Yusuf the Great (1489~1589)

The Great Padishah, the greatest emperor in human history, prophet, defender of Islam, defender of Christianity (controversial), undefeated emperor, father of all subjects, … (omitted)

This book aims to focus on interesting information that students might find appealing, rather than delving into the countless achievements of Yusuf the Great, which could fill half the historical exam scope, as he created the Ottoman Empire, the largest empire in history.

Controversy over bureaucratic exploitation.

The controversy over Yusuf the Great is prominent, as bureaucrats in the 16th century sometimes worked 100 hours a week, and some historians have claimed that the spread of coffee was to further this exploitation.

However, Yusuf the Great faced a labor shortage to the extent that he had to work intensely, and providing expensive coffee and ginseng should be viewed as social welfare.

The case of Grand Vizier Şemsi and his son İlhân, who had their resignations rejected dozens of times, seems to be an act to suppress dissatisfaction over their long tenures.

Relationship with Charles V.

Charles V, who led Spain into the dark ages, stood in stark opposition to Yusuf the Great in many ways.

It is said that upon hearing the news of Yusuf the Great liberating the Indians by crossing over to the Americas, Charles V suffered a shock that led to his death, being his last defeat.

Princess Hasna.

The only daughter of the Great Emperor, who lamented that Michelangelo, the artist of the Emperor, could not find the right stone to capture her likeness, resulting in her being left only in a painting.

Due to her beauty potentially causing turmoil among the subjects, portraits of Yusuf the Great’s family were not made public, and even those who accomplished great deeds and actually saw the portraits all agreed.

The story of Ivan IV finally succeeding in marriage after ten years of courtship in Constantinople is still famous as a love story of the century.

(omitted)

Lastly, there’s a prophecy from Nostradamus, regarded as a prophet in Europe (Francis II, upon hearing the news of the marriage between Ivan IV and Princess Hasna, was enraged and permanently exiled him from France):

“When the mighty tree is about to fall, the giant shall rise again.” The Sufis of the Ottoman Empire, who sanctified Yusuf the Great, believe the giant in the prophecy refers to him.

The author thinks the biggest reason Yusuf the Great is heralded as the greatest emperor is not simply because he built an empire where the sun never sets, but because he fundamentally loved his subjects.

*This book was written with the support of the Ottoman dynasty.

*

Yusuf II (1592~1655)

Angry faces shouted as they smashed the weaving machines making cloth.

“If the Great Yusuf were here, he would never have allowed these things that take jobs from subjects!”

“Yes! This is evil!”

It was the backlash of workers who believed they were losing jobs due to the industrial revolution that began in the late 16th century, and this sentiment spread more rapidly to other countries where wages were much lower than in the Ottoman Empire.

In response to the workers’ rebellion, Yusuf II suppressed the backlash by announcing a minimum wage to prevent reckless exploitation and initiate a massive railway project for job creation.

It was a significant decision that accelerated the development of trains at a toddler’s level and expanded the living space of the Ottomans, and it is said that Yusuf the Great left solutions contained in books for future generations.

Yusuf III (1676~1760)

It was a time of global tragedy.

“How long must we live under the Ottoman Empire?! That Panama Canal originally belonged to Spain!”

“The two canals of the Ottoman Empire should now be utilized for everyone in the world!”

“Both their long-time allies, the Mughal Empire, France, and Venice, have also joined us.”

This was the formation of the anti-Ottoman alliance, marking the beginning of a world war.

The war between the anti-Ottoman alliance and the Ottoman Empire expanded into wars involving the Ottoman’s allied nations, the Tsardom of Russia and the Qing Dynasty, with victories oscillating to the Ottoman side over the course of two decades.

Unable to bear the mounting damages, the anti-Ottoman alliance had no choice but to declare defeat, surrendering enormous compensation and key strongholds.

However, the prolonged war was a victory filled only with scars for the Ottomans, and it ultimately led to the Ottoman becoming a federated state.

*

When the wounds of war began to heal, the sudden death of the Ottoman Union’s Padishah, Batur IV, was shocking.

The next Padishah, Yusuf IV, was a mere 7 years old.

Due to the young age of the Padishah, a regency began, and the Ottoman Empire quickly descended into corruption.

As the life of subjects became increasingly difficult, tremors of unrest erupted across the Ottoman Empire.

“Look at our starving children! The era of the Great Padishah has ended! Now we must govern our country like Europeans!”

The defeat in the world war stirred revolutionary winds across Europe, many kings were executed or forcibly deposed, and parliaments filled the vacancies left behind.

As the Ottoman dynasty wobbled, this revolutionary sentiment seeped into the Ottoman as well.

“Since when have we been Ottomans?! Look back at the glorious history of Athens. We are not Ottomans; we are Greeks!”

Feeling the unfortunate strength of the Ottoman after the defeat of the world war, Europeans chose methods other than war, stoking nationalism to fracture the empire.

As the time of tyranny prolonged, the winds of revolution shook the empire, and the eye of the storm opened its eyes.

“It’s chaos.”

A chilling voice rang throughout the vast, empty space.

The boy with hands that were still smaller than an adult’s clenched and unclenched a few times, then stood up.

Looking down at a gun that was over 200 years old and now only found in museums, the boy grimaced.

“What rubbish. If you intended to commit suicide, you might as well remove the bullet. What a fool to think this is a descendant.”

Removing the rod lodged in the muzzle, Yusuf slung the gun over his shoulder.

The gun gifted to him by his craftsman Tahir during his prince days seemed to have been meticulously cared for, turning into a relic of Yusuf the Great over the long years.

‘This is even more ridiculous.’

Having thought it was better for an incompetent descendant to die since a young age, he never imagined he would become that incompetent fool.

Yusuf slowly reflected on the passing time.

It’s unfortunate that America, Africa, and Australia became lumped together in a loose federation.

But it had to be done if it was for the subjects.

“However, the empire is no longer an empire for the subjects.”

Coldly, Yusuf moved towards the strictly controlled room where the relics of Yusuf the Great were stored.

As the Padishah emerged with the old gun on his shoulder, the Janissaries guarding him were taken aback.

“…Is it really the Padishah?”

“Follow me.”

The Janissaries reflexively followed behind him at the authoritative voice of the Padishah, one they had never seen from the previously timid ruler.

As Yusuf left the Third Courtyard, the scenery and attire of the people in Topkapi Palace had noticeably changed over the years, but it didn’t catch Yusuf’s eye.

He only focused on moving forward.

As he stepped out, people’s gazes turned to him.

“What brings the Padishah here?”

“…You appear different than usual?”

It wasn’t the usual timid steps; his powerful strides and bright eyes exuded an aura the likes of which Yusuf IV had never felt before.

Those awestruck by the Padishah’s transformation suddenly realized where he was headed.

The door he forcefully opened was the Divan Meeting Hall, a place he had never entered.

From within the opening door, a thin voice carried out.

“So, we just need to send troops to kill the insects that don’t even know their subject?! What’s the big deal, what a fuss… Wait, why has the Padishah come all the way here?”

The Grand Vizier, raising his voice in annoyance in front of the officials, turned flustered upon seeing Yusuf enter.

Approaching close to Yusuf, the Grand Vizier forced a smile.

“There’s no need for the Padishah to come this far. If there’s anything you’re curious about, you merely need to ask me anytime; why trouble yourself? And isn’t that the gun of Yusuf the Great?!”

Upon seeing the gun slung over Yusuf’s shoulder, the Grand Vizier spoke sternly.

“Even as Padishah, you mustn’t recklessly bring out the relics of Yusuf the Great. These things must remain for the empire that will last forever. So please, hand it over to me.”

“Grand Vizier.”

Realizing the unusual atmosphere of Yusuf only after reaching for the gun, the Grand Vizier noticed the mocking smile on Yusuf’s face and the frighteningly glowing green eyes that seemed to pierce right through him.

In that moment, he recalled a being he read about in an ancient book.

‘He’s like the eyes of Yusuf the Great.’

With blasphemous thoughts rushing in, cold sweat rolled down the Grand Vizier’s back.

“W-why do you call for me, Padishah?”

“Am I truly the Padishah?”

“What kind of question is that? You are the Padishah, the ruler of the Ottoman Empire.”

“Is that so.”

Yusuf nodded, and the Grand Vizier, feeling slightly relieved, stiffened at the subsequent chilling words.

“Then why was there no respect shown? Who dares to look down on the ruler of this empire?”

Danger.

Instincts screamed a warning as the Grand Vizier hastily attempted to bow, but Yusuf was faster.

-BANG!

With a deafening noise echoing through the building, a hole was blasted through the Grand Vizier’s head, and he collapsed.

Before anyone could even react, everyone froze like stone, while Yusuf calmly looked at the hot barrel of the gun in his hand.

“Thank you for waiting so long. You’ve completed your final task wonderfully.”

The barrel of the gun, having waited for its rightful master for so long, cracked here and there at the tip, and without any hesitation, Yusuf placed it on the corpse.

A harsh silence engulfed the Divan building as Yusuf spoke with an authoritative voice.

“Who dares to not show respect before the ruler of this empire?”

At Yusuf’s words, everyone in the Divan building immediately bowed their heads.

-“We meet the Padishah!”

When the powerful voice echoed through the building, the doors of the Divan opened.

“Padishah, what has happened here?”

The Janissary girl in splendid attire bowed with a confused expression.

The once-menacing Grand Vizier now lay lifeless, while the weak Padishah casually brushed off the blood from his face.

Yusuf welcomed the puzzled Janissary girl before him.

“You came at a good time.”

Yusuf, standing before the Janissary girl, leaned down to whisper.

“I made good use of the bullet and gunpowder you provided.”

As the girl trembled like she had been struck by lightning, Yusuf smiled lightly.

How could someone from the palace, used to living a sheltered life, acquire gunpowder and bullets that even soldiers would scorn?

It implies someone’s trickery is at play here.

“P-Padishah, that…”

“Your actions were meant for the subjects of the empire, and I will not pursue further. However, there won’t be a second time.”

“…Thank you, Padishah.”

Gazing deeply into her trembling eyes, Yusuf lifted his head satisfying and issued his order.

“Janissary girl! Carry out your command!”

“Your command!”

“From now on, the capital is to be sealed off! No little bugs shall escape. Change shall come from here, the heart of the empire.”

“Understood!”

Hearing the Janissary’s booming response, Yusuf declared.

“From this day forth, the empire shall become great again.”

The giant has risen once more.

[End]

This is where my chronicle of Yusuf ends.

Having been obsessed with the word Sultan and researching it for five days, I have come a long way to its completion.

Until I started writing, I knew nothing of the Ottomans, so I believe many readers might have been in a similar position.

This being my first attempt at a historical novel, I faced numerous shortcomings while continuously researching; I think this book has reached its conclusion thanks to the readers who have stayed with me. Thank you.

I regretted recklessly challenging myself because writing a historical novel proved to be quite difficult. I have gained respect for those authors who delve into historical narratives.

Anyway, it seems my next work will be something lighter to write than a historical narrative. Perhaps in the future, I might take another reckless challenge if some good material comes to mind.

For my final farewell, I will express myself differently than usual.

Thank you for your enjoyable reading until now.