|
|
Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Sept 28, 2016 21:20:42 GMT
A council of officers from the Janissary corp have occupied several military establishments in the capital, as well as a few civilian tradehouses and a well-regarded Galatan Coffee House. The Janissaries have a list of grievances, that are posted on noticeboards around the Capital.
1. The Treaty of Karlowitz was an embarrassment caused by the weak and ineffective Sultan.
2. Taxes are too damn high!
3. The excesses and corruption of the Sultan's former tutor Seyhulislam Feyzullah Efendi are, well, just not cool.
There are a corresponding list of demands:
1. We want a chance to increase the Empire's power through war!
2. Taxes must be lowered.
3. Seyhulislam Feyzullah Efendi must be exiled, or the Sultan should step aside.
The demands are intended to be enforced by 9,000 Janissary defectors from the Armies of Thrace and Macedonia.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sublime Porte on Oct 1, 2016 18:52:22 GMT
The Janissaries receive a message from a friend on the inside, named 'Yusuf Bey' as a nome de plume. The commanders of the Janissaries are expected to know his real identity. Yusuf Bey promises the co-operation of the officers of state in the removal of the ineffective Mustafa II, to be replaced by his brother Ahmed (to be Sultan Ahmet III). The faction of Yusuf Bey promise to restore the prestige of the empire, through reversing the misfortunes recently suffered, principally the shame of losing the Morean peninsula. A series of tax reforms are already planned, and should lighten the load on the citizenry, while reducing corruption.
In effect, all demands will be met, with a new Sultan.
The final point, however, is more nuanced. The Sublime Porte are unable to remove a Sheikh ül-Islam without imperial authority, and the Sultan may not be replaced without the approval of the Sheikh ül-Islam. To this end, a vague Fatwa from several years before is revealed, together with evidence of Feyzullah Efendi's corruption at the expense of the empire, and abuse of power and influence over the Sultan.
The question addressed to the Seyhulislam was simple:
"What is the proper manner of dealing with a traitor against the House of Osman?"
And the answer blunt:
"Death."
Whether genuine or not, the fatwa dated 1701 could not be suggesting a simpler conclusion. The Janissaries are to read between the lines, and to deal out punishment to the traitor Feyzullah. The other arms of state will stand aside, and a new Sultan will usher in a new era of regained confidence, reformed taxation, and renewed vigour.
|
|
|
|
Post by The Viceroy (AdminM) on Oct 1, 2016 22:02:29 GMT
The Janissaries, with merciless brutality, execute this decree. The traitor Feyzullah and his suspected accomplices are gathered together in the docks of Istanbul. They are dispatched by beheading, with no ceremony bar the celebrations of the assembled crowd. The Sultan's life is spared, but he is still held by the Janissaries and waits to learn of his fate.
The Janissary dissidents form a new garrison of Istanbul. The great 'Yusef Bey,' who is as mysterious as he is exalted, if hailed as a semi-mythical hero and saviour of the empire. Though some more cool-headed observers note it is hard to say what influence he had over the revolt. However, there is no doubt that once Yusef Bey reveals his true character, he will be able to enjoy the loyalty of the armed forces and considerable personal power.
Ahmet has made clear his intention to travel to Istanbul to accept the Sultanate.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sublime Porte on Oct 2, 2016 17:05:00 GMT
The Sultan is forcibly returned to the Seraglio palace, where he willingly abdicates the throne, having been a broken man for many years. Officially, the work of government continues under his seal until his successor can be enthroned.
An Ottoman merchant arrives at the Seraglio to oversee the proceedings, and is announced by a Janissary companion as Yusuf Bey, to much cheering. A short costume change later, and it is clear that the figure is the Reis Efendi, Rami Mehmed Pasha. Rami Mehmed, previously slightly controversial as a signatory of the Treaty of Karlowitz, is now accepted to be 'one of us' by the more militant Janissaries, having fought to minimise losses at the peace conference, and now promising to reverse those losses.
Preparations are made for Ahmet's entry into Istanbul, with a grand procession along the Divan Yolu for his arrival in the city, followed by a night of rest in the Palace, and then an official coronation and the girding of Ahmet with the Sword of Osman.
During the interregnum, Rami Mehmed Pasha will act as regent, holding power of attorney on behalf of the captive Mustafa II until Ahmet can officially be enthroned. He will appoint the core officers of state needed for a coronation, and then with the blessing of Ahmet III is expected to appoint a full Divan and continue on as Grand Vezir.
The more astute and attentive European observers are informed that 'Rami', the 'obedient' - the name he signs his poetry with, intends to gather a Divan full of all the talents, excluding none of the old regime or tarnished individuals, or even the powerful Koprollu family, if they are generally believed to hold merit. A few promotions are rumoured at, that may hint at those who were supportive of the coup.
Much to the chagrin of the Venetian observers, it seems the promised Morean campaign is very much real.
|
|
