Chapter 426 The Assurances
May 7th, 1822.
In the early hours of a crisp morning, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand, the distinguished French diplomat, boarded a sleek, modern plane bound for Constantinople. Dressed impeccably in a suit that bespoke of his high status, Talleyrand was a picture of calm and confidence. The flight was smooth, giving him ample time to review his notes and strategies for the upcoming negotiations.
Upon landing, Talleyrand was greeted by a small entourage and ushered into an executive-style automobile, which whisked him away toward the heart of the city. As the car navigated through the streets of Constantinople, he observed the city with a keen eye, noting the visible marks of recent conflict and the presence of coalition forces.
Arriving at the designated government building, Talleyrand stepped out of the vehicle. He was immediately greeted by a group of Ottoman officials, who had been anxiously awaiting his arrival. The officials, dressed in traditional Ottoman attire, offered a formal greeting, extending their respects to the esteemed envoy of France.
"Monsieur Talleyrand, we welcome you to Constantinople," began the head official, a man of notable stature within the Ottoman administration. "We are prepared to discuss the terms of the transition and the future of our territories as instructed by the Sultan."
Talleyrand, not one to mince words, replied, "Thank you for your welcome. However, I must insist that I speak directly with Sultan Mahmud II. My orders from Emperor Napoleon are clear, and the matters at hand require the highest level of discussion."
The officials exchanged uneasy glances. The request to meet the Sultan was not a small one, and it was evident that they were unprepared for such a demand.
"Monsieur Talleyrand, while we understand your position, it is highly unusual for foreign diplomats to have direct access to the Sultan without prior arrangements," one official attempted to explain.
Talleyrand, unphased, retorted sharply, "Unusual or not, the situation we find ourselves in is far from ordinary. The decisions we make here will shape the future of this region. It is imperative that I speak with Sultan Mahmud II personally to ensure that there is no miscommunication."
The officials were clearly taken aback by Talleyrand's firm stance. Whispered discussions ensued among them, a sense of urgency palpable in their tones. After several minutes of deliberation, the head official turned back to Talleyrand.
"Very well, Monsieur Talleyrand. We will arrange a meeting with the Sultan. However, we ask for your patience as this may take some time," he conceded.
Talleyrand nodded, a slight, knowing smile on his face. "I appreciate your cooperation. I will be waiting."
As the officials hurriedly made arrangements for the meeting, Talleyrand was escorted to a waiting room.
The waiting room where Talleyrand found himself seated was a splendid display of Ottoman artistry. The walls were covered in richly woven tapestries, featuring intricate geometric patterns and floral motifs, a hallmark of Ottoman design. Elegant, hand-crafted lanterns hung from the high ceiling, casting a warm, inviting glow over the room. Each lantern was a masterpiece, adorned with colored glass and elaborate metalwork, reflecting the sophistication of Ottoman craftsmanship.
The furniture in the room was equally impressive. Exquisite wooden chairs and tables, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory, spoke of the opulence of the empire. Luxurious cushions and carpets, dyed in deep reds and blues, added comfort and color to the room, their designs a blend of traditional Anatolian and Persian influences.
On one side of the room, a large window framed a view of the palace gardens, where the meticulous arrangement of plants and water features exemplified the Ottoman love for landscape architecture.
After a wait that seemed longer than anticipated, an official returned with news. "Monsieur Talleyrand, the Sultan has agreed to meet with you. We will escort you to the palace shortly."
Talleyrand, having received the confirmation of his meeting with Sultan Mahmud II, was escorted out of the waiting room by the official. They made their way through the hallways of the government building.
Exiting the building, he was led to a modest but elegantly decorated carriage for the journey to the Topkapi Palace.
Upon arrival at the Topkapi Palace, he was guided through a series of courtyards, each more impressive than the last, leading up to the main building where the Sultan awaited. The air was filled with the subtle scent of exotic flowers from the palace gardens, and the sound of water from the marble fountains added to the serene ambiance.
Upon entering the main audience hall, Talleyrand was finally introduced to Sultan Mahmud II. The Sultan, dressed in traditional Ottoman regalia, greeted Talleyrand with a formal nod, indicating for him to take a seat across from him.
"Your Majesty, thank you for granting me this audience," Talleyrand began, maintaining a respectful tone. "It is essential that we discuss the future of the Ottoman territories and the role that France will play in this transition."
Sultan Mahmud II, his expression somber yet composed, replied. "Let us proceed with the discussion."
Talleyrand outlined the plans proposed by Napoleon. He spoke of the reduction of the Ottoman Empire to the Anatolian peninsula, the formation of independent states in the Balkan regions, and the annexation of certain territories by France. His delivery was matter-of-fact, emphasizing the need for a smooth and orderly transition to prevent further conflict and instability in the region.
The Sultan listened intently, his face betraying little emotion. The loss of such vast territories was a bitter pill to swallow, but he was acutely aware of the limited options at his disposal.
"The new countries that will be formed in the Balkans are Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Romania," Talleyrand continued. "Each will be independent and self-governed, with their own administrative systems. France will assist in establishing these new states to ensure a stable and peaceful transition."
"And the territories that are to be annexed by France?"
"Primarily, France will take control of key strategic areas and port cities that are outside the Anatolian heartland and the newly formed Balkan states," Talleyrand answered.
The Sultan, while visibly distressed by the diminishing of his empire, understood the harsh realities of his position. "I see. And what assurances can France give regarding the protection of Muslims and other minorities in these territories?"
"France is committed to ensuring the rights and safety of all people in these territories, regardless of their religion or ethnicity," Talleyrand assured him. "We will put measures in place to protect cultural sites and ensure that religious freedoms are respected."
The discussion then turned to the practical aspects of the transition, including timelines and the logistics of withdrawing Ottoman forces from the affected territories. Talleyrand emphasized the need for cooperation to avoid any potential conflicts during this period.
As the meeting concluded, Sultan Mahmud II expressed his hope for a peaceful future. "I trust that France will honor its commitments. It was truly a big mistake fighting France…with us gone, what do you think will happen to the Russians?"
After hearing that, Talleyrand smirked. "Same as the Ottoman Empire, Your Majesty, they will fall. No country other than France can face multiple countries with modern military at once, and eventually win it. I think they'll fall within three months."
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