EMPIRE REWRITTEN

Chapter 24: The Sultan's Hand

The city of Thessalonica lay beneath a shroud of smoke as Sultan Murad II stood atop its ancient walls, surveying the desolation below. His short, stocky figure cut a stark silhouette against the charred sky, his broad, tanned face hardened by battle and conquest. The crooked nose and high cheekbones gave him a stern, almost predatory look befitting the man who had brought the once-great city to its knees. His small, sharp eyes glinted with a mixture of satisfaction and cold calculation.

The plundering had raged for three days, as was custom after a city was taken by storm. His Janissaries and soldiers had swept through Thessalonica, seizing treasures from churches and homes, dragging thousands into slavery. The great Cathedral of Hagios Demetrios had not been spared—its hallowed halls were defiled.

The Sultan entered the city on the fourth day, bringing order to the chaos. He ordered the soldiers to vacate the homes they had claimed, restoring what little remained to the city's surviving inhabitants. Of the once-vibrant populace, fewer than two thousand souls remained, their faces gaunt with fear and hunger. Yet Murad had a vision for Thessalonica—a vision of control and prosperity under Ottoman rule.

Reaching the steps of the Church of the Acheiropoietos, Murad paused. The massive doors hung ajar, and the sounds of looting echoed from within. He raised a hand, signaling his men to halt.

"Enough," he commanded. "Clear the church."

Janissaries moved swiftly to obey, ushering out soldiers laden with chalices and icons. Murad entered the sacred space, his footsteps echoing on the marble floor. Golden mosaics glinted dimly, depicting saints and angels who now gazed upon an uncertain future.

He knelt at the center of the nave, the vast dome arching overhead. Closing his eyes, Murad began to recite prayers, his voice resonating through the chamber. His men stood guard at the periphery, heads bowed in respect.

As he finished, Murad rose and looked around thoughtfully. "This place shall serve Allah now. Prepare it for conversion into a mosque."

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Edirne, September 1430

Within the opulent halls of his palace in Edirne, Sultan Murad II sat cross-legged on a low dais draped with luxurious carpets. The room was adorned with intricate designs and illuminated by the warm glow of ornate lanterns. His small, sharp eyes surveyed his assembled advisors, each awaiting his words with attentive respect.

"Thessalonica must become more than just a conquered city," Murad began, his voice steady and authoritative. "It must stand as a testament to our empire's strength and benevolence. We will rebuild it, nurture it, and ensure it thrives under our rule."

Grand Vizier Halil Pasha stepped forward, his tone measured yet infused with a hint of pride. "Repopulation efforts are well underway, my Sultan. We are encouraging settlers—both Muslim and Christian—from Macedonia and surrounding regions to make Thessalonica their home. Notices have been sent, assuring those who fled that they may return without fear and reclaim their properties. Even the Despot of Serbia, Đurađ Branković, has facilitated the ransom of several captives."

Murad nodded thoughtfully. "Reassure them of our justice and fairness. A content populace is less likely to rebel. However, symbols of their former defiance must be repurposed." His gaze sharpened. "The Hagios Demetrios Church, in particular, holds significant meaning for them."

Halil Pasha inclined his head. "Indeed, my Sultan. What do you wish to be done?"

A subtle smile touched Murad's lips. "Have its marble transported here to Edirne. We shall use it to embellish a new bathhouse—a monument to the glory of our empire. Let it serve us in beauty and function rather than stand as a relic of past resistance."