Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 338 Kemal's Sights and Hearings (Part 1)

The coalition is deeply concerned about Iran attracting its own citizens to work there, arguing that Iran is essentially supporting pro-Iranian factions within the Ottoman Empire. This could ultimately lead to the downfall of the Ottoman state. However, they are powerless to stop them from entering the country; they can't simply block them at the border.

Tabriz was the first stop for Ottomans seeking employment, as the region's thriving mechanized mining industry had a high demand for workers. The Ottomans sold their labor to earn a living; in those days, finding work was difficult enough, let alone in another country.

Despite the harsh working conditions, they found a livelihood and hope here. The bulletin board in the central square was filled with information on temporary jobs every day. Ottomans who couldn't find long-term employment relied on this for survival. The temporary job postings on the bulletin board provided many with a chance to live, while long-term jobs offered them a stable income.

They were lucky today. The First Military Factory and the nearby machine factory needed a lot of porters. Before long, they left the square to go to work. Life is the most important thing.

“Such a scene can only be seen in the capital.” Namk Kemal said with some emotion as he looked at the people rushing to and fro.

Kemal Atatürk came from a family of high-ranking officials and was a political journalist and commentator who advocated the ideals of "freedom and fatherland." He championed freedom and autonomy within the framework of the law and paid particular attention to citizens' political rights.

Deeply affected by the war of 1858, Kemal Atatürk decided to travel to Iran to observe its development. On his first trip, he visited Tabriz and Tehran, where he was struck by the more advanced industry and railways compared to the Ottoman Empire. Although the capital was bustling with merchant ships, Ottoman industry and commerce were still in their infancy compared to Tehran. Tabriz was the most important industrial city in northern Iran, where mechanical mining and railway construction were thriving. Atatürk observed that the factories there operated day and night, with workers busy yet orderly, a stark contrast to the stagnation of the Ottoman Empire.

This was his second visit to Iran, and he planned to stay there long-term. The Ottoman reforms still needed further refinement, but without a strong central government, everything would be in vain.

Of course, he was also particularly interested in the local constitutional movement. Tabriz, as Iran's most economically developed city, also saw the fastest-growing political movements. The Freedom Party, the Progressive Party, and the Ba'ath Party were all thriving there, and daily newspapers were filled with debates on various issues. Kemal also leaned towards the Freedom Party's theories, but he was troubled by how to localize these ideas.

"This is what a wonderful society is like. There is no oppression, and everyone can live freely. No other country besides Iran has this situation."

This is true in the Middle East and throughout Asia. Foreigners generally enjoy privileges, but in Iran, preferential treatment is only offered if there are friendly relations with foreign countries; otherwise, they are treated as equals. Russia fares even worse; in Iran, one must be careful not to get killed. If they continue to act arrogantly as before, Russia will not come to their aid.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! The situation on the Syr Darya has suddenly changed. Russia has increased its troop presence and is confronting our country on the banks of the Syr Darya!"

"I'll take one!" After paying with a few coins, Kemal picked up the newspaper and began to read. The front page headline was about the tensions between the Russian Empire and Iran in Transoxiana, with Iran increasing its troops in Central Asia to prevent Russia from taking advantage of the situation due to the expansion of Yaqub Beg's power.

Moreover, according to newspapers, Russia and Iran have increased their forces in the region to 100,000. Such a large army puts immense pressure on logistics. To alleviate this pressure, the two armies have begun vying for local resources such as food, water, and fuel. This competition has further escalated regional tensions.

That's impressive. Even the Ottomans didn't dare provoke Russia, yet Iran did. It seems another major battle is imminent; I wonder who will ultimately emerge victorious.

Kemal continued reading the newspapers and discovered that Iran's infrastructure construction was in full swing. From railways to ports, from industrial zones to urban redevelopment, Iran's rapid development deeply impressed him. These projects not only propelled Iran's economic boom but also attracted a large number of foreign workers, including many from the lower classes of the Ottoman Empire.

Iran is constructing a railway connecting its major cities with Baghdad. This railway will not only strengthen Iran's ties with Mesopotamia but also promote trade and the flow of people. The construction of the port of Basra is also a significant step for Iran in securing access to the Persian Gulf. Once completed, the port will become a vital hub for Iran's foreign trade, further enhancing its economic influence.

The Baghdad industrial zone has attracted more than 100 factories, including government-invested military factories, steel mills, and machinery plants. These factories have not only provided numerous jobs but have also driven Iran's industrialization process.

Kemal realized that not only could British-style parliamentary politics drive national development, but a strong central government that cared for the people could also propel rapid progress. The example of Iran demonstrated that efficient government administration and infrastructure development were key to national rise. In contrast, the Ottoman Empire's inefficient and corrupt central government led to its decline. Therefore, the Ottoman Empire needed profound reforms to establish an efficient and incorruptible government.

After leaving the square, Kemal wandered around the other parts of the city. Tabriz was not only the first city in Iran to be connected to the railway, but also the first to be connected to the telegraph. Sending telegrams through the telegraph office could greatly shorten the time it took for information to be transmitted. Some merchants even preferred to install telegraphs in their homes so that they could receive the latest news at any time.

However, Kemal couldn't send telegrams anymore, because the Ottomans, apart from the capital, had no telegraph service anywhere else. Communication was only possible through mail. Even so, looking at the crisscrossing telegraph lines, a sense of modernity was immediately apparent.

In front of the Tabriz City Hall stands a statue of the current Shah. It was erected by the local citizens themselves, funded to commemorate his achievements. Made of white marble and built over a considerable period, the statue depicts the Shah with his left hand on his hip and his right hand holding a scimitar pointing into the distance, exuding confidence and pride. After the war against Russia, Tabriz no longer lived in constant fear; for the first time in decades, they enjoyed complete security. They no longer worried about Russian cavalry invading from the south—all thanks to the Shah. How could one not admire him?

(End of this chapter)