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Osman and Mehri Banu Hatun had returned to the palace, and the ice between them had melted. Although Mahfiruz Sultan was upset with Osman for not choosing the women she had suggested, she was at least relieved to see that her son was interested in women. She had even considered the possibility that Osman might be attracted to men, especially since Hasan was constantly by his side, which had fueled her suspicions.
At that moment, Hasan felt a chill run down his spine. "I felt a sudden shiver," he murmured to himself.
Meanwhile, unaware of his mother's thoughts, Osman was reflecting on his recent inspection of the countryside. He was contemplating how to persuade the peasants to return to their lands. Though Osman believed the timar system was effective, he realized he needed to reassess it. Land reform was necessary, but the real question was how to implement it.
The timar system, though seemingly beneficial, had its flaws. It limited the wealth of the people, with the state owning the land, peasants working it, and timar holders managing it. These holders not only managed the state's lands but also trained soldiers for the Ottoman military. While efficient, corruption within the system caused the common people to suffer. Furthermore, ambitious landowners posed potential risks to the state. Even though they trained troops for the Ottomans, the fact that their salaries came from the landowners made it likely that these soldiers would side with the landowners over the Sultan in times of conflict.
Although Osman planned to eliminate corrupt timar holders, convincing the rest of them to accept land reform posed a challenge. Even the loyal and honest ones would see the reforms as a threat to their interests, potentially turning them against the Sultan. Osman believed there had to be a way to satisfy both sides—peasants and timar holders alike.
What idea had Osman come up with?
Despite the timar holders managing the land, the state still owned it. What if he distributed all lands among timar holders and their soldiers? In the Ottoman system, tax amounts increased with land ownership. This progressive taxation would curb the growth of large estates. By setting a clear limit on land ownership, it would prevent excessive accumulation.
Osman also proposed a solution for the soldiers trained under the timar system. He planned to integrate these soldiers into the regular army or allow them to retire, giving them ownership of land as a form of compensation. This would free the soldiers from the influence of the landowners, fostering a bond between them and the peasants. These lands would serve as their source of income, eliminating the need for salaries, while they could still serve as soldiers during wartime. Retired soldiers would also see this land as a pension, ensuring their loyalty.
Furthermore, by granting land to these soldiers within the timar holders' main regions, Osman could create conflicts of interest, reducing the local influence of the timar holders. Ambitious or lazy landowners would no longer be burdened with training troops, potentially even enriching themselves. In case of a rebellion, the soldiers, now loyal to the state, would oppose their former masters.
Osman's second plan involved redistributing uncultivated lands to peasants. While older peasants might resist moving, younger ones would likely embrace the opportunity. Osman understood he couldn't immediately eliminate tenant farmers, but he aimed to turn risk-takers into landowners, gaining supporters from both the soldiers and the peasants.
For newly rehabilitated lands, Osman envisioned granting peasants agricultural loans or resources, including New World crops like maize and potatoes. These crops would boost Ottoman production and contribute to the empire's prosperity. To achieve this vision, however, Osman realized he needed to establish a bank. But how could he create a bank in a society deeply rooted in Islamic principles?
Lost in thought, Osman sat on his throne when a gentle knock on the door pulled him back to reality.
The guard bowed slightly and announced, "Mehri Banu Sultan Hazretleri has arrived, my Sultan."
Osman took a deep breath, a determined look in his eyes. "Let her in. I was expecting her," he said.
The door opened slowly, revealing Mehri Banu Hatun's silhouette in the palace's grand corridor. Osman couldn't take his eyes off her. Each of her steps resonated with grace, adding to the room's refined atmosphere. Her intricately embroidered, plum-colored kaftan shimmered in the light, exuding an aura of elegance.
Mehri Banu entered with a slight bow and gracefully turned to Osman, greeting him with respect.
"Welcome, Mehri Banu Sultan," Osman said with a gentle smile. "It is an honor to see you here."
"Thank you, my Sultan," she replied. "It is always a privilege to be in your presence."
Osman started to rise from his throne but stopped, studying Mehri Banu intently. "I wish to speak with you in private," he said.
Realizing the significance of the moment, Osman dismissed everyone in the room. This was a matter to be shared only between the two of them.
Mehri Banu maintained her gaze, her eyes meeting Osman's with quiet intensity. The respect and sincerity in Osman's expression were evident. Suddenly, Osman knelt down, his voice filled with courage.
"Mehri Banu Sultan, one of the most valuable things in my life is having a woman like you by my side. Even as I sit on this throne, all I wish for is to spend my life with you. Will you grant me the chance to build a future together?"
Mehri Banu was taken aback. A Sultan, especially one as great as Osman, kneeling before her was unprecedented. Overwhelmed, she felt a surge of emotions; the gesture of being valued so highly moved her deeply. Tears welled up in her eyes, though she tried to hold them back.
"My Sultan," she said, her voice trembling. "How could I refuse such a proposal? It means so much to me, but… I'm… so overwhelmed."
Osman, sensing hesitation, looked concerned. "If you have doubts, I can wait for your answer, or, if you prefer, I can arrange for your return to the Safavid state," he said, fearing she misunderstood his intentions.
"No, no… Your words have truly touched me, my Sultan."
Osman, needing confirmation, asked gently, "I do not wish to pressure you. Your happiness is what matters most to me."
Mehri Banu, unable to hold back her tears, remained silent for a moment. Finally, with a tearful smile, she nodded. "Yes, how could I not accept?" she said. "Yes, I accept."
Osman quickly stood, taking Mehri Banu's hand and kissing it gently. In that magical moment, everything seemed to fall perfectly into place. A soft breeze from the garden cooled the room, while birds chirped lightly outside. Together, Osman and Mehri Banu stepped toward a new life, ready to face the future hand in hand.