The Crescent of the Sultan

Thessaloniki is the largest port in northern Greece. The city is located in the west of the Chalkidiki Peninsula and borders the Gulf of Thessaloniki.

When Selim arrived, the residents of the city had already begun their day.

Thessaloniki's population is dominated by three major ethnic groups: 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 the city of Thessaloniki on the ruins of (or near) the ancient city of Selma and on the basis of 26 surrounding villages.

Although Thessaloniki has an ancient history and a glorious past, Selim is not naive enough to think that these Greek landowners chose this place for this reason.

But the reason is that the number of Greek Orthodox Christians in Thessaloniki is not dominant.

Rather than choosing Thessaloniki, shouldn’t Athens be a better choice?

Selim shook his head, too lazy to think about such puzzling things. No matter what tricks the Greeks had, Selim thought he could not lose in this kind of duel.

"Justinian, has John Paleleg been dealt with?" Selim looked at the spy leader and asked casually.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, we couldn't find a chance. He was very close to the Fanar people, and Simon Ducasse provided him with asylum."

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

"Dukas? What do Simon or these Fanar people want to do? Increase the binding? But the Flach nobles have no value anymore."

After hearing the report from the spy leader, Selim started brainstorming.

"Or, find a scapegoat?"

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

"Justinian, who are the entourage this time? Is John Palaeologus inside?"

"Your Majesty, mainly the chiefs of several Fanar people, and Suleiman of the Chapan family. As for Paleleg, he is in Simon Ducas's team."

Selim nodded and began to think in the carriage.

The long motorcade 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 Palace of Galleus and the Arch of Galleus full of reliefs, and finally arrived at the 4th century Rotunda. .

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

After a brief greeting and ceremonial reception, the group of Greeks immediately got into their carriages and began to lead the way for the Sultan's motorcade.

"What kind of rebellion? How dare you walk in front of the Sultan? It is simply a desecration of the Sultan's majesty."

Selim looked at these Greeks, and the urge to kill them all suddenly arose, which was simply uncontrollable.

Just like when a company leader sees his employees entering the door with their left foot first at work, they feel murderous.

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

By the time Selim arrived, a high platform had been set up here, the Sudan's monogram was used as the background, and the outside of the manor was filled with Arabs and Algerians.

This group of Muslims from remote areas never thought that one day they would be able to see the imperial Sultan with their own eyes, and even when they heard the Sultan's order to move, they were filled with fear.

But the reality truly told them that this Sultan was indeed different from those great figures passed down orally from generation to generation.

He may not have established as great a cause as Suleiman the Magnificent, but he set his sights on the Muslims at the bottom. He knew what Muslims needed and he knew how to relieve the burdens of Muslims.

All this was enough to make every Muslim who moved here loyal to the Sultan.

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

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

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Greek region is not very wealthy to begin with, 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 huge sum of money."

The heads of several Greek families spoke one after another.

"Don't be impatient. I also know that the patriarchs have their own difficulties. Algeria is indeed not suitable for development."

Upon hearing the Sultan's words, all the clan leaders immediately echoed in unison.

"Considering the situation within the empire, and with the intention of not treating you unfairly, I have decided to invite you to participate in the post-war reconstruction of the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. What do you think?"

The heads 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 used various reasons to prevaricate themselves.

Seeing that such a big piece of cake is about to be divided up by the Sudan, the Jews, the Fanar people, the government and the bunch of Vlach nobles.

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

As for the Bulgarians, Serbs, Armenians?

What a stubborn barbarian, a guy who never cooperates properly, it is only because of the kindness of the Sultan that he is alive today.

After all, not everyone has the same high tolerance limit for Sultan's demands as we do.

Under self-persuasion, a group of Greek patriarchs unanimously excluded other people in the empire.

"I wonder how you plan to arrange the specific plan?"

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

Selim was too lazy to interrupt at this time and answered directly.

“On this point, you can go to Constantiniya in mid-March next year, and Vice President Abraham will be waiting for you at the Imperial Bank.

A conference will be held on arrangements for the reconstruction of Wallachia and Moldavia.

The conference will generally divide Moldavia and Wallachia into six regions, and representatives from the government and each family will participate.

Since the development value of different areas is also different, bidding will generally be used to determine who will ultimately get the development rights in these areas.

This must not be difficult for you to understand. In order to win the bid, it is best for you to prepare enough funds. "

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

You know, 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 Sultan to extend his hand. It’s not like everyone can’t give.

But after dragging you through the door, what's going on with a bunch of people following behind you?

As a sultan, this is too unethical.

Routinely seeking to read and collect