavy cannons and twenty light cannons.”

Haci said, recalling the Sultan’s painstakingly created direct artillery unit.

“I will take that unit to Konya.”

It’s truly an all-in move, pouring in almost everything except the Constantinople garrison and border guards.

Including the troops gathering from all over Anatolia, a total of 100,000 soldiers are moving.

The cost of this alone is enough to bankrupt the Ottoman Empire’s finances for the year.

So, even if he resents the former rebel before him, he must win.

Watching the loyal general, Haci Pasha, rush off, Pazvantoğlu laughed heartily.

“Good. I’ll kill the Frankish [European] brat in one battle in Konya! Let’s go, very quickly!”

This battle is a clash between cavalry and infantry, where speed will dominate.

Pazvantoğlu was confident.

That he would be much faster.

***

However, in the late 18th century, the fastest infantry in the world was not the Janissaries but the French Revolutionary Army.

“Could this be a trap?”

Ippolito clicked his tongue, looking around at the unexpectedly rough passage on the way from Kash to Konya.

“You’re just figuring that out now?”

“Huh? Then shouldn’t we retreat immediately?”

“No need to worry. We have a guide. Isn’t that right, Theodoros Kolokotronis?”

Eugene asked very calmly, and a young man with a Greek beard nodded.

He is the Peloponnesian rebel commander mentioned by Governor Ypsilantis.

Eugene, who didn’t necessarily need guerrilla tactics, wanted this man as a guide.

Although it is a battlefield facing an old-fashioned army, this place is completely foreign land.

Therefore, local support, especially a guide, is essential.

The young man, Theodoros, said, leading the way on a mule.

“It’s easy to think that only Turks live here in Anatolia. But in reality, many of us Greeks live here as well.”

“I was quite surprised when I came. It seems I’ve seen more Greeks than Turks.”

“Many people will be hurt in the process of the French army’s attack.”

Theodoros trembled for a moment before shouting forcefully.

“Unfortunately, it can’t be helped. To take revenge on the Turks!”

Originally, Theodoros is from the west, the Peloponnese [peninsula in southern Greece].

However, he had a father who was a famous figure in the Greek independence movement and had connections with the Greek network scattered throughout Anatolia.

So, even in Anatolia, he is mobilizing local Greeks to clear the way.

For example, like this.

First, the French army sends out a reconnaissance unit as an outpost.

Then, they contact local Greeks to identify routes and check for ambushes or enemy troops.

Finally, when safety is secured, the main force moves.

Of course, most of the defenses are unorganized, so they are easily repelled as they advance.

However, it is true that the Greeks also suffered quite a bit of damage during the naval raids.

Although they tried not to kill civilians, cannons have no eyes.

Eugene stared at Theodoros and declared.

“I will definitely win this battle for you.”

Theodoros nodded and hurried to the vanguard.

Perhaps his heart is already in Konya.

Suddenly, Senior Division Commander Marceau, the deputy commander of the expeditionary force, rode his horse next to Eugene.

“According to the information gathered so far, there are talks of at least 100,000 troops gathering near Konya.”

“That’s what the plan says, Marceau.”

“Of course, it seems that only about 60,000 troops have gathered right now.”

Marceau asked anxiously.

“Shouldn’t we strike first?”

The current French army numbers around 23,000.

The Turks already outnumber the French army with just the numbers gathered.

No matter how much of a gunpowder weapon era it is, the number of troops cannot be ignored.

After all, it’s not the era when machine guns were invented.

Eugene nodded lightly.

The easiest way for a minority to defeat a majority is, of course, a surprise attack.

“That’s an accurate assessment. However, when we go, the enemies will try to encircle us.”

“What should we do? Even if we have a guide, this is enemy territory.”

“Not at all, that’s not true.”

In an instant, Eugene took out his pocket watch from his pocket and replied.

“Didn’t I say that Anatolia is not only inhabited by Turks?”

At that moment, the sound of horses neighing loudly echoed from the distant southeastern valley.

-Iiiiiing!

Junot, the cavalry division commander in charge of the front, was startled and rushed over on his horse.

“What is it, sentry! What’s wrong with the security? How could you not know until the enemy is so close!”

“They are not enemies, Junot.”

“Then who are they? Huh?”

It was the moment Junot was growling as he rode his horse.

A cavalry unit is rushing in with a cloud of dust in the distance.

It is an old-fashioned army with traditional armaments, but it has a subtly different appearance from the Turks.

The moment the French army was surprised and took out their muskets, someone suddenly ran out from one side.

It was Hassan Toubar, the commander of the auxiliary forces, Mamluks and Bedouins, who was marching on the right wing.

“Abdullah Bey! To see the Rozaki clan here!”

“Hassan Toubar! My friend, how could I not come when you called?”

“Haha! Glory to Botan Amir’s future!”

While the two men wearing turbans were laughing, Marceau was also surprised and asked Eugene.

“Who the hell is that? Is he pretending to be close to Toubar?”

Eugene rode his horse to the newly appeared cavalry and replied.

“He is the father of Kurd, Bedir Khan Bey. Monsieur Toubar! Please introduce me to him too!”

In later original history, there is a nation that became an independence movement force in Turkey, the successor to Ottoman Turkey.

The Kurds, a tribal group with Saladin as their ancestor.

Abdullah Rozaki is the lord of the Kurdish people at the time and a Bey [chieftain] who submits to the Ottoman Empire.

However, Abdullah’s son, Bedir, later becomes a pioneer of the Kurdish independence movement in original history.

In an instant, Ippolito exclaimed in admiration.

“Indeed, that’s the real local cooperation force!”

The real local collaborator that Eugene summoned through Hassan Toubar after pacifying Syria.

The Kurdish cavalry has arrived.

***

By now, an army of 60,000 had reached the vicinity of Konya.

“Ottoman Pazvantoğlu Pasha! Frankish people have appeared in Kabak, in front of Konya!”

A subordinate, Hassan Bey, rushed in to report.

In pre-modern times, the gathering of an army itself is a huge undertaking.

Europe has relatively narrow spaces and developed cities, making supply relatively easy during marches.

Still, it takes a tremendous amount of time to properly supply.

This is also why the French Revolutionary Army, which omitted this supply process, gained an advantage.

However, the Ottoman Turkish Empire has a low urbanization rate, it is a bit difficult to plunder its own territory, and the structure is such that supplies from various places gather at the assembly point.

Therefore, it is not strange that it took a month for 60,000 people to arrive in Konya.

Rather, Pazvantoğlu was confident that he had come very quickly.

“Send out 3,000 Sipahi cavalry! Harass the enemies incessantly so that they cannot form ranks!”

“Yes!”

“However, don’t get too close. Prepare only outside the firing range of the enemies’ muskets!”

It was the moment Pazvantoğlu was about to order his subordinates to advance the cavalry.

-Doo-doo-doo!

Unexpectedly, the sound of hooves was heard not from the Turkish army’s camp, but from the outskirts.

“What is it? Did they come from Constantinople?”

Pazvantoğlu tilted his head and looked ahead.

Somehow, dust is rising everywhere.

It is definitely the sound of cavalry moving.

Suddenly, adjutant Hassan said in a trembling voice.

“Pasha, that looks like cavalry?”

“Is it Sipahi who have not finished their conscription yet?”

“It’s not the Sipahi’s regular armament.”

At that moment, a gunshot rang out.

-Bang!

The cavalry rifle has a relatively short range.

So the bullet did not reach Pazvantoğlu’s army gathered near Konya.

The cavalry that came running also seemed to retreat quickly.

Nevertheless, the gunshot itself shocked the 60,000-strong army.

“It’s the enemy, a surprise attack! Immediately form ranks!”

The moment Pazvantoğlu was about to give the order in surprise, the sound of horses neighing echoed from all four sides of the wings.

-Iiiiiing!

The left is the Mamluk Bedouin cavalry armed with British-style cavalry guns.

But the right is the Kurdish cavalry.

Pazvantoğlu, who had cavalry as his secret weapon, was instead attacked by cavalry and screamed.

“This is ridiculous! We’re being ambushed in Konya?”

October 31, 1798.

Konya, in the heart of the Ottoman Empire.

A place where plains spread out, ideal for cavalry to operate.

In the ancient city of Seljuk, the last hope of the Ottoman Empire was preemptively attacked.