Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 600 African Diplomacy
Despite the desire for colonies among nations, Africa, with its vast landmasses, remains a region with less than 10% colonization. Countries know very little about the landlocked areas; France's attempt to find the lost city of Timbuktu resulted in significant losses.

However, this does not mean that there are no other countries in Africa, especially in North and West Africa, which have formed some loose states through trans-Saharan trade. The Sokoto Caliphate is one of them.

It is called a Caliphate, but it should actually be called a Sultanate, because there can only be one Caliph, and the others are just self-proclaimed.

Meanwhile, in Sokoto, the capital of Iran, a special delegation of visitors arrived. The head of the delegation, Mohammad Reza, dressed in a dark blue silk robe with a silver-trimmed Persian belt, was followed by four attendants carrying brass document cases. Escorted by the Sultan's guards, they passed through streets crowded with curious onlookers and finally arrived at Sultan Abubakar's palace.

Inside the palace hall, Sultan Ahmed, dressed in a white robe embroidered with gold, sat on a throne covered with a North African camel hair carpet, with six tribal elders standing behind him. After Mohammed Reza performed the traditional hand-to-the-breast greeting, he went straight to the point: "Your Excellency Sultan, Iran and your country share the same faith, but due to the Sahara Desert and the Red Sea, we have had little contact. Now, our country hopes to break down this barrier and expand trade routes with your country."

At this time, Sokoto nominally governed a population of ten million, a quarter of whom were slaves. Sokoto's main crops included cotton, indigo, kola nuts, shea butter, grains, rice, tobacco, and onions. Goods were exported through trans-Saharan trade and British ports in Africa, and after a trade treaty with Britain in 1854, Sokoto was drawn into the global arena.

Cheap British goods severely impacted and destroyed Socoto's local handicrafts, making it more reliant on raw material exports and resulting in a singular and fragile economic structure. Pricing power, transportation channels, and trade rules were all controlled by British companies. Socoto's rulers and wealthy merchants could only receive a small portion of the profits, leading to a massive outflow of wealth.

Moreover, Sokoto is a loose confederation of numerous emirates. The central government has weak control over remote areas, and tax and trade policies are not entirely uniform across regions, affecting the formation of a national market and economic efficiency. For Sudan, maintaining its rule and increasing revenue are the two most important matters.

Ahmed had also heard about the situation in Iran. Although they didn't share the same faith, Iran had gained recognition in Mecca and Medina. He also needed the support of another country.

Prime Minister Mohammed stepped forward and said, “Welcome to the Iranian envoy. He must have had a very tiring journey. Why don’t we rest for a day and discuss this again tomorrow?”

Reza nodded slightly, expressing his gratitude for the Prime Minister's suggestion: "I am grateful for the Prime Minister's consideration. However, the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries is urgent. If it is convenient for Your Highness the Sultan, we can first discuss the direction of cooperation today, so that I can bring your country's sincerity back to Iran as soon as possible."

Sultan Ahmed raised his hand to signal for silence in the hall, his gaze sweeping over the special envoy below: "Mr. Reza, I understand your eagerness in coming from afar. Since we both worship Allah, there's no need for beating around the bush. Sokoto's cotton and indigo are exported through British ports every year, only to be exploited at every level; while Iranian silk and porcelain are renowned in North Africa, yet they struggle to cross the Sahara Desert. How does your country intend to cooperate?"

“Your Highness’s words are indeed crucial.” Reza stepped forward, his voice clear and bright. “Iran is willing to fund the construction of three trading posts on the northern border of Sokoto, connecting the trans-Saharan trade route with the trade route in eastern Iran. The posts will be equipped with caravans and guards to ensure the safety of goods. In exchange, Sokoto must allocate 35% of its cotton and kola nut export quota to Iran, which will then be resold by our country.”

Sultan Ahmed had already made up his mind. Sokoto, despite its large population, had always been subject to British control due to its lack of independent trade routes; Iran's proposal neither infringed upon sovereignty nor undermined the trade monopoly, and it would also gain greater recognition from Mecca—a win-win situation. He looked at Prime Minister Muhammad, who nodded discreetly. The Sultan then straightened up and said in a deep voice, "God guides us toward cooperation. Sokoto accepts Iran's proposal."

The following morning, in the council chamber of the Sokoto Palace, Sultan Ahmed and Mohammad Reza each picked up a quill dipped in ink and signed their names on an unfurled parchment agreement. The agreement stipulated that Iran would be responsible for building trading posts and investing in factories, Sokoto would prioritize the supply of agricultural products, and the two countries would exchange caravan commissioners to jointly develop trade along the Eurasian and African routes.

This was a win-win situation for both countries. Sokoto's cooperation with Iran effectively opened a land trade route to Middle Eastern and Asian markets, free from British control. By facilitating this agreement, Sultan Ahmed demonstrated to tribal elders and the people his ability to bring new wealth and development opportunities to the country, which greatly consolidated his authority and legitimacy.

For Iran, building a trading post north of Sokoto was tantamount to driving a strategic wedge into the southern end of the Sahara trade route. This ancient trade route connected the Mediterranean coast of North Africa with the wealthy regions of West Africa. Through this route, Iran could bypass British-controlled coastal ports and trade directly with the African interior, importing silk, porcelain, carpets, and weapons, thus reaping greater profits.

Ahmed grasped Reza's hand, his gaze fixed on the distant trade route: "May God bless this trade route and grant it eternal prosperity."

"From this day forward, the sands of the Sahara and the waves of the Red Sea will stand as witnesses to the friendship between our two countries."

To demonstrate his sincerity, Sokoto offered to exempt Iranian companies from taxes for two years. Furthermore, the Sultan himself would make a pilgrimage to Mecca, during which time he would meet with the Shah. And who knows, he might even return as a Shia Muslim.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of Iran's diplomacy in Africa. Iran has also sent representatives to the Merina Kingdom, an island nation that monopolizes Madagascar, to discuss trade laws.

The Kingdom of Merina was wary of Iran because it had previously rejected a trade alliance with Britain and a offer of submission from France. Iran, on the other hand, only wanted to expand its trade with them.

Moreover, Merina is the second most industrialized region in Southern Africa after the Cape Colony, with not only some developed industries but also a large number of modern schools with 4000 students.

The trade treaty between Iran and Merina appears to be fairer than that between Britain and France, as it only requires the reduction of import tariffs on specific goods that are essential imports.

(End of this chapter)