Chapter 33: Revenge or Peace?
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In the gardens of Topkapı Palace, a man and a woman sat in silence. The spring breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of leaves complemented the tranquility of the moment. Osman and Mehri Banu Hatun could feel their relationship gradually deepening, fostering a growing sense of trust between them.
Summoning her courage, Mehri Banu Hatun decided to share her story with Osman. She spoke of the challenges she faced as the daughter of a mother who was not Shah Abbas's legally wedded wife, her feelings of exclusion, and the shadows of pain that lingered over her childhood. As she recounted her past, vivid memories surfaced, and tears began streaming down her face.
Osman moved closer to Mehri Banu Hatun and gently embraced her. In a soft voice, he said, "Don't worry, it's all in the past. As long as you are with me, you are safe."
Mehri Banu Hatun calmed down after a few minutes, wiping her tears as she met Osman's gaze. His eyes were filled with determination, and she sensed his resolve to prevent her from experiencing such pain again.
"I will avenge your mother," Osman said with conviction.
Mehri Banu Hatun gave a faint smile and shook her head. "I don't seek revenge," she said calmly. "Perhaps losing my mother shaped me into who I am today. Those hardships even led me to meet you. I want to leave the past behind. There's no need for two nations to wage war, causing untold suffering for so many. I value peace and harmony above all now."
Osman paused for a moment, reflecting on her words. They were profound, yet he could not completely align his thoughts with hers. Whether or not I avenge your mother, Shah Abbas's end will be grim, he thought. The Ottoman-Safavid struggle for dominance was unlikely to end anytime soon. Still, Osman admired Mehri Banu's mature and peaceful perspective, which prompted him to reconsider his own approach.
Mehri Banu's expression softened into one of serenity. "Osman," she said gently, "I seek peace now. I don't want to dwell on the past."
Taking her hand with care, Osman nodded. "I promise you," he said, "I will ensure your life is as tranquil as the flowers in this garden."
The two talked for a while longer, the garden bearing witness to the convergence of two vastly different lives. Like the leaves carried by the wind, Osman and Mehri Banu's story was being guided by the hands of fate.
Osman returned to the palace, bearing the heavy responsibilities of a ruler. Among his pressing duties was completing the agricultural reform, a task requiring financial backing. The cornerstone of this plan was establishing a bank. To discuss this matter, Osman summoned two of his most trusted officials: the Şeyhülislam and the Minister of Treasury, Mehmet Emin Pasha, to his private study. This study, exclusively used by Osman, was a repository for his plans and documents since childhood.
When the door knocked, Osman called out firmly, "Enter."
Both men stepped into the room and bowed respectfully before the sultan. Osman gestured for them to sit, but neither dared to take a seat before him. They remained standing until Osman, with a slightly sterner tone, said, "Do not make me repeat my command." Reluctantly, they complied and sat down.
Once they were settled, Osman began to speak.
"I plan to implement agricultural reform soon," he said. "To ensure its success, I intend to establish a bank. It will function as a royal foundation and operate on the principles of Mudarabah, a system of interest-free banking. It will not engage in usury, which Allah has forbidden. Instead, the bank will invest in businesses and share in their profits."
While the Şeyhülislam remained silent, Mehmet Emin Pasha spoke cautiously:
"Your Majesty," he said, "The bank may earn revenue through investments, but what if the ventures fail? And how will issues like corruption be addressed?"
Osman appreciated Mehmet Emin Pasha's insightful question. This is the kind of minister I need—one who identifies gaps and speaks openly about them, he thought.
"That is why," Osman replied, "investments will only be made after thorough evaluation. Priority will be given to low-risk ventures. Additionally, the oversight system I have established within the state will also be applied to the bank. No transaction will go unchecked."
This time, the Şeyhülislam, Mehmet Pasha, posed a question:
"Your Majesty," he said, "Allah has explicitly forbidden interest. Since banking is traditionally based on interest, how will you operate a bank in accordance with divine law?"
Osman smiled slightly. "Instead of lending money with interest, the bank will make investments and earn a share of the profits. This is not usury but investment. What I ask of you is to ensure there is no opposition from the ulema to this system. Furthermore, the bank will not be the sole investor. Private individuals with capital will also be able to invest through the bank and earn returns under its oversight."
Osman spent considerable time discussing agricultural reform and banking with his two advisors. As their discussions extended into the evening, Osman realized they might be hungry and invited them to dine with him. Despite their initial reluctance, they eventually accepted under Osman's insistence. During the meal, Osman's thoughtfulness left a lasting impression on both men, deepening their respect and gratitude toward the sultan.
After dismissing them, Osman reflected on the valuable insights he had gained. For instance, he learned that potatoes were already being cultivated in the Ottoman Empire, though not widely. This revelation shifted his focus from importing new crops to maximizing the potential of existing agricultural resources.
That night, Osman felt a sense of accomplishment, knowing he had taken significant steps toward his vision. The foundations of reform were steadily taking shape, bringing him closer to his ultimate goal.