I Became the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire

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The Sultan became (3)

The Sultan’s power was weakest at the time of his ascension.

No matter how much practical training he received as a Sanjakbey since childhood, governing a vast empire was another matter entirely, and he urgently needed the help of the existing bureaucracy.

Furthermore, he couldn’t fully command the loyalty of the central forces, including the Janissaries, which was crucial for maintaining power.

‘It’s common practice to forgive minor grievances from the past and sprinkle a little money on the central troops while encouraging them.’

However, Yusuf was different from previous Sultans.

Having proven his capabilities through various military exploits, suppressing rebellions, and even capturing the capital, the central forces showed absolute loyalty to Yusuf.

Moreover, having defeated Selim, the cause of the Great Calamity, and made his triumphant entry into the capital as a savior, the support from the Subjects was also solid.

With his ascension, Yusuf had no need to watch his back and immediately took action with the empire’s council.

He started with the Grand Vizier.

“This old man will step down from this undeserved position and return to his original place.”

“You have worked hard.”

Yusuf accepted the resignation of Grand Vizier Hadim Ali Pasha.

After all, Ali Pasha, with the title of Hadim, was originally a chamberlain, so there was no reason to feel regret.

The vacant position of Grand Vizier was swiftly filled with the right candidate.

“Herzegovinian Ahmed Pasha, I expect great feats from you going forward.”

“I will do my utmost.”

With a face filled with emotion, Herzegovinian bowed his head.

Whether biologically or politically, he would become the father of Hatice, and he was someone who had already held the position of Grand Vizier twice.

While it was a bit galling that he was currying favor with other princes as well, it could be overlooked as a sign of skill.

Of course, a warning was given.

“I hope no surprising incidents occur this time. I almost had to use the precious gunpowder I had painstakingly collected on you. Just kidding.”

Though he called it a joke, the cold gaze made Herzegovinian feel the cold sweat trickling down his back.

He knew well that had things gone wrong during their first meeting, he might have enjoyed a colorful fireworks display with his body.

At that time, he wasn’t a significant prince, so when he had tried to test Yusuf by mentioning secret reserves, he immediately bowed his head.

“All that I do, as Allah is watching, so too will the Padishah.”

“I trust your words.”

It was a vow to act transparently.

Next was the change of the Waziri, or minister.

“I will dismiss Kochak Mustafa Pasha, who followed the misguided Padishah Selim, and appoint Şemsi Pasha in his place.”

The Waziri assisted the Grand Vizier and filled in when the Grand Vizier was absent, making it the second-highest authority.

Kochak, being the first of the various wizards, was dismissed from his position and replaced by Şemsi.

Kochak bowed his head with a dark expression at this order.

This was retaliation for having continuously refused meeting requests when Yusuf arrived in the capital under the Sultan’s orders.

In the historical narrative, this was the end for a person who had once risen to the position of Grand Vizier.

“I will contribute to this glorious empire according to the will of the Padishah.”

“I believe you will do well, having observed you for so long.”

His usually composed face vanished, and excitement bubbled on Şemsi’s features.

It was a moment of reward after ten years of supporting the most unlikely prince as he was pushed out of power struggles.

However, contrary to what those around thought, this was not merely retaliation or a compensatory appointment.

‘No one knows the affairs in Trabzon better than Şemsi.’

Trabzon was the place where many tests were conducted for the empire’s future.

There were many attempts, such as reducing childhood mortality rates by cutting down on contaminated drinking water with barley tea or slowing down the depletion of intelligence with a four-crop rotation system.

No one else could expand this across the Ottoman Empire better than Şemsi, and he was fully aware of this.

Other personnel adjustments were made, and Arda, who served Yusuf in Trabzon, was appointed as the Sanjakbey of Trabzon.

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

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

Once the internal situation stabilized, the first enemy to face would be the Safavid, and Trabzon was on the front line.

“Take good care of my two concubines and children too.”

“I will protect them with my life.”

Yusuf nodded.

Though he wondered how the fact of their pregnancy was hidden so well, he knew it was a consideration and felt no animosity.

After appointing Arda as Sanjakbey as well, Yusuf completed all adjustments to official positions.

Those who thought he might not swing a fierce blade so soon after his ascension let out sighs of relief together with his declaration.

Yusuf’s actions were that extraordinary.

However, this was not the only surprising action.

Under the Divan Meeting Hall, a bedraggled boy bowed his head, and Yusuf spoke to him.

“Suleiman, has your heart settled a bit?”

“All thanks to the Padishah’s grace.”

Suleiman’s words were not mere formalities.

Though the Ottoman dynasty believed the only true brother was a dead brother, the opposite was true for those who became nicer after death.

They took care to collect and bury the corpse properly and held a decent funeral.

Even decapitation, which would seem insufficient for brotherly love, was done with silk cords as a form of consideration.

However, the story changed with Selim.

‘He received far too much resentment to merit such consideration.’

Those who firmly believed in Yusuf harbored deep malice toward Selim, even publicly wishing for his corpse to be thrown to the dogs.

Yet, Yusuf, at least in the way of departure, treated him properly as a brother, with Selim’s body resting beside Bayezid.

Even if Yusuf was the culprit of death, Suleiman genuinely felt grateful.

“Your Majesty, may I speak a word?”

In the somewhat cheerful atmosphere, the Grand Vizier cautiously opened his mouth.

“Speak.”

“I do not doubt your merciful heart, but must we leave behind the seeds of discord?”

As the Grand Vizier opened his mouth first, those in the Divan Meeting echoed his sentiment.

“It could be dangerous, given the young ages of the princes.”

The oldest, Mehmed, was just six, and 16-year-old Suleiman could become a risk factor in the future.

While the possibility was slim, the dynasty would not allow even that.

“What do you propose?”

“Proceed as per the pre-brother murder law practices. Even that would be a praised act of mercy for everyone.”

A heavy silence settled at the Grand Vizier’s request.

What he spoke of was not a light matter.

“Do you wish for me to pluck Suleiman’s eyes out?”

“Even if not his eyes, one could take his ears or tongue.”

Thinking of turning him into a cripple is somehow a merciful adjudication, but if it means saving one’s life, it could be interpreted as mercy.

In the time of Mehmed III, which led to the end of the brother murder law, 19 brothers who pledged loyalty were all killed, becoming deaf and dumb.

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

“That’s enough. If we go that route, will you even be able to use him properly? Suleiman.”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

“Do you remember a time when your brother Selim, my brother and your father, spoke to you?”

“…Of course.”

How could he forget in just a few days?

It was the first time他 felt true paternal love, and he would never forget it for the rest of his life.

“Your brother said you would be of use, so keep him by your side for a long time.”

“That is correct.”

“However, must I share my thoughts with the likes of you for decades?”

It was clear he would end up regretting turning him into a cripple.

When thinking of that, it would be better just to not use him or send him back into his father’s arms.

As the hand pressed down on his head, Suleiman shed tears.

It felt like the warm touch he experienced when they first met in Trabzon.

“I will command you, Suleiman.”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

Suleiman and the officials all knelt to show their respect as Yusuf issued a command.

“I strip Suleiman of his title as Şezade and grant him the title of Pasha.”

The title of Şezade signified the heir apparent, essentially declaring him as no longer a member of the royal family.

Suleiman immediately responded to this.

“I swear by Allah that the title of Şezade shall never precede my name.”

“If you break this oath, a curse shall follow for ten thousand generations.”

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

It would be foolish to perceive it as an empty threat since Yusuf had even prophesized an earthquake; this warning was not to be taken lightly.

“Suleiman Pasha.”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

As Yusuf chuckled at Suleiman, who found the title of Pasha unfamiliar, he said, “I hope you will take good care, until the day you age, go blind, lean on a cane, and beg for relief from office like your father.”

Suleiman was sweating on his forehead.

*

Scholars were convened to devise city planning, and finance ministers were wracking their brains to calculate recovery costs.

Şemsi was troubled by Yusuf’s order to quickly implement the four-crop rotation method across the Ottoman Empire, while Suleiman, feeling a threat to his life, brought his friend Yaya.

As bureaucrats screamed as a result of his orders, Yusuf busily mapped out future plans.

“Indeed, we must prioritize the conquest of the Mamluks.”

Setting a grand goal to conquer six continents, he understood the need to maintain focus.

The first objective was to conquer the Safavid and the Mamluks to secure the route to India.

‘Not just spices, there are stones to be mined in India.’

If he could only extract the stones buried in India, it would ease burdens on the critical powder issue.

Simultaneously, he could gain vast wealth through trade, constraining Portugal.

In an era where gold and silver equated to military strength, this was the first priority.

Once he firmly held Eastern trade, controlling Oceania, which was up for grabs, wouldn’t be a problem.

“The biggest issue remains the Americas.”

Breaking through the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Atlantic and Mediterranean, to reach America was no small feat.

As the infidel Demon King, the Ottomans would have to face the entirety of Europe betting their lives to impede their departure into the Mediterranean.

Currently, Spain tightly held the Strait of Gibraltar.

‘But, now that it’s before the birth of European powers, it might be worth a try.’

Of course, this required significant preparations.

As Yusuf continued to ponder, he heard a voice from his chamberlain.

-Your Majesty, Sheikh al-Islam and the ulama have requested a meeting.

The Sheikh al-Islam was the highest authority in Islam, equal in status to the Grand Vizier, and ulama referred to Islamic scholars.

“Well, that took longer than I expected.”

Chuckling to himself, Yusuf stood and exited through the door of bliss, where those requesting the meeting awaited him with respect.

“Greetings to the great Padishah.”

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

At Yusuf’s words, the gathered faces hardened.

The letter he had sent was a sort of inaugural address, and it indirectly revealed his governance plans.

It began with:

– The Ottoman Empire, a well-protected nation, and the master of Rome.

This phrasing would have certainly offended them.

The Ottomans yet lacked an official title and used various names as circumstances dictated.

The expression Ottoman Empire was used to emphasize the Ottoman dynasty, while the well-protected nation was a general term.

Referring to Rome as “Room” was a term used to include Christians.

This expression omitted the mention of Allah or Islam, which were significant religious aspects meaningful to them.

For the core of Islamic power to not rush forward immediately was also somewhat unusual, and gazing down upon them, Yusuf smiled.

“Did you really think I wouldn’t predict the earthquake that occurred in Edirne yesterday?”

A chilling silence fell.