Chapter 386 The Pieces are Moving
September 8th, 1821.
The Port of Piraeus, a key maritime hub in Greece, has a history that dates back to ancient times. Situated near Athens, it has been an important port since the 5th century BC. Throughout history, it has served as a vital gateway for commerce and communication between Greece and the wider Mediterranean world.
During the classical period, the Port of Piraeus was developed and fortified by the Athenians, becoming one of the most important ports in the ancient Greek world. Its three harbors – the Great Harbor (Megalo Limani), the Zea Harbor (Pasalimani), and the Munich Harbor (Mikrolimano) – were bustling with activity, including trade, shipbuilding, and naval operations.
The port played a significant role in the Athenian Empire, serving as the base for its powerful navy. Its famous Long Walls, built in the 5th century BC, connected Athens to Piraeus, ensuring safe passage between the city and its port, which was crucial for maintaining Athens' maritime dominance.
Over the centuries, Piraeus experienced periods of decline and resurgence. It faced destruction during various conflicts, including the Greco-Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, and experienced rebuilding and flourishing periods during times of peace.
By the 19th century, when Greece was fighting for its independence from the Ottoman Empire, Piraeus regained its importance as a maritime hub. The Greek War of Independence saw the port becoming a focal point for naval operations and trade, contributing significantly to the economic and military efforts of the Greek revolutionaries.
In short, it was where the weapons and supplies from the French Empire were being shipped.
At the port, French merchant ships, Victoire, are unloading the metal containers using a system of cranes and pulleys that is built into the ship.
As the unloading continues, a group of Greek commanders arrives at the port to oversee the distribution of the supplies. They are greeted by the French captain of the Victoire, who hands over the necessary documents detailing the cargo. The commanders quickly review the contents, focusing on ensuring that everything listed has been delivered.
The operation is straightforward and practical, with workers efficiently moving the supplies off the ship and onto carts and wagons waiting nearby. These will be taken to various strategic locations where the Greek forces are stationed.
While all of that was happening, one of the spies of the Ottoman Empire observed the exchange.
"Those damn French. Quelling this state would be harder if they are giving them such support," the Ottoman spy muttered under his breath, watching from a discreet distance. He was dressed inconspicuously, blending in with the local populace to avoid drawing attention.
His mission was to gather information on the support that the Greek revolutionaries were receiving and report back to his superiors. The sight of the advanced weaponry and the amount of supplies being unloaded was concerning. He made mental notes of everything he observed - the types of weapons, the number of crates, and the French involvement.
The spy knew that this information was crucial for the Ottoman military strategists. The support from the French Empire could significantly tilt the balance of power in favor of the Greek forces. He was aware that his report would likely lead to a tactical reassessment by the Ottoman command.
After ensuring he had gathered enough information, the spy discreetly left the area, making his way through the bustling streets of Piraeus to deliver his findings.
***
September 10th, 1821.
At the capital city of the Ottoman Empire, in the grand and opulent chambers of the High Command, a serious discussion is underway. The spy's report from Piraeus had just been delivered, detailing the French support to the Greek revolutionaries.
Present at this crucial meeting is the Ottoman Emperor, Mahmud II. Ascending to the throne in 1808, Mahmud II's reign was marked by significant reforms and efforts to modernize the Ottoman Empire. His path to the throne was not straightforward; he came to power after a period of intense political turmoil, including the dethroning of his cousin, Mustafa IV. Mahmud II's reign is noted for its attempts at centralizing and reforming the Ottoman administration, often drawing inspiration from European models.
He was given a wake-up call when the Republic of France defeated the Ottoman in Northern Africa and the Middle East, losing a chunk of land to the man who is currently the Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte.
He can't accept that the Ottoman Empire, once a respected and feared state of the West, is becoming a shadow of its former glory. If he can't quell the rebellion in Greece, many states would follow and rise up against their rule. That is something he can't let happen.
The only way we can quell this rebellion is to cut off the shipping route that supplies the Greek revolutionaries," one of the military advisors suggested during the meeting. "If we can disrupt the supply lines, particularly those from France, it could significantly weaken the revolutionary forces."
Another advisor, contemplating the suggestion, took a moment, and then spoke.
"That would mean deploying our navy in a more aggressive stance in the Aegean Sea. Cutting off would mean sinking the ship, and it's not just any other ship, it's a French ship. If we sink it down, that would mean a direct confrontation with France," the advisor pointed out, highlighting the potential risks of such a move.
"Not when they find out who is sinking them," the advisor countered. "Sultan, we have submarines given to us by the Russian Empire. It's the best there is. We can use it to stealthily disrupt the supply routes. The French won't be able to directly trace it back to us. According to our information, those ships aren't escorted by a warship."
Mahmud II considered the proposal. "Well, if the French are supplying the Greeks, that means they are helping the Greeks, and also means they are acting against the interest of the Ottoman Empire. We must protect our sovereignty. Use the submarines. If the French Empire were to trace it back to us, I would be the one talking to them. I'm sure, they'll understand if they remain diplomatic."
"We will deploy the submarines right away," one of the military commanders affirmed with determination.
The advisors bowed and quickly left the chamber to initiate the covert operation.
Sultan Mahmud II leaned back in his chair and heaved a sigh.
The most uptodat𝓮 n𝒐vels are published on (f)reew𝒆(b)novel.𝗰𝗼𝐦