Chapter 23:Seeds of Change

When Osman ascended to the throne, Europe was in turmoil. The Thirty Years' War had begun, signaling chaos that Osman could potentially leverage to his advantage. The recent end of conflicts with the Safavids implied a temporary peace on that front, while Austria was too preoccupied with internal struggles to pose a threat. These developments indicated a period of relative calm for the Ottoman Empire.

Osman, however, believed that external affairs should take a back seat until internal issues were resolved. His first initiative as ruler focused on economic reforms. At the accession ceremony, he made generous promises to soldiers and officials, balancing this move delicately as it risked creating discontent among corrupt officials who began to form covert opposition groups. Despite this, these groups were not yet emboldened enough to act against him.

Recognizing the need for a loyal army, Osman turned his attention to the Janissaries. He identified key issues plaguing the corps, such as inactive personnel, involvement in trades, and lack of discipline. To address these challenges, he took inspiration from the Enderun Palace School, which he had frequented in his youth. By visiting the school and engaging with its students, he gained their loyalty and envisioned them as the foundation of a new, dedicated military force.

Osman placed these promising young men in strategic positions within the Janissary Corps. This initiative served a dual purpose: it introduced reform subtly into the existing system while laying the groundwork for broader changes in the future. These individuals were expected to become not only competent soldiers but also leaders aligned with Osman's vision of a reformed state.

In a meeting with his council, Osman listened to his treasurer propose a controversial measure to reduce economic strain: clipping coins. Osman firmly rejected the idea, stating, "The Ottoman coin is the face of our state. If the people cannot trust our currency, how can they trust our government? I have plans to alleviate our economic hardships. First, we will abolish practices like the iltizam tax system."

This statement angered several council members, as the iltizam system was a significant source of income for many. Osman remained resolute, believing that the system's abolition was necessary to relieve the burden on the people and restore the state's credibility. He was aware that this change might increase administrative costs but was convinced it was the right course of action.

In the grand divan chamber, Osman's determined voice echoed, asserting his authority. While murmurs of dissent could be heard among the council members, none dared to challenge him openly. The intricate carvings around the throne seemed to symbolize Osman's vision for a reformed empire, standing ready to transform the chaos of the old order.

What is the Iltizam System?

The iltizam system in the Ottoman Empire was a tax farming method where the government outsourced tax collection to private individuals through auctions. While it provided the state with quick revenue, tax collectors often imposed excessive burdens on the populace to maximize their profits. Osman aimed to eliminate this practice to reduce exploitation and strengthen central authority.