sultan's crescent

Chapter 42 The Position
Thessaloniki is the largest port in northern Greece. The city is located in the west of the Chalkidiki peninsula and borders on the Gulf of Thessaloniki.

By the time Selim arrived, the city's residents had already gone about their day.

The population of Thessaloniki is dominated by Muslims, Greek Orthodox Christians, and Sephardic Jews. It has a Mediterranean climate with warm winters and hot summers.

Incidentally, the city was once the capital of the ancient Macedonian Kingdom.

In 315 BC, King Cassander of Macedon built Thessaloniki on the site of (or near) the ancient city of Selma and 26 surrounding villages.

Although Thessaloniki has an ancient history and a glorious past, Selim will not be naive to think that this group of Greek landowners chose this place for this reason.

But what is the reason? The number of Greek Orthodox Christians in Thessaloniki is not dominant.

Shouldn't Athens be a better choice than Thessaloniki?
Selim shook his head, too lazy to think about such incomprehensible things. No matter what tricks the Greeks had, Selim believed that he could not lose this kind of duel.

"Justinian, has John Paleoleg been dealt with?" Selim asked casually, looking at the spies on the side.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, we didn't find a chance. He got very close to the Fanars, and Simon Ducasse offered him shelter."

Unexpectedly, Justinian, who had never missed a shot, gave a negative answer at this time.

"Dukas? What do Simon or the Fanars want to do? Increase the bondage? But the Flach nobles are worthless."

After hearing the spy's report, Selim started brainstorming.

"Or, find a scapegoat?"

Vaguely, Selim felt that he had guessed the correct answer, but this had to be verified.

"Justinian, who are the entourage this time? Is John Paleoleg in there?"

"Your Majesty, it is mainly the patriarchs of the Fanars, as well as Suleiman of the Chapan family. As for Paleoleg, he is in the team of Simon Dukas."

Selim nodded and began to think in the carriage.

The long convoy passed the White Tower and then headed towards the upper city. Along the way were the Hagia Sophia Church, the ruins of the Roman market, the ruins of the Galeus Palace and the Galeus Arch full of reliefs, and finally arrived at the circular cathedral in the 4th century .

A group of Greek families were already waiting here. When they saw the Sudan's convoy approaching, they lined up to say hello to the Sudan one by one.

After a brief exchange of greetings and ceremonial reception, the group of Greeks got into their own carriages and began to lead the way for the Sultan's convoy.

"What kind of rebellion, dare to walk in front of the sultan, it is a blasphemy to the majesty of the sultan."

Selim looked at the group of Greeks, and suddenly felt an urge to kill them all, which was hard to contain.

It's like the company's leaders see the employees go to work with their left foot first, they are full of murderous aura.

The location of the speech was not far from the city of Thessaloniki, just at a large farm fifteen miles away from the upper city gate.

When Selim arrived, a high platform had already been set up here, and the monogram of the Sudan was used as the background board, and the outside of the manor was full of Arabs and Algerians.

These Muslims from remote areas never imagined that one day they would be able to see the Sultan of the Empire with their own eyes, and even when they heard the Sultan's relocation order, they were terrified.

But the reality really told them that this sultan is indeed different from those great figures passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth.

He may not have built a great cause like Suleiman the Magnificent, but he has set his sights on the lower class Muslims, he knows what Muslims need, and he knows how to lighten the burden for Muslims.

All this is enough to make every Muslim who moves here loyal to Sudan.

Inside the manor, Selim was discussing the issue of Muslim immigration in the later period with the patriarchs of a group of Greek families.

"Your Majesty, of course we can accept these Muslims. After all, we are all citizens of the empire, but we also need to live."

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Greek region is not very rich, and it is difficult to support such a large population."

"Your Majesty, the construction of water conservancy projects and the consumption of farm tools and cattle are all a lot of money."

The patriarchs of several Greek families spoke one after another.

"You don't have to worry, I also know that the patriarchs have their own difficulties, and Algeria is indeed not suitable for development."

Hearing Sudan's words, all the patriarchs immediately echoed in unison.

"Considering the situation in the empire, I decided to invite you to participate in the post-war reconstruction of Wallachia and Moldavia. What do you think?"

The patriarchs of the Greek families suddenly became excited. You must know that they have asked the compatriots living in Constantiniya many times about this matter.

But almost every time, this group of people prevaricate themselves with various reasons.

Seeing that such a big piece of cake is about to be divided up by the Sultan, the Jews, the Fanars, the government and the Vlach nobles.

A group of Greek landowners felt themselves the only outsiders in the feast.

As for the Bulgarians, Serbs, Armenians?
What kind of stubborn barbarian, this kind of guy who has never been willing to cooperate well, can live to this day because of the kindness of the Sudan.

After all, not everyone has an extremely high limit of tolerance for Sudan's demands like their own side.

Under self-persuasion, all the Greek patriarchs unanimously ruled out other people in the empire.

"The specific plan, how do you plan to arrange it?"

A Greek patriarch suppressed the excitement in his heart and asked the question he was most concerned about.

Selim didn't bother to interrupt at this time, and replied directly.

"On this point, you can go to Constantiniya in mid-March next year, and the Deputy Governor Abraham will wait for you at the Imperial Royal Bank.

There will be a conference on the arrangements for the reconstruction of Wallachia and Moldavia.

The meeting will roughly divide Moldavia and Wallachia into six regions, and representatives from the government and each country will participate.

Since the development value of different areas is also different, it is generally decided by means of bidding to determine who will finally get the development rights of these areas.

Presumably, these are not difficult for you to understand. In order to win the bid, you'd better prepare enough funds. "

The Greek families were happy, but the Fanar people represented by Simon Dukas felt a little uncomfortable.

You must know that when the Vlach nobles were basically disabled, they should be responsible for the post-war reconstruction of the entire Wallachia and Moldavia regions.

It's okay for Sudan to stretch out his hand, but it's not impossible for everyone to give.

But after you were dragged through the door, what happened to a bunch of people coming in behind you kid?

As a sultan, this is too unethical.

　Routine seeking follow-up and collection

　　
　
(End of this chapter)