Chapter 20:Victory’s Price

Above the battered walls of Revan, the Ottoman flag waved proudly, illuminated by the last rays of the setting sun. The ground below was littered with the bodies of Ottoman and Safavid soldiers, surrounded by circling vultures and crows feasting on the remains of war.

Although the Ottomans had triumphed, the victory came at a heavy cost. Dozens of soldiers had been martyred, and the Mazandaran musketeers of the Safavid ranks had put up a fierce resistance. The walls of Revan were riddled with holes from relentless cannon fire. However, unlike previous battles, the Ottomans had faced no shortage of artillery during this siege, and their superior firepower had ensured the city's fall. Lost honor seemed to have been restored with this victory.

The Janissaries, filled with pride, shouted takbirs and chanted praises for Öküz Kara Mehmet Pasha. Yet, with a single gesture of his hand, Mehmet Pasha silenced the jubilant soldiers. A deep, solemn hush fell over the battlefield, broken only by the distant cries of the wounded.

Mehmet Pasha stepped forward, his voice steady and filled with conviction as he addressed the troops:

"Without our Şehzade Osman, we could not have achieved victory in this war," he declared. "He will undoubtedly be one of the greatest sultans this empire has ever seen. Perhaps, like his ancestor Fatih Sultan Mehmet, he will achieve unmatched success. Osman predicted this war a year in advance. And at just twelve years old, he is a true warrior!"

The troops murmured in awe until a Janissary named Hasan spoke up:

"The Şehzade is not only intelligent but also incredibly strong. He defeated me in swordsmanship when he was only ten years old!"

The soldiers, many of whom had witnessed Osman's prowess on the battlefield, shook their heads in amazement and clapped their hands in approval.

"What a lion of a prince!" they exclaimed.

Suddenly, a voice rose above the crowd:

"Long live Şehzade Osman! Long live Şehzade Osman!"

The chants echoed louder and louder as the Janissaries celebrated their young hero.

Amid the commotion, Yusuf, a cunning figure in the ranks, quietly approached Kara Mehmet Pasha. At Osman's personal request, Yusuf had been sent to learn under Mehmet Pasha's guidance while also acting as a watchful eye for the young prince.

After the victory at Revan, the Ottoman army advanced toward Tabriz. Their approach sent waves of fear through the Safavid ranks, prompting them to propose a peace agreement. They offered to return to the borders established before the Nasuh Pasha Treaty and pay the long-overdue tribute. Additionally, Ottoman merchants would receive exclusive privileges within Safavid territories, a condition personally requested by Şehzade Osman.

Kara Mehmet Pasha, a leader who understood where to draw the line, refrained from pushing for more and accepted the terms. The boundaries were restored, and the unpaid tribute was added to the agreement. This marked both a diplomatic and military success, solidifying the Ottomans' position.

The victory at Revan and the subsequent treaty elevated Osman's name further. His foresight and determination were already becoming legendary.