Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 622 Moving forward
In Europe, the Progressive Committee's telegram had already caused a huge uproar. No one had expected them to be so audacious; even Franz was terrified. An alliance between Iran and the Ottomans? He didn't even dare to imagine it!

Russia reacted most strongly, with Alexander II declaring that if Iran annexed the Ottoman Empire, Russia would prepare a million-strong army to rescue its Slavic brothers and Jerusalem.

Iran is ready to confront them, and is amassing more than 200,000 troops in the Caucasus region, a significant portion of whom are from Chechnya and Czerkia.

Britain urged all countries to remain calm and announced that it would closely monitor the situation in the Ottoman Empire. However, internally, they were already in turmoil.

Opposition leader Disraeli stated directly that the Imperial Navy should be used to stop Iran's atrocities against the Ottomans. They could not imagine the emergence of a nation that surpassed the Ottoman Empire at its peak. In contrast, newly appointed French President McMahon proposed another expedition to the East for the sake of Mediterranean security.

The situation in Germany was worth pondering. Bismarck remained silent, seemingly maintaining strict neutrality. But everyone sensed that the former Chancellor was about to do something significant.

Meanwhile, Iranian public opinion added fuel to the fire: the palace stated that the Shah had no interest in the Ottoman Sultan, but would personally go to Constantinople in order to quell the controversy.

This caused a complete uproar. The ambassadors of Britain, France, Austria, Italy, and Russia all went to the Prime Minister's residence demanding a response. However, the reply they received was that the Shah had already departed and was on his way to Constantinople.

However, this response immediately drew praise within Iran. Newspapers lauded the Shah's act of kindness, with many viewing it as an act of love for a brotherly nation. Some Ottomans in Iran even proposed protecting the benevolent and kind monarch on his journey to Constantinople. A military organization was formed to protect the Shah, their motto being "Protect the Shah's safe arrival in Constantinople."

Egypt's response, however, was more meaningful, expressing great delight at Nasser al-Din's actions. This reminded them of the prosperous scene of regional unification during the Umayyad Caliphate, where governors of Jerusalem, Syria, and other places either welcomed the move or remained silent, as did the local new armies.

The Ottoman railway had already been built from Iran to Bursa, and could traverse Anatolia in just a few days. Furthermore, to pave the way for himself, Naser al-Din made pronouncements about promoting Ottoman constitutionalism and bringing happiness to the people. Of course, this required one crucial condition: Naser al-Din had to be the Sultan.

The former was intended for Ottoman intellectuals, while the latter was for Anatolia. Nasser al-Din also brought some food and grain to distribute to local disaster victims. The economic development of recent years had fostered a sense of loyalty to Iran among the local people. Such actions could further leverage local public sentiment and create an atmosphere of popular support.

After a day and a night, the train arrived in Ankara. Nasser al-Din, surrounded by his entourage, disembarked, his sharp gaze sweeping over this important military stronghold of the Ottoman Empire. On the platform, the atmosphere was delicate and tense. Ottoman soldiers gripped their rifles, their eyes a mixture of wariness and curiosity. They had heard countless rumors about this Iranian monarch, and now they were finally able to see him in person. The Ottoman officials, who had been waiting there, approached with complex expressions. Some bowed in reverence; others, with suspicion, discreetly observed this foreign monarch who sought to rewrite the fate of the Ottoman Empire. Nasser al-Din, however, appeared composed. He first greeted the officials in fluent Turkish, then turned his gaze to the onlookers, a gentle smile spreading across his face. He raised his hand in a gesture of acknowledgment, instantly bridging the gap between himself and the local people.

After a brief rest, Naser al-Din Shah headed to the central square of Ankara, where a public speech, long prepared in advance, was about to take place. The square was packed with people, including not only Ottoman civilians and intellectuals, but also a large number of soldiers from the New Army. When Naser al-Din Shah stepped onto the stage, the entire room fell silent, all eyes fixed on him. Without any pleasantries, he went straight to the point, his voice loud and firm: "My fellow Ottomans, do you still remember the lands taken by Russia? Poland, Cossacks, Romania, Sweden—one country after another lost their homes under the iron heel of Russia. Now, the Ottomans have not been spared!"

As soon as he finished speaking, a commotion arose in the square. Many people clenched their fists, their eyes blazing with anger. Seeing this, Naserdin Shah's tone became even more impassioned: "Russia always uses the banner of liberation to carry out aggression! They have taken your territory and trampled on your dignity, while some of their so-called leaders only pray for peace, only to be met with repeated humiliations!" His words were like a sharp sword, piercing through the long-suppressed resentment and indignation in people's hearts.

"Every Ottoman Sultan should avenge Russia; it is a responsibility, a mission!" Naser al-Din Shah raised his arm, his voice echoing across the square. "Today, I am here not to fight for power, but to lead everyone to regain our former glory and reclaim our lost homeland! I promise that as Sultan, I will promote Ottoman constitutionalism, strive for the happiness of every citizen, and restore Ottoman's former glory!"

After his speech, Nasser al-Din Shah did not rest. He personally went to a disaster relief center in Ankara to distribute the food and provisions he had brought to the affected people. Seeing the grateful looks in their eyes, he softly said, "As long as we are united, there are no difficulties we cannot overcome, and the Ottoman Empire's tomorrow will surely be better." His simple words warmed the hearts of the victims and impressed the Ottoman officials present.

The political winds within the Ottoman Empire shifted immediately, with many people deeply moved by Naser al-Din's words. What difference did it make who got the throne? Why couldn't it be used to reclaim lost territory?

Grand Vizier Kamil Pasha even publicly stated, "This is one of the benefits of having the Shah of Iran as Sultan. Under the leadership of Nasser al-Din Shah, the Ottoman Empire will surely reclaim more lost territories in the future."

He also specifically mentioned the opponents, saying that they were only thinking of themselves and did not see that the Ottomans had a wise ruler.

In fact, the military was the one most affected by Nasser al-Din's remarks. After Nasser al-Din declared his intention to take revenge on Russia, his attitude softened considerably. At least most of the new army had laid down their arms and were ready to welcome the Shah's arrival.

(End of this chapter)