After abandoning the campaign toward Karaman, Murad immediately chose to return to Edirne.
Fortunately, few Muslims dared to openly oppose the Caliph’s message.
Most merely expressed regret. Considering how great an opportunity this had been, it was hard to imagine what emotions must have weighed on Murad as he chose to retreat.
And once he arrived in Edirne, the first thing he did was not a triumphant parade or a celebration banquet.
“Çandarlı Halil, Turahan, and Ishak. Through this campaign, I’ve come to a sobering realization of what the Ottomans lack. Thus, I seek a way to overcome it.”
“My Sultan, what is it that you found so urgent?”
Even if Halil had been informed of the situation through letters, it would have been impossible to grasp the full scope of it.
From his perspective, stationed in Edirne, it was difficult to fully understand the Sultan’s haste.
Aware of this, Murad refrained from showing frustration and instead spoke frankly about what he had come to understand during the campaign.
“Though the Ottoman army is strong, I could not be certain it was truly my army. We must possess a force powerful enough to crush our enemies even without the aid of the beyliks. To face the encroaching enemies on all sides, I need my own army—not that of the beyliks.”
“…Your words are wise. Even if trust was secured through marriage alliances, such relationships always have their limits. If that is how Your Majesty feels, then I have no objections.”
Once even Halil voiced his agreement, Murad hesitated no longer.
Numerous administrators gathered at the Edirne court to begin discussions, and seasoned commanders shared what was lacking and what needed reform.
The Sultan listened closely to every word and devoted himself wholeheartedly to preparing a sweeping reform.
Perhaps thanks to his passion and attentiveness, the reform plan was swiftly completed. Without hesitation, the Sultan announced a bold reform that would transform countless aspects of the army.
“From this point forward, all military forces will be divided between the Kapıkulu, who serve directly under me, and the Tımarlı Sipahi (or Zeberlü), who serve under the beyliks or those granted land. New organizations shall also be established.”
What the Sultan most urgently felt was the need for a standing army—forces directly under his command.
Relying on taxes and summons to gather troops was a fatal flaw, especially with the Ottoman Empire facing threats on multiple fronts.
In times of crisis, a ready force had to be available. Moreover, they needed the power to wage war without leaning on the strength of vassals.
The Kapıkulu were precisely the new organization Murad envisioned to meet those expectations.
“The Kapıkulu will be directly salaried under my command and stationed in major fortresses or cities, such as Edirne. The infantry will be divided into six Ocaks (corps), each assigned distinct responsibilities. Additionally, Sipahi who have not been granted land, as well as those selected through the Devshirme system, will be reorganized into Kapıkulu Sipahi under this new system.”
As the centerpiece of the reforms, the Kapıkulu received the Sultan’s greatest attention—and the largest share of the announcements.
“The six Ocaks will consist of the Janissaries, Azebs, Cebeci, Topçu, Humbara, and Lağımcı. The Janissaries, my personal guard, will henceforth be maintained at a strength of exactly 6,000. They will be my elite warriors.
The Azebs will be composed of those who did not qualify for the Janissaries or who await placement. If vacancies arise among the Janissaries, they will be selected from the Azebs, with priority given to those who prove their bravery in battle.
The Cebeci are not combat soldiers, but craftsmen responsible for producing and maintaining weapons. In peacetime, they will craft and manage arms for the Janissaries, and in wartime, they will handle logistics and transport.
The Topçu are specialists in artillery. They will be trained not only in cannon firing but also in gunpowder handling to minimize accidents. Ultimately, their mastery of loading and firing will accelerate siege operations.
The Humbara are those who construct and maintain artillery. Their mission is to keep cannons in optimal condition, mastering disassembly and reassembly to ensure flexible deployment in the field.
The Lağımcı will conduct specialized engineering operations in coordination with the other Ocaks. They are being created specifically to develop siege tactics for fortresses that are difficult to conquer, aiming to reduce casualties.”
This was a clear different from the previously disorganized structure. The Sultan believed that fostering specialization among soldiers was the key to enhancing the army’s efficiency.
Though the Ottomans had been forced to retreat due to Dragases cunningness, Murad recognized that cannons—capable of collapsing fortress walls and applying immense pressure on defenders—would inevitably reshape the future of warfare.
As much as he longed to establish armories and begin mass-producing artillery immediately, the Sultan knew what had to take priority. He resolved to deal with the most urgent matters first.
“Additionally, the Kapıkulu Sipahi will be divided into three regiments, stationed respectively in İzmir, Bursa, and Edirne. They will act as mobile reinforcements to aid regional forces under invasion, and will also serve as standing troops in expeditions. Intense training awaits them, but I swear by my name as Sultan that their service will be justly rewarded.
With that, the organization of the Kapıkulu is complete.”
One of the key lessons Murad drew from the Anatolian campaign was that he had no forces under direct royal command in the provinces. Hence, he decided to station the Kapıkulu Sipahi in the three major Ottoman strongholds.
Edirne and Bursa, being capitals, were obvious choices. İzmir, facing Constantinople across the Aegean, was strategically important. If a hypothetical enemy were to invade northern Anatolia or cross the Sea of Marmara, these forces could swiftly strike back.
However, just because the Kapıkulu system had been announced did not mean the reforms were finished.
“The next proclamation concerns the organization of the Zeberlü forces.”
The Zeberlü refers to the soldiers whom the Sipahi—those granted lands or cultivation rights—are obligated to mobilize during wartime.
From now on, those who hold such lands or rights will be called Timar Sipahi, and it is hereby announced in advance that cultivation rights may not be inherited.
In exchange for mobilizing a designated number of soldiers according to the value of their land or rights, they shall be exempt from taxation.”
If the Kapıkulu were to become the backbone of the Sultan’s army, then the Zeberlü would serve as the protective outer layer.
But they were by no means negligible. A significant portion of the military would still be composed of them. In fact, perhaps they were the true core.
Having now declared the structure of the Zeberlü, the Sultan pressed on without rest to announce the next formation.
“And I shall also conscript a portion of the cavalry owned by the nomadic tribes and the beyliks to form the Akıncı. They will carry out guerrilla operations, such as harassing the enemy’s rear with light arms. I wish to entrust this crucial mission to Turahan Bey, who proved his loyalty during previous campaigns.”
At that moment, the Sultan’s gaze subtly shifted toward Turahan, who was kneeling in obedience.
“Turahan, can you do this?”
“I shall repay the grace you’ve shown me with victory.”
“Those words alone are enough. I believe in the son of Yiğit.”
Satisfied with the response, the Sultan shifted his gaze without hesitation. He still had more to say. Such was the significance of this reform—it entailed sweeping change.
“The Azaplar will also be newly reorganized. From now on, those who wish to prove their courage in battle and earn spoils shall receive equipment supplied directly by me and take their place on the front lines. There shall be no restrictions on who may apply.”
The Sultan let out a small sigh. Yet this was no sigh of regret or resignation. It was the lingering breath of passion, born from the feverish excitement that stirred in his chest.
Finally, still seated on his throne, he looked around the court. Everyone was busy organizing the reform decrees he had just proclaimed. No one spoke a word.
If they were thinking it over, that was good.
Better methods might yet emerge from such deliberation.
Murmuring to himself, the Sultan delivered his final declaration.
“Lastly, to ensure the safety of Gallipoli and stabilize the connection to Anatolia, I intend to construct two fortresses near the Dardanelles Strait. Do not hesitate to repurpose any abandoned churches, ruined fortresses, or crumbling walls in the vicinity. All of this is to bring peace and stability to the people.”
When all of this is done, the Ottomans will be stronger than ever.
By then, even Dragases web will no longer be able to halt the Ottomans’ ascent. More than that—Murad turned his gaze to the Sadrazam who stood quietly with bowed head beside him.
Çandarlı Halil, who had declared his loyalty for the sake of the Prophet’s prophecy, was still by the Sultan’s side. As soon as he sensed Murad’s eyes upon him, Halil respectfully lowered his head further and murmured in the softest of voices:
“Worry not, my Sultan. I swear that this humble servant shall tear through the web Dragases has spun.”
“I ask it of you again.”
“Of course.”
No matter how fiercely one struggles, a soaring bird cannot be held down forever.
Çandarlı Halil’s final words were spoken so softly they barely registered, but they were clear enough for the Sultan to hear.
And having heard Halil’s vow, Murad turned his gaze back to the front. The court of Edirne remained covered in silence. But all present surely knew—it was the silence before the wings unfurled.
“And you must know this as well, Dragases.”
When this silence ends, the one who has been forcibly held down will show no mercy.
TL : That’s a lot to remember. You might as well forget it since you will eventually know of them during battle. And all of the military reforms also occurred in real life.
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