In the following weeks, Napoleon would have to deal with a new enemy, that is disease. Bubonic plague plagued the locals and military personnel alike, spreading through the crowded and unsanitary conditions of the besieged city. Napoleon knew that if left unchecked, the disease could decimate his forces and jeopardize the entire campaign.
He immediately ordered the establishment of a field hospital and appointed a team of skilled doctors and nurses to treat the afflicted. The sick and injured were isolated to prevent the further spread of the plague, and strict sanitation measures were enforced to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
Napoleon himself took a hands-on approach, visiting the hospital regularly and providing guidance to the medical staff. He made sure that the wounded soldiers received the best care possible, even going as far as personally tending to their needs and offering words of encouragement.
Under Napoleon's leadership, the spread of the plague was contained, and the health of his forces gradually improved. His actions were published again in France, receiving another wave of support and admiration from the French people. News of his dedication to the well-being of his soldiers, even in the face of a deadly disease, further solidified his image as a compassionate and capable leader.
As the threat of the bubonic plague subsided, Napoleon turned his attention to consolidating his gains in the region. Acre, now under French control, became a strategic stronghold in the eastern Mediterranean. Napoleon ordered the fortifications to be repaired and strengthened, ensuring their ability to withstand any potential counterattacks.
With the city secure, Napoleon set about establishing a stable administration to govern the territories under his control. He appointed trusted officials to oversee the reconstruction efforts and maintain law and order. He also sought to win the support of the local population by implementing reforms aimed at improving their lives and fostering economic growth.
Napoleon's reputation continued to grow, not just within his own army but also among the local inhabitants. Many saw him as a beacon of hope, bringing with him a promise of progress and prosperity. In Damascus, the last military and ideological stronghold of the Ottomans in the region, the local populace seized the opportunity presented by Napoleon's presence. Inspired by his military successes and captivated by his promises of reform, they began to rise up against their colonial oppressors.
The news of the uprising reached Napoleon's ears, and he saw it as a significant turning point in his campaign. He recognized that the support of the local populace was crucial for the stability and success of his rule in the region. Napoleon wasted no time in capitalizing on this momentum.
He issued a proclamation, addressing the people of Syria and declaring his intention to free them from the yoke of Ottoman oppression. He promised to establish a just and fair administration, where the rights and interests of the local population would be protected and respected.
Napoleon's words resonated with the people, who had long suffered under the oppressive rule of the Ottoman Empire. They saw him as a liberator, someone who could bring them the freedom and dignity they yearned for. Thousands joined the ranks of the French forces.
The local uprising gained momentum as French and local troops fought side by side, pushing back the remnants of Ottoman resistance. The French forces, now bolstered by the support of the local populace, swept through the region, liberating city after city from Ottoman control.
And when Napoleon and his forces reached Mecca on April 1st, 1799, the Ottomans, realizing the overwhelming strength and determination of Napoleon's army, were left with no choice but to sue for peace. In negotiations with French representatives, the Ottoman Empire made a significant decision. They agreed to cede their territories in Egypt, Tripolitania (western Libya), Fezzan (southwestern Libya), Cyrenaica (eastern Libya), Regency of Algiers, Beylik of Tunis, and Syria to the French, recognizing their control over these regions. Additionally, the Ottomans made a historic concession by acknowledging French sovereignty over the Arabian Peninsula, including the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
As part of the peace agreement, the Ottoman Empire also committed to pulling out of the war against France and disassociating themselves from the coalition formed against the French Republic. The Treaty of Mecca, a document of great significance, was signed on April 8th, 1799, by Napoleon Bonaparte, representing the French Republic, and Mustafa Pasha, the representative of the Ottoman Empire. This momentous event marked a turning point in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, as French influence and control began to shape the region's future.
The same day in the afternoon, Napoleon stood in front of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam. He had come a long way since his days as a young artillery officer in Corsica. He had conquered Egypt, defeated the Ottomans, and now stood at the heart of the Islamic world.
He thought about the challenges he had faced in this campaign He had overcome them all, and now he was here. He had brought France to the shores of the Arabian Peninsula.
In the year 1798, he stood before the ancient monuments of Egypt, the Sphinx, and the Pyramids, capturing those moments in paintings that would immortalize his conquests. Now, he wanted to capture this significant moment as well, to commemorate his presence at this sacred place.
Napoleon commissioned a renowned artist, Jacques-Louis David, to create a portrait of him standing before the Kaaba. His hand tucked in his shirt, with the Kaaba behind him.
One hour later, the portrait was done and Napoleon walked forward to see the drawing.
"It's good," Napoleon praised. "And I like the previous portraits that you drew for me when I was at Acre."
"You mean the one where I depicted you visiting the hospital, checking on civilians and your soldiers?"
"Yeah," Napoleon confirmed. "That one struck a chord with the many in Paris. Monsieur David, you will draw a lot of portraits of me in the future."
"And I will do my best to give you the best portrait in the world, General Bonaparte," David said, smiling.
With that, Napoleon left the Kaaba and proceeded to his quarters inside the Great Mosque, which served as his official residence as the governor of the city. Knowing that numerous tasks were demanding his attention, Napoleon focused on consolidating his power in the region. He meticulously devised plans for the upcoming campaigns, outlining his strategy to invade Najd, the region east of Mecca, as well as Yemen to the south of Mecca and Oman. These conquests would be crucial steps towards achieving his ultimate ambition: establishing French dominance over the entire Arabian Peninsula.
Napoleon's aspirations didn't end there. Beyond the Arabian Peninsula, his sights were set on even grander conquests. He envisioned advancing towards Basra, Persia, Afghanistan, and Balochistan, paving the way for his ultimate objective—the Maratha Confederacy, better known as India. There, he aimed to challenge the British Empire's stronghold and liberate the Indian subcontinent from their grasp.
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