Chapter 10: The Iron Fist of the Empire: Kuyucu Murad and the Celali Rebellions

Within the cold stone walls of Topkapı Palace, Osman immersed himself deeply in his studies, his gaze fixed on his book while his thoughts drifted to the ongoing Celali Revolts and Kuyucu Murad Pasha's efforts to quell them. The Zitvatorok Treaty had ended the war with Austria, but the absence of the Ottoman army in Anatolia had created a power vacuum. Taking advantage of the people's dissatisfaction with local officials, some rebels formed their own forces, with a few even issuing coins and delivering Friday sermons in their own names.

Kuyucu Murad Pasha was appointed to put down these revolts and didn't hesitate to take strict measures. His campaigns began with Canboladoğlu, who had declared himself an independent ruler in Syria. Next, he made Kalenderoğlu harmless by appointing him as the governor of Ankara. Those who rebelled in Bursa and Manisa met a similar fate. He executed several rebels like Sarıcalıoğlu Ahmed Bey, while others were spared or given small administrative positions to keep them in check. However, the fear he spread truly set in when he began disposing of rebel bodies by burying them in pits. This earned him the nickname "Kuyucu" (the Well-Digger), a title he wore for his calculated cruelty and mercilessness.

As Osman reflected on these events, he weighed the burden of what he'd heard in his mind. Walking through the palace gardens, he couldn't help but consider Kuyucu Murad Pasha's unwavering, albeit ruthless, strategy. Though Murad Pasha was considered cruel by many, Osman recognized the Pasha's exceptional skill in quelling internal disorder. He sighed slightly, thinking: if not for the internal strife within the empire, such a sharp figure could have achieved even greater gains for the Ottomans. Osman began to wonder: "If every official were as dedicated as Kuyucu Murad, the central Ottoman authority might have ruled over the provinces with greater strength."

Despite his respect for the Ottomans' talent-training system, Osman understood that reforms were now inevitable. The devshirme system in particular prevented Anatolian Turks from having a voice in governance. While the Balkan people would come to resent this system in the later centuries, Osman was aware that, for many poor families in the provinces, the system provided a path of hope—allowing a child to rise in rank and break the cycle of being a farmer's son. It was even rumored that some wealthy Jewish families would bribe officials to have their sons enrolled in the devshirme ranks.

Osman did not simply study these issues; he analyzed them with a deep curiosity and critical mind. On one hand, he realized that, in the future, he would need loyal, skilled statesmen like Murad Pasha. On the other, he pondered ways to foster a fairer connection among the people of the Ottoman Empire. Although not yet old enough to take action on these ideas, he committed himself to maturing his thoughts and preparing to take steps toward these reform.

If there's a reader from the Balkan states reading this, I would be open to a respectful discussion. While I strive to be objective, I am, of course, a citizen of the Republic of Turkey, and I recognize that this may influence my perspective. Similarly, I understand that anyone engaging with me on this topic will naturally approach it from their own country's historical lens. Perhaps through a friendly exchange, we can shed light on any past grievances between our nations in a positive way.

I have no issues with any particular nation; however, I am aware that some of my thoughts may be misunderstood, so I try to express them carefully. For the same reason, I ask for similar consideration from you as well. From your perspective, what is the devshirme system?