---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear readers,
I am overwhelmed by your incredible support for Osman II: Rebirth of a Dynasty! Your Power Stones mean so much to me and motivate me to keep improving the story and bringing this journey to life.
A special thanks to m_jonas, Oxsinus, daoist_northsky07, Falken19, Ahtabai44, Daoist9d5Kbm, and Daoist8ZKfWR for your recent Power Stones. Your generosity fuels my creativity and inspires me every step of the way.
Thank you for believing in my work and being part of this journey. Stay tuned—there's so much more to come!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Osman, after the joy of his marriage, had not allowed his plans for reform to slip from his mind. Land reform, now freed from its previous obstacles, was ready to progress with greater determination. During his campaign to suppress the rebellion, Osman personally inspected the implementation of reforms in the affected regions. Although corruption in his administration had significantly decreased, there were still a few stubborn individuals who valued personal gain over the public good. Osman addressed this with what he called a "minor cleansing," ensuring that the reforms moved forward on a firmer foundation.
Osman's land reform brought uncultivated lands into productive use for the Ottoman economy. However, reaching these lands remained a logistical challenge. Nevertheless, Ottoman citizens who now owned these lands were filled with a new sense of pride and motivation, working out of their own free will instead of under forced labor.
Under Osman's directive, roads were constructed, and bridges were built, improving access to these regions. Tools and livestock provided by the Royal Foundation Bank eased the labor of farmers, fostering a spirit of collective effort in agriculture. Until their economic situations stabilized, villagers worked together in harmony, creating a cooperative environment.
For the newly established villages, Osman appointed local leaders known as muhtars. These leaders received a modest salary and a parcel of land, and they were tasked with managing the villages, maintaining order, and reporting community needs to the central government. Regular inspections ensured that these muhtars adhered to the principles of the reforms, strengthening both the system's functionality and the public's trust in governance.
Osman's next objective was military reform. The historical tendency of the Janissaries to meddle in government affairs made these reforms critical. By incorporating soldiers from the dissolved tımar system into the Janissary ranks, Osman weakened their monopoly on military power and created rival factions within the army, diluting their dominance.
Osman saw the internal divisions among military factions as an advantage. A fragmented army could not unify against reform, allowing Osman to implement changes without significant resistance.
A key component of Osman's vision was the expansion of the Enderun School and the establishment of similar institutions. These military-style schools would accept students from smaller schools in provincial centers. Talented and intelligent students would be granted scholarships to attend. This reform focused on training officers, ensuring they were well-educated and capable.
For lower-ranking soldiers, Osman introduced a new recruitment policy prioritizing literacy. Provincial recruits would be selected, and literacy courses would be established for those who lacked basic education. The Ottoman army would no longer rely solely on physical strength but would develop a corps of soldiers with intellectual discipline and modern training.
Osman envisioned a more elite and modern army as vital to the empire's future. This vision required disciplined, educated, and unified forces capable of ensuring both short-term victories and long-term stability. As Osman finalized his plans for these sweeping reforms, a determined resolve burned in his eyes.
In the quiet of the palace, surrounded by maps and notes, Osman contemplated the significance of his mission. "If I don't solidify the foundation of this army, our victories will not endure," he thought. He believed his reforms were not merely changes for the present but the blueprint for a civilization's survival.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear readers,
Writing is currently just a hobby for me, and I don't earn any income from it. My only rewards are the happiness your support brings me and the joy I feel while writing.
If you've read this far, I believe you have formed some thoughts about this novel. It would mean the world to me if you could take a moment to share your feedback by leaving a review. Your reviews not only encourage me but also help me improve and reach more readers.
Thank you for your time, support, and for being part of this journey.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------