Persian Empire 1845

Chapter 629 Arrival
Ship traffic to and from Constantinople was unaffected; ships from all over the world had to stop there to enter the Black Sea.

Amir disembarked from the ship, five years having passed since his journey to South America. During these five years, he had diligently governed the Al-Zan Sultanate, achieving initial success in agricultural production, thriving trade, and increasing immigration. He had also established a certain level of arms industry and a standing army of 100000 men, which could be sustained by agricultural trade.

Just as he was preparing to push forward with his policies, the Shah's decree transferred him back to Constantinople. He had also heard about the Ottoman situation, and inviting him back while congratulating the Shah seemed a bit too much for him. After all, he was 65 years old.

Guided by others, Amir boarded a carriage bound for Topkapi Palace. He admired the scenery of Constantinople, which was indeed extraordinary.

Topkapi Palace was also larger than the palaces in Iran, and it employed a large number of black eunuchs. When Amir entered the palace, he saw Nasser al-Din riding a bicycle around the garden, followed by a group of eunuchs.

"Sultan, Lord Amir has arrived."

Upon seeing the teacher arrive, Naserdin rode his bicycle up to Amir.

"Teacher, you are here!"

"I have met the Sultan of the Ottomans!"

Amir bowed respectfully to Nasser al-Din. The Shah now held several positions, and his sphere of influence had suddenly expanded to three continents: Asia, Africa, and Europe. Moreover, the situation in the Ottoman Empire was more complex than in Iran; otherwise, the Shah wouldn't have recalled him.

Amir and Naser al-Din entered the palace hall together. It must be said that the Ottoman Sultan had good taste; a different architectural style could certainly change things up.

“I should be congratulating Shah on becoming Sultan. However, Shah has sent me from afar, so he must have something important to tell me.”

Naserdin laughed, "As expected, nothing can be kept from you!"

"The situation in the Ottoman Empire is truly appalling, both financially and militarily. What's even more worrying is the possibility of a Russian attack at any time, which is what I'm concerned about."

Naser al-Din handed Amir a huge stack of documents about Ottoman during this period. Amir was quite surprised by the state of Ottoman; it seemed that a major overhaul was indeed needed.

"Currently, the changes to the tax farmers are underway, Bosnia has been largely pacified, and the army will be expanded to 30 men. But this is still too slow for the integration of the two countries."

"So, Shah, what are your thoughts?"

Naser al-Din glanced at Amir, then turned and took out a banknote. It was an Ottoman lira, originally worth about the same as the rial, but the value gradually diverged, dropping to 1.8 lira per rial after Naser al-Din entered Constantinople.

"This is the Ottoman lira. I think we should gradually replace it with the rial so that both countries can use the same currency."

For the two countries to integrate, besides cultural and political integration, economic integration is even more crucial. Currency unification is the first step. "That's a novel idea. With currency unification, the unification of the two countries won't be far off. What's Egypt's stance?"

“A congratulatory telegram arrived from Cairo, and Ismail Pasha even offered to go to Baghdad. However, he requested that the Ottoman government repay his £5000 million debt.”

Not only Egypt, but Tunisia also offered to have the government repay its £1000 million debt. In exchange, they were willing to relinquish control of Tunisia, which, in total, amounts to 20 billion rials—yes, really.

The government is currently burdened with 22 billion in debt, and even loans from Iranian banks can only last for 15 months. This also takes into account the possibility of a Russian attack; tax revenue is not expected to be collected until at least next year.

“22 billion rials,” Amir repeated the figure, his voice carrying a barely perceptible weight. “Shah, Iranian banks currently only have 10 billion rials in gold reserves. Even if we factor in next year’s production from the newly occupied Balkan mines, it won’t fill the gap. Not to mention, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has already reinforced its forces on the Crimean Peninsula. I read the report before I came here; their number of ironclad warships has doubled compared to three years ago.”

"We know all this, so I thought we should first ensure the stability of food and salt prices, and then gradually begin currency exchange."

As for tax revenue, the colonies will likely have to make up a portion of it. 2000 million for Qinistan, 1000 million for East Africa, and an additional 100 million for Okinawa.

This was all told to him by the colonial minister via telegram. For now, this is all the increase they can make; there's no more. Riots have broken out in parts of Qinistan, and suppressing them also incurs costs. If there were gold mines, they could simply print money, but nothing has been found yet.

After reviewing these documents, Amir offered his advice: "Shah, we cannot directly repay the debts of Egypt and Tunisia in cash. We can establish a North African Development Company, using future tax revenues and resource development rights as collateral, to issue special bonds. Ismail and Bey of Tunisia can then use these bonds to negotiate with European bankers. We will provide the backing, but without cash, thus passing the burden back to them."

"A thorough investigation is needed of the wealthy in the country, whether they are officials or landowners, as they certainly have illegal income. At the same time, a comprehensive audit of royal estates and Vakhf lands is required, and those lands that have been seized or used inefficiently should be nationalized, either sold to landless farmers for cash or used as collateral. Finally, all unnecessary expenditures must be cut, with the court's expenses leading the way."

In addition, it is necessary to develop the mineral resources of Anatolia and the Balkans, and send out mineral exploration teams to search for all usable mines. It would be even better if there were gold and silver mines.

Nasserdin nodded; these were rules he had to follow. The government's economy needed a rapid recovery, and the plan had to be strictly adhered to.

“That’s the plan! Teacher, I need you to oversee the monetary reform and debt negotiations. Your rich experience and calm demeanor are the anchor of market confidence.”

Amir bowed deeply, understanding that this was the greatest and final challenge of his life. He was not only sharing the burden of his students, but also personally participating in shaping the prototype of an unprecedented empire spanning East and West.

The following day, Nasser al-Din issued a statement. The former Iranian Grand Vizier, Al-Chan Grand Vizier Amir, became the Ottoman Minister of Finance, Commerce and Industry, and the Second Vizier.

Such an appointment is unusual; the fact that the Shah's teacher was appointed to a high-ranking position can only indicate that reforms within the Ottoman Empire will become even more radical.

(End of this chapter)