Preparation (Part 2)

As we arrived at Edirne, Muhtasin Pasha, along with Aydin and I led to the small fortress which Muhtasin had been assigned. From where I saw, it was properly maintained. He led me to where the Janissaries are in lines.

As I passed the castle gate, a familiar sound began to swell. The Mehter—the legendary Ottoman military band—struck their instruments. The pounding of bass drums reverberated through the fortress, mingling with the piercing notes of the zurna. Their music was both a celebration and a call to arms, stirring a sense of pride and purpose.

The melody filled my heart with resolve. I glanced at Aydin, whose expression mirrored my awe, and then at Muhtasin Pasha, who stood at attention, his posture betraying a quiet satisfaction.

"The Mehter…" I murmured, my chest swelling with pride as the music echoed through the fortress walls, "…never fails to amaze me further."

The intricate melodies of the zurna and the powerful rhythm of the kettledrums resonated in my soul, stirring a profound sense of connection to our history and might.

"I couldn't agree more, my shehzade," Aydin said, his voice carrying the same awe I felt.

As the final notes of the Mehter faded, a silence settled over the courtyard. It wasn't the silence of inaction but one charged with anticipation, as if the soldiers themselves were holding their breath.

An officer stepped forward, his voice sharp and commanding as he barked an order. "Halt! At ease!" The Janissaries relaxed their stance, but their disciplined demeanor remained unwavering.

Muhtasin Pasha turned to me, a small, encouraging smile on his face. "I think it's time you gave them a speech, my shehzade." He gestured toward the assembled regiment, his signal clear.

I glanced at Aydin, who gave me a reassuring nod. Then, I stepped forward, my heart steady despite the weight of this moment. The Janissaries' eyes were on me now, their expressions a mix of curiosity and expectation.

"Assalamualaikum and good day, warriors of the empire," I began, my voice firm and clear. "You are not just soldiers; you are the shield of this land, the sword of justice, and the heart of the Ottoman Empire. For centuries, your forebears poured their sweat and blood into protecting this homeland. Their sacrifices have carved the path we walk today."

I paused, letting the weight of my words settle. The Janissaries listened intently, their expressions reflecting both pride and determination.

"This empire stands because of you! You are the backbone, the strength, and the pride of our people. Without you, there is no tomorrow, no future for this sacred land. I ask you now: will you stand as your ancestors did? Will you fight to preserve the honor and glory of the empire?"

A powerful, unified roar erupted from the ranks. "SIR, YES SIR!"

~~~

Moments Later

Moments after the parade concluded, I decided to head toward the Edirne Palace with Muhtasin and Aydin accompanying me.

As we approached the grand gates, a guard raised his voice, announcing, "Crown Shehzade of the Ottoman Empire, Shehzade Selim, has arrived!" His proclamation echoed through the palace grounds, sending a ripple of activity throughout.

Inside the palace, Celebi Orhan Bey, the Beylerbeyi of Edirne, stood in his study, reviewing provincial reports. The guard's announcement reached him like a lightning strike.

"What? The Crown Prince is here?" His voice rose, a mix of shock and urgency. "How could no one inform me of this sooner? Quickly! Prepare the palace to receive him with full honors! This must reflect the grandeur of the Empire!"

The palace erupted into action. Servants rushed through the halls, unfurling banners bearing the imperial crest and arranging lavish trays of fruits, sweets, and spiced drinks. Musicians hurried to assemble, tuning their instruments in preparation for a welcoming performance.

The grand halls of Edirne Palace, with their intricate Iznik tilework and gilded decorations, were transformed into a spectacle of royal hospitality. Celebi Orhan Bey, now clad in his finest robes, adjusted his turban and hurried to the main entrance. His heart raced—not with fear, but with determination to honor his guest in the manner befitting a crown prince.

~~~

After the kind of last minute decision of celebration. I sat at the throne chair, look around the surroundings.

"Greetings, my shehzade, I am Celebi Orhan Bey, Beylerbeyi of Edirne. I beg for forgiveness if the preparation seems rushed and not up to your expectation." Celebi Bey bowed.

"Thank you, and I forgive you for it." I nodded understanding.

"As you come here, I assumed the Sultan, requesting me to step down?" Celebi guessed.

"No, no you can resume your duties as you were. As you know, we are near at war." I explained.

"Yes, you're correct, though there's still no news on relation status, we strive to remain caution." Celebi Bey guaranteed.

"Good, I think that would be all, I will relay orders from time to time, but for now just remain as it is."

"Understood, my shehzade" Celebi bowed, and left the throne room with his stewards.

We continue the discussion. My thoughts drifted briefly to Edirne, located 42.3 fersah (254 km) from Istanbul—a journey of several days by horse-drawn carriage. Once the empire's capital, Edirne retained its importance as a bustling trading hub and a strategic military base, especially during wartime. Its status as a former capital ensured that it housed significant military infrastructure, making my task of administering it somewhat easier.

This was my first time training with the Janissaries, and I was determined to leave my mark. With Muhtasin Pasha and Aydın by my side, I emphasized the need for enhanced physical training. Traditionally, the Janissaries marched half a fersah (3 km), but I insisted they complete a full 6 km to build their endurance and improve survival rates. As we were known as a 'gunpowder empire,' I also proposed intensified firing drills to hone their proficiency with firearms.

"Physical training... That's a good move, my şehzade," Muhtasin Pasha agreed, nodding thoughtfully. "Improving their endurance will undoubtedly enhance their survivability."

"Then we'll implement this with the 40th Orta first," I replied, pausing. "But we must tread carefully. The Janissaries wield immense political power in the Ottoman court. Many advisors have risen from their ranks, and history is rife with examples of rulers deposed by their hand."

Muhtasin smiled, his loyalty unwavering. "For me, the battlefield is preferable to the court. Command me to fight other Janissaries if necessary, and I will—so long as the cause is just."

I sighed, and nodded, acknowledging the gesture. "Appreciate that, because you see I want to reform the army and navy."

Aydin, when he heard the navy "What?!?! Navy also?"

""Yes, Aydın-effendim. Their generals and admirals must focus entirely on military and defense matters. While political influence is inevitable, only those in the highest positions will be directly involved in governance."

"Yeah. maybe you can tell us how you reform these army and navy. So far I cannot fathom to analyze." Muhtasin, intrigued yet still cannot comprehend maybe because he thought its already perfect.

"Let me start with the basics. My reform plan begins with introducing a structured ranking system for both the Janissary corps and the Ottoman Navy. This system will define ranks from the lowest to the highest, ensuring better organization and discipline across all units."

"Hmm interesting, my shehzade." Muhtasin listening.

"Also their salary will be paid according to the ranks they have. So each rank has its own salaries. Of course, matters arise, is how we get the income. Well for now, it will be from my personal wealth to pay the soldiers."

"Yes, it can be, but I think we cannot just rely on it forever." Muhtasin added.

"Yes, maybe for that my courtiers and I will find a way. But technically, after success on reforming other aspects in economy, this reform is just piece of cake actually."

"Quite intriguing for the plan you try to reform. What would be the name for it then?" Muhtasin rub his chin

I waited for this moment. "It shall be known, Nizam I-Cedid" Yep I said it.

"Hmm, my suggestion, shehzade. I think we can start with the training method for now." Muhtasin suggests.

"Yes, that would be for now." I agreed.

"But still, for an 8 year old prince, it must be a blessed for the empire."

I smiled. Well haha lucky me.