Chapter 424 The Significant Event
May 1st, 1822.
The dawn of May 1st marked the beginning of a pivotal chapter in the Gallipoli Campaign: the invasion of Constantinople. The coalition forces, comprising the French, Spanish, and Italian armies, were poised at the outskirts of the historic city, ready to execute one of the most significant military operations of the campaign.
The French Army, leading the coalition, had deployed their troops strategically around key entry points of the city. Artillery units were positioned to provide covering fire, while the engineering corps prepared bridges and roads for the advancing tanks and infantry. The Spanish and Italian contingents, although smaller in number, played crucial roles in securing the flanks and providing additional manpower for the assault.
At precisely 0600 hours, the order was given to commence the attack. Artillery roared to life, raining shells on predetermined targets within the city's walls. The barrage was designed to neutralize key Ottoman defensive positions, paving the way for ground troops to move in with reduced resistance.
The coalition's tanks, a mix of French and Italian models, advanced in tight formations. Their heavy armor and firepower were critical in breaching the city's defenses. Infantry units, following closely behind the tanks, moved swiftly through the streets, engaging Ottoman forces in close-quarter combat. The urban environment posed unique challenges, with narrow alleys and dense buildings offering both cover and obstacles not to mention the fact that the roads are not built to accommodate modern warfare's heavy machinery. Despite these challenges, the coalition forces pushed forward with determination.
The Ottoman defenders, entrenched within the city, mounted a staunch resistance. They utilized their familiarity with the terrain, setting up defensive positions in key buildings and at strategic intersections. Machine gun nests and sniper positions were established in high-rise buildings, creating a deadly crossfire in the narrow streets.
Coalition forces, recognizing the need for a tactical shift, began to deploy smaller, more agile infantry units. These units were tasked with clearing buildings and securing block by block, a slow but necessary approach in urban combat. Engineers accompanied these units, providing breaching tools and explosives to force entry into fortified positions.
Meanwhile, air support continued to play a vital role. Reconnaissance aircraft flew over the city, transmitting real-time data back to the command centers. Strike aircraft targeted larger Ottoman concentrations and defensive strongholds, trying to soften up the resistance for the ground troops.
As the battle raged on, the coalition forces made gradual but steady progress. The French-led troops, experienced in urban warfare, demonstrated their prowess in street-to-street fighting. The Spanish and Italian forces, although less experienced in such environments, adapted quickly, providing crucial support to the French units.
The fighting was intense and costly, with casualties mounting on both sides. The narrow streets turned into mazes of rubble and debris, hindering the advance of tanks and heavy vehicles. The coalition forces had to rely increasingly on their infantry to make headway.
By late afternoon, the coalition forces had managed to secure several key districts, and one of the French divisions was nearing the Topkapi Palace, a significant symbol of Ottoman power. Capture that Palace, and the war in the Ottoman is over. Assuming that the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Mahmud II surrendered or fled, the fall of the Topkapi Palace would symbolize the collapse of Ottoman control over the region. The French division, aware of the palace's significance, intensified their efforts to secure it.
***
Meanwhile, inside the Topkapi Palace. The Ottoman Empire Sultan, Mahmud II looked out of the window, scanning the scene before him. Plumes of smoke rose from different parts of the city, painting a grim picture of the battle that was unfolding. The sounds of distant gunfire and explosions were constant.
One of his advisors approached him with a sense of urgency. "Your Majesty, the situation is dire. The coalition forces have breached the outer defenses of the palace. It is only a matter of time before they reach us. I strongly advise that you evacuate immediately to ensure your safety and continue leading our nation."
Sultan Mahmud II's expression tensed. "Leading our nation? There'd be no nation to lead if Constantinople fell to enemy hands. Let me ask you this, who were the last foreign forces that captured Constantinople?"
"Your Majesty, the last time Constantinople was captured by foreign forces was during the Fourth Crusade. It was seized by the Crusaders of the Latin West in 1204. The city suffered a devastating sack and did not return to Ottoman hands until it was conquered by Sultan Mehmed II in 1453."
"This war…you can think of it as a crusade from the west. I don't think the Ottoman Empire would have the power to retake Constantinople if it falls now, as it did centuries ago," Sultan Mahmud II said gravely. "Our empire is stretched thin, and our allies are too preoccupied with their own battles. The loss of Constantinople in these circumstances could very well mean the end of our sovereignty."
The advisors stood in solemn silence, understanding the dire implications of the Sultan's words. The fall of Constantinople would not only be a military defeat but also a profound symbolic loss, potentially signaling the end of the Ottoman Empire as a major power in the region and the world.
One advisor stepped forward, "Your Majesty, perhaps we should consider negotiating terms with the coalition forces? Like we offer a ceasefire and negotiate a peaceful surrender."
"Surrendering the coalition forces meant that more territories would be taken from us. We lost the Middle East and North Africa to the French two decades ago, now we would lose the Balkan region. And after the negotiation is over, only the Anatolian heartland would remain under our control," Sultan Mahmud II said, his voice heavy with the burden of his words. "But, if we continue to fight, we risk total destruction. Our army is outnumbered, and our city is under siege. The balance of power is not in our favor. So, okay, arrange for a meeting with the coalition commanders. We will negotiate the terms of our surrender. It is a bitter pill to swallow, but it is necessary to preserve what we can of our empire and the lives of our people."
The chief diplomat nodded solemnly and quickly left to arrange the meeting. Sultan Mahmud II turned to address his remaining advisors and commanders. "Prepare for the inevitable. We must ensure an orderly surrender to prevent further bloodshed. Organize a withdrawal of our forces and inform all commanders of the decision. The safety of our soldiers and civilians is our top priority now."
As word of the impending surrender spread, a somber mood enveloped the palace. The once mighty Ottoman Empire, which had stood for centuries as a beacon of Islamic and Turkish power, was now facing a moment of historic change.
***
French Empire, Palace of Versailles.
Napoleon was reading the latest report Armand handed to him…and moments later…he clapped his hands. "The Ottoman Empire yielded! Only Russia remains."
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