Chapter 52: The Helpless Turks

"Delamari, the French are so arrogant, we must teach them a lesson. What do you think are our chances of winning if we go to war with France?" Sultan Mahmoud II asked his beloved general.

"Sultan, I too wish for your victory, but I do not wish to deceive you, Your Majesty. If we were to go to war with the French, our chances of winning might not be high," Delamari said softly, being very cautious not to displease Sultan Mahmoud II during their conversation.

"What? We can't win? Doesn't Turkey have an army of half a million? Where are they?" Indeed, hearing Delamari's words, Sultan Mahmoud II immediately became furious.

"Your Majesty, although Turkey has a large number of troops, we have even more enemies. On the Balkan Peninsula alone, defending against the Holy Roman Empire and Russia has already tied up 300,000 of our troops. In the Caucasus, we need another 200,000 soldiers to fend off Russian invasions. Therefore, at this moment, our country probably does not have the extra manpower to enter into the conflict in Egypt," Delamari explained bitterly.

Turkey, located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia and guarding key transport routes, enjoys a uniquely advantageous geographical position. However, this location also brings them many enemies. Whether it's the western Balkans or the eastern Caucasus Mountains, a substantial number of troops are needed to repel foreign invasions.

"Sayid! What about the navy then? The French navy was devastated at Alexandria, nearly annihilated. And the British now firmly hold superiority in the Mediterranean. Could our navy perhaps strike?" Sultan Mahmoud II, not giving up, continued to inquire.

"Sultan, in this battle, the navy may not be able to offer much help. As you mentioned, the French naval fleet has already been defeated by the British. So, even if we were to strike now, it would be futile. Moreover, the Russians have recently deployed two new warships in Crimea, putting significant pressure on us. Under such circumstances, we cannot afford to act rashly," Sayid reported with his head bowed.

Sayid: Commander of the Turkish Black Sea Fleet and one of the few Turkish generals skilled in naval warfare. He has been actively involved in leading the Black Sea Fleet against the Russian navy at the forefront.

"Hmph! Neither the army nor the navy can do it. Then what am I supposed to do? Are the empire's half a million troops really just for show?"After being refused by the navy again, Sultan Mahmoud II became furious. The enemy was frolicking under his very nose, yet he was powerless. This was a feeling no one could tolerate.

"Sultan, I believe that now is not a good time to go to war with the French. The Russians are eyeing us covetously. If we engage in war with the French now, it would be dangerous if the French and Russians were to join forces," Delamari said, carefully watching Sultan Mahmoud II's expressions as he spoke.

"But Your Majesty is right, the French have already reached our doorstep. If we show no response, it will inevitably lead to ridicule. Therefore, I think we should try to limit the scale of the war. We must not let the conflict expand beyond Syria," Delamari continued.

"According to intelligence from the front, Napoleon's eastern campaign brought no more than 15,000 men. Thus, we could perhaps send 20,000 men under Murad to fight the French," Delamari proposed.

"Sultan, I think General Delamari is right. Since there are those willing to charge into battle, we need not enter the fray ourselves," the naval commander Sayid also stepped forward to say.

"Enough, enough. Since both of you say so, let's leave it at that," Sultan Mahmoud II said impatiently, waving his hand dismissively.

"However, although we cannot deploy troops directly, I will not make it easy for the French. The British, in their efforts to ally us against the French, have provided us with a batch of military supplies, haven't they? Let's give all these supplies to Murad, and let him fight those damned French to the death," Sultan Mahmoud II said through gritted teeth.

"We understand," responded his advisors.

…

Following the failure of diplomatic negotiations between Kleber and Bazil, it marked the point of no return between France and Turkey.

Thus, Napoleon promptly dispatched troops to Suez, ready to advance north and attack the Egyptian rebel general Murad stationed at the Turkish border, even threatening the Ottoman territory of Syria.

In February 1799, Napoleon left Colonel Desaix in charge of Egypt while he personally led 12,000 men towards the Syrian border.

In response to Napoleon's provocation, Turkey acted swiftly. First, they assembled an expeditionary force on Rhodes Island and provided Murad with a large amount of military supplies and a substantial number of troops. This was a fully armed force of 20,000 men. Sultan Mahmoud II hoped this force would make the French bleed profusely.