변화의 바람(1)

When a big earthquake strikes, aftershocks follow for a while.

Knowledge of the future isn’t common in this era; indeed, earthquakes are quite foreign here.

In modern times, we frequently hear news of earthquakes across the globe, but in this era, we can only come across them in Grandpa’s old stories.

Yusuf is not particularly fond of the current situation either.

‘Honestly, it’s better to avoid using future knowledge in a prophetic manner.’

Becoming a Sultan and playing Nostradamus may seem wise, but in the long run, the losses will likely outweigh the gains.

People’s minds are treacherous; while they might be enthusiastic now, come a future disaster, they’ll surely question why the predictions failed this time.

That’s why it’s more important to be supported as the ruler of the Empire rather than as a prophet.

‘Moreover, if I claim to be a prophet, many will look down on me.’

It’s not just the Islamic people before me; the West, which sees the Ottoman as an Islamic demon, poses a problem as well.

For instance, suppose I predict an earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1531.

If the heathens dismiss me as absurd and then 30,000 people die in the quake—

“The wicked infidel has summoned the calamity with the devil’s power! It is the time for a crusade!”

With the Pope at the forefront, a sacred alliance may easily form to attack the Ottomans, potentially bringing the Topkapi Palace into peril.

As evidenced, the rumor that a heathen king performed miracles of prophecy could be quite perilous.

At a time when the Reformation was budding, witch hunts were rampant, and a warmonger like Pope Julius II sought to expand the Papal States through war was currently in his seat.

It’s unpredictable what variables might arise from provoking such sentiments.

Despite being well aware of this, I continue to predict aftershocks, including in Edirne, due to the seeds I’ve sown.

‘Selim has been executed as the culprit behind the earthquakes, yet they keep occurring—this could cause problems.’

Perhaps weak aftershocks won’t impact much, but significant ones that leave records would be enough to raise doubts about Yusuf’s claims.

With all his brothers dead, his position may not be at risk, but the momentum for early reforms could be lost.

Though this did bring Islamic figures before him.

“Your Padishah, may I ask something?”

“Speak.”

The Kapikulu Silahtars stationed nearby bore sharp nudges as if ready to strike if I utter nonsense, while Sheikh al-Islam Zembilli Ali Effendi calmly inquired.

“Can you tell me how you know of the earthquakes?”

“Hm, do I have any obligation to explain that to you?”

“Then allow me to ask differently. Do you consider yourself a prophet?”

In response to Ali’s pointed question, Yusuf couldn’t help but chuckle.

“And if I do?”

“According to the Quran, Muhammad is the last prophet. Do you think you can carry that weight?”

At Ali’s words, those guarding him instinctively placed their hands on their swords, radiating menacing energy.

The aura from the top elite warriors of the Ottomans could overwhelm any scholar, yet the kneeling Ali didn’t even flinch.

‘So he was indeed one to rebel against Selim.’

He was known for opposing the harsh Selim in the true history, and it was clear he wasn’t an ordinary man.

Yusuf, intrigued, asked,

“If that’s the case, what do you think of my predicting the earthquake?”

“I think it was just a stroke of luck.”

“Luck, you say?”

Luck has certainly been on my side — I’ve benefited from it quite a lot so far.

However, they probably don’t realize this, so it’s a suggestion to kindly dismiss it as mere good fortune.

The debate about prophecy is like spilled water; it’s better to salvage what can be salvaged.

“Zembilli Ali Effendi.”

“Yes, Your Padishah.”

“The Empire has grown alongside Islam and has held it in high regard. Isn’t that so?”

“Indeed.”

When the Ottomans emerged, the Crusaders were rampaging in the west, and the Mongol Empire was in the east, causing the Islamic community to falter.

At that time, the Ottomans attracted the support of Islam by proclaiming they would reconquer the lands invaded by heathens.

From inception to end, being characterized as an Islamic Empire was crucial for the Ottomans.

“However, the current Islam is far too narrow to contain the Empire.”

“How can you say such a dreadful thing?”

At Ali’s agitated reaction, Yusuf spoke coolly.

“The Quran was created centuries ago, right? How many nations have fallen since, and how many cultures have changed? Do you honestly think the Quran, tailored for nomads, is fitting for our Empire?”

At Yusuf’s keen observation, Ali fell silent.

Muhammad’s Quran was well-reflected of the needs of the then dominant nomads.

‘It’s similar to the prohibition of pigs.’

For nomads, pigs were slow-moving and unsuitable for their way of life, requiring a lot of precious water and food without offering help, aside from when slaughtered.

Unlike sheep that provide wool and milk, or cows that offer labor.

Yet, the delightful taste did lead some to raise them, making it an unfavorable scenario for a leader.

Thus, it is plausible they religiously prohibited pork.

‘And there are many more rules tailored for nomads.’

In the present, the vast and potentially more colossal Empire cannot be contained by such narrow concepts.

“Are you suggesting that you intend to create a new Quran by claiming to be a prophet?”

“There’s no way I’d tolerate such heretical actions, including you.”

While plagued by the label of a heathen in Christianity, I’d have no reason to embrace being branded as a heretic in the Islamic realm.

Especially when I must invade and dominate regions like the Safavid and Mamluks, making governance even more complicated.

At Yusuf’s words, Ali wore a perplexed expression.

“What do you intend to do?”

“I have already communicated my will. A generous Empire will walk the path of glory.”

The generous Empire was Yusuf’s vision.

Being generous doesn’t mean refusing to engage in conquest wars; it signifies governing various religions, cultures, and races with generosity.

‘Inclusivity greatly influences the growth of cities and nations.’

Explosive growth typically occurs when diverse cultures and races mix freely.

The Islamic Golden Age, where mathematics, medicine, chemistry, literature, and architecture thrived, was a culmination of merging Greek, Roman, Persian, Indian, and other cultures.

‘A single religious perspective deeply impacting the Empire does no good.’

As the Ottomans declined, Islam took a more central role, leading to widespread disdain for science and significantly contributing to their downfall.

It’s not that Islam is bad, but rather that when religion wields power and shakes the nation, various problems arise.

Facing Yusuf’s declaration, Ali hardened his face.

“Are you thinking of abandoning Islam?”

“Those who believe in Islam are also my subjects. I wouldn’t abandon them.”

By conquering the Mamluks, one could claim the position of Caliph, equating to the Pope of Islam, so there’s no reason not to.

“You all will bask in glory under my Empire, the Ottoman Empire.”

Of course, this generosity would also apply to heretics, aligning with Yusuf’s interests.

Without the necessity of self-proclaiming as a prophet or attempting to alter Islam, there could be those who rise to see Yusuf as one, enabling changes within Islam across the Empire.

‘The Quran is similar to Confucius’s Analects.’

It wasn’t written by him directly; it was compiled by his disciples after his death.

One might argue there was no distortion throughout that process, and question the claim of being the last prophet.

Even without making such claims, having witnessed Yusuf’s prophecy firsthand makes gathering followers no difficulty at all.

Supporting such heresies could allow for Islamic influences to be tailored to fit desires.

This was something Ali could foresee perfectly, and he let out a small sigh.

“I expect to see you often for unfavorable matters, then.”

“If you don’t overstep, we may be able to see each other for a while.”

Religious leaders like Sheikh al-Islam bore a type of responsibility.

They are the ones held accountable and executed when issues like rebellions arise.

In response to Yusuf’s warning, Ali decided to observe the situation and took his leave after expressing his respects.

Once back in his chamber, Yusuf slumped down.

“Well, it’s not like I got nothing out of it.”

I cleverly twisted the discussion enough to cover how I could predict these earthquakes.

For now, saving time is what matters.

After conquering the Safavids and Mamluks, I won’t need to maintain public sentiment as a prophet.

“And I need to establish a proper framework for the state.”

It was an era where no common conceptions of a country existed.

There was no distinctly established name for the state, and in different circumstances, various titles were used, even if there was a flag representing the monarch, there was not a national flag symbolizing the state.

This is inherently why religion must be utilized to govern and manage public sentiment.

“With a lack of recognizable state structure, national pride is weak, making disintegration upon disturbance inevitable.”

Establishing an accurate name for the state, creating a national flag, and instilling a sense of citizenship through literature was necessary too.

Additionally, diverse education needed to be widely implemented.

Of course, with a minimal concept of what constitutes a nation, it would be a prolonged task, and I cannot merely focus on internal organization forever.

“Eliminating the Safavid led by Ismail is urgent.”

Yusuf glanced at the map.

While there is much to upheave in the Ottomans, they remain too formidable a threat to ignore.

“They might even collude with the West.”

Even if both side the finger at each other as heathens, if it benefits them, they could easily join forces.

Yusuf declared coldly.

“Two years from now.”

He intended to raise an army to topple the Safavids.

*

In the capital of the Safavid Empire, Tabriz, a lavish banquet was underway.

Leading 17,000 Qizilbash, Ismail had just defeated an army of 28,000 from Uzbekistan and claimed the life of the enemy’s ruler, Muhammad Shaybani Khan.

“Hmm, this wine tastes excellent.”

Sipping from a goblet made from a jeweled skull, Ismail laughed.

It was a wine glass crafted from Shaybani’s skull, and as Ismail chuckled delightedly, a soldier approached, bowing in respect.

“Great Shah, those who rebelled alongside Shakul request an audience with you.”

“Hm, let them in.”

There was no real reason to meet with such defeated remnants, but Ismail granted permission.

It had been after hearing news that his most formidable foe, Yusuf, had ultimately become a Sultan, and he needed to learn how he fought.

The man, having fled to avoid pursuit now knelt before him, bowing respectfully.

“Before the great Shah, I stand.”

Ismail graciously acknowledged his tribulations and asked.

“Now then, relate the details of the battle. How did you face defeat?”

As Ismail’s inquiry drew the man to recall those moments, he trembled lightly.

“A colossal thunder echoed from the enemy’s weapons, and our valiant soldiers fell in heaps.”

“Thunder, you say?”

Ismail stroked his beard with interest, while one nearby spoke cautiously.

“It seems he refers to the gunpowder weapons of the Ottomans.”

“I see, such things exist.”

Ismail chuckled with a hint of intrigue.

*

Yusuf’s informants, who contacted Tazlu to aid her, were carefully selected individuals.

They had circulated rumors about Ismail and reported the troop movement of 5,000 Qizilbash planning to attack Trabzon via Erzurum by way of diversion.

“Brother Hasan.”

The man lying in the room jumped up at the call.

“Don’t call me that!”

The man, called Hasan, struck his subordinate on the head.

“I’m suffering because of that name!”

Thanks to his completion of a demanding mission perfectly, he now found himself spying in the heart of enemy territory.

No matter how one looked at it, he felt cursed by Hasan’s ordeal.

Kicking his anger aside, Hasan asked his subordinate.

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing special, but the remnants of the rebellion that arose in the Empire have been residing within the palace for a while.”

Choosing critical information was essential work, and under normal circumstances, it would have been omitted.

However, Hasan sensed an inexplicable unease and decided after much deliberation.

“I’ll include it in the information to send.”

“But isn’t it a trivial matter?”

“It may seem so to us, but perhaps His Padishah can see what we cannot.”

“If I get scolded later, it won’t be my fault.”

The subordinate grumbled after adding another remark, grumbling about receiving another hit.