- ARCHIVE - Sultanate Court of the Mamelukes

[unmerged(7347)]

Dioscorus lie in his bed, surronded by some brothers of the Orthodox Church. He was breathing heavily. For days now he had been sick of a strange fever, a fever which his body didnt seem to be able to repell. Now the men in brown capes surrounding him prayed for his life and if God decided to take Dioscorus to him, for his soul…

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A dusty man passes the eastern gate of Cairo. To the city guards he shows a paper, signed by both the Patriarch of Alexandria and the Sultan of Egypt. The guards looks on it for a long time, wondering if it can be right. The paper is several years old and its hard to tell what it says. The ask the man what he carries and the man show them a large pile of papers that he has in his backsack. After some minutes of discussion the guards finally agrees on escorting the man to the Palace.

As the man isnt presentable for neither the Sultan nor the Vizier he is first directed to a room, where he will be granted a bath and given new cloths...

 

[unmerged(7347)]

That late night, Dioscorus took his last breath. God had called upon him, and thus Dioscorus was relesaed from his earthly prison, his body of flesh and blood...

His body was buried under the stone floor in the cathedral of St Mark in Alexandria, like his precedors always had been. During the burial ritual some says the saw an Angel decendent from the sky and guided Dioscorus soul to Our Lord God.

Wether this is true or not, Dioscorus surely had been a loyal subject to the Heavinly Father and led the Orthodox Church in Alexandria, Egypt and all Africa for many years. The loss of him was greatly mourned by the orthodox, but they also took comfort in that he now had joined the ranks of thoose who would resurrect to stand on the Lords side upon the end of time.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

A synod had been assembled in Alexandria its purpose was to select someone who could replace Dioscorus, the former Orthodox Patriarch of Alexandria. After some days of debate the assemebled men where united...

Philotheus was presented as the new Beatitude, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa.

 

[unmerged(9945)]

Baraq Khan arrival is announced, he enters Cairo triumphantly. He comes to meet with The Sultan and The Caliph after winning another victory for The Siberian Altis. He has come to patch up any differences between himself, The Caliph, and The Sultan now that Sufism is an officially accepted sect of Islam. He waits with his party in front of the gates to The Sultan's palace.......

 

[unmerged(7347)]

Expecting the Great Khan of the Golden Hordes arrival, the Sultan have ordered a regiment, a Guard of Honor to salute him when arriving to the Palace. Its a hot day, the warm sun makes everyone sweat and for the Guards of Honor there is no shadow to be found, but still they make an effort to stand like statues on eitch side of the patway to the entrance of the Sultans Grand Palace...

As the Khan approaches, trumpets begins to blow and the Guards of Honor draw there sables and raises them to the sky. The Sultan in own person walks out to meet the Khan and as he raises his hands, the trumpets stops blowing and the Sultan speaks.

"Welcome my dear friend the Great Baraq Khan of the Northern Steppes. How good to finaly see you in flesh and blood."

Having said that he approaches the Khan with open arms, grabs the Khans shoulders and kisses the Khans both cheeks.

"Your journey went will I see, now let me offer you a wonderfull diner and some royal entertainment..."

The Sultan led the Khan inside the Grand Palace.

 

[unmerged(9945)]

Baraq Khan is taken aback by the amazing display put before him as he entered the palace. The guards saluted him as a saivor of Islam, indeed he was. His actions have saved, united, and strengthened Islam. The kiss on the cheek especially surprised him.........he enters the palace

"Sultan, it is a great honor to visit The Egyptian Sultanate once again. It has changed much since my last visit. It is truely the jewel of The East!"

He stops to admire a golden statue of an Egyptian warrior.....

"A fearsome warrior! This statue reminds me of the invasion of Contantinople, most think that Bars Khan led the first charge against the mighty walls, but it was Siberian Altis under my command who broke through. Bars Khan was always one to take credit for others actions. There was noone to blame for his death at Venice because of that."

He awakens from his slumber in the past....

"But enough about me, tell me about yourself Sultan. I have heard great things, but this is the first time I have met the man himself in person."

He stands at attention awaiting a response

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan, Yusuf, leds the Khan through the magnifient entrance hall in the Grand Palace while he listens to Baraq Khan. Passing it he replies.

"Well as you know, this is my second time as Im chairing the throne of Egypt. I was dethroned almost 11 years ago and forced to live a humble life until I once again could sieze power. Such things changes a mans perspective. But under my last regency I manage to raise the Mamelukes to a power to count on once again, my preceddor lost several of Egypts territories and ever since then it have been my prime goal to gain them back again. Unfortunally this seems to be a goal that might not be reached during my own lifespann... We have both lived long lifes my friend... Now let the gracil movements of the dancing girls amuse us."

With that said he leds the Khan to another Hall where soft pillows awaits them aswell meat and vegetables that are being served on silver plates. The Sultan and the Khan takes there places, none sits higher then the other, and thus the dance begins...

 

[unmerged(17500)]

A man walks into the court and presents himself.

• "My honored friend, Sultan of Egypt Yusuf al-Zahiri, I come from the great city state of Venezia. We have once again awoken in the Mediterannean, and thusly shall recall our former trading routes. Venice now begins to control a large percentage of trade within the Mediterannean and thusly we hope that we can both profit from our trade dealings. You have some very interesting commodities that are highly valued, as does Venezia. Venezia also has a large gold and silver reserve that I am sure could benefit your nation. Venice thusly would be honored if I Gulio Cornari , may act as diplomat, servant, and trade liaison. I pray that you will have me?"
  
  The man bows once again hands documents to the court secretary who thusly shows them to the Sultan, then he continues
  "As you can see my good Sultan we have a trade route already planned and thusly, a trade agreement will makes us both extremely wealthy. I hope that it will be acceptable?
  
  You may ask why your great nation should allow Venezia to trade instead of Genoa. Well simply it is obviously to all parties that the time of Genoan power is over. They are unable to sell their goods since the Pope has excommunicated them. Such a penalty is one based on their own faults, and could have easily been diverted. However Venezia sees this as an opportunity. Venice has been found by Europe as the elite distributor of eastern goods, and they refuse to buy from Genoa. Already they have switched to Venice in mass. However one issue is of obtaining spices, silk, ivory, precius gems and other luxury items. Venice would be honored to replace Genoa as your seller of your goods to Europeans. Genoa is unable to move your large quantities of trade goods, while Venice is more then able to, and also more then willing to pay handsomely for such goods. I hope that by switching to Venezia you can stop this silly embargo on your goods, and return to the days when your nation was gaining large amounts of wealth from Europe.
  
  My lord also has a great thirst for knowledge which I am sure that parallels the Sultan. We understand that you have many ancient scriptures from Greece, and Alexandria, as well as some from the near east. The technology that is written in those writings is extremely valuable, and my lord would enjoy the please of having scribes sent to copy just honored documents. I hope all that I have said is acceptable in your eyes."

 

[unmerged(945)]

Camanero stood up and adressed the Sultan.

Great Sultan, it seems that the venetian is only here to discredit us. Also he seems to not understand our position after my Doges father was unjustly murdered and Genoa was asked to turn on their good trading partners in the east.

Let me assure you that the genoese merchant fleet is quite capable of transporting any and all goods that is required. As an example of genoese superiority at sea just look to our naval victory over the Kingdom of Aragon.

As for the Pope and his servants the Doge is working on that. Very soon Genoa will be back in full, and with more credibility than the venetians could ever dream of. Indeed, the Doge is also working on ending this unfortunate crusading once and for all. Have faith in us good Sultan, for it is Genoa and Genoa alone that can offer you the required services. These *coughs* venetians simply does not measure up.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan listens to both the venetian ambassador aswell as to Camanero before he answers.

He first turns to Gulio Cornari.

"You are of course most welcome to these Halls. It is good to see that the great merchant city of Venice once again engages in foreign diplomacy. May your quarters here be to your satisfaction. As for trade between Alexandria and Venice, I do of course welcome this oppertunity, but to give Venice a monopoly just like that would be to hurry things to fast... In Egypt, trade and foreign policy are closely connected..."

The Sultans then turns to Camanero.

"I have heard the rumors of the fiercefull Genoan fleet, wich defeated the Aragonese outside Rhodes. Its almost as strong as the Mamelukes own fleet. I do not doubt in Genoas capability to maintaine any seabased trade route...

Egypts and Genoas national goals may be different, but as long as Genoa fights against thoose who fights against the Mamelukes, Egypt and Genoa will maintaine the strongest bounds of mutual respect and friendship..."

 

[unmerged(9167)]

A man arrived at the Sultan's court. He bowed to the Sultan and spoke,

I am Don Sanchez, ambassador to this court from Aragon. King Constantine wishes to establish a trade and friendship with the Mameluks. He is also curious about the protection of the Christians, be they Catholic or Orthodox, on piligmage to Jerusalem. He also wish to let you know that the Muslims on Hajj would be allowed to pass through Samaria without taxes (extra taxes, that is). He offers this,

Holy Protection​

I. Aragon shall allow the Muslims on Hajj to pass through Samaria without the taxes beyond those of normal tax. Aragon also is to ensure that the Muslims on Hajj are very well protected when they are traveling in Samaria.

II. Mameluks shall allows the Christians, be they Catholic or Orthodox, to journey to Jerusalem and protect them from the abuse and molest. Mameluks also shall remove the special taxes on the Christians on the way to Jerusalem.
-------------------------------------------------

Then he spoke,

Is it acceptable? What do you think?

 

[unmerged(17500)]

Gulio Cornari watches the movements of the fat Genoan, and thinks that only a pig could possibly remind him of such an animal. In discust he looks away while the Genoan speaks, and in rebuttle at the uglyness spilled from the Genoan.

• "Sultan of Egypt, you are most wise and honorable. From Venices point of view, we do not want any part of the current misgivings in the Balkans or Cyprus. These are issues for larger more politically and religiously inclined parties. Instead Venice seeks to worship God through trade. The path to righteousness shall go through the honorable work of ones trade, would you not agree?
  
  As for the Genoans, I understand that you honor their past acts, but in no such way should they be construed as loyal, but rather as greedy. I must say I can understand their point of view, but you should not see it as them aiding the Muslim nations, rather they looked for their supposed best interests. Let us take a look where the brilliant decisions of Genoa have taken them. Firstly Genoa is in ruins, no trade can possibly go through Genoa. Trade in the Mediterannean is in pain because your goods can not be sold. Genoa has been excommunicated, her Doge burned, and European nations begin to recognize that it is a mistake to trade with such a nation that God does not agree with. Even with God on their side, the fact remains that no trade is occuring. Genoa in the past has thought of their profits, I think it is time that the Muslim world also thought of theirs. I look to help the world, regardless of Muslim or Catholic, but rather rebuild the trade routes which have fallen with Genoa. Let the flow of gold resume into the treasury of Islam, and allow the goods to be sold by Venice. I come here to bring wealth, while this jolly Genoan comes with news of a destroyed city state, with her Doge crawling to Rhodes for safety like the dog that he is. Maybe the Genoan navies are in place now but their time shall come also, let me be the first to guarantee such time."
  
  He then turns to the Genoan.
  "Please sir do not take this as a threat, but more as an ominous reminder that all good things must come to an end.
  
  He then returns to speaking in the open
  For the wealth of the parties involved I seek only to make them extremely wealthy, I hope that such words would fall sweet on the ears of the Mameluke nation. Venezia would hope that a monopoly would be allowed, but if such action is not, Venezia will thusly prove its tenacious persistance to gain wealth and prove its initiative."

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan replies Don Sanchez.

”Welcome to these Halls, Don Sanches. It have been awhile since we last had an visitor from Aragon. The last time it happend it led to a fruitfull agreement bewteen our two realms, unfortunally your former King broke that agreement by refusing to aid us against the sunnite hordes who then was hostile to Egypt and it interests. Now I heard you have changed King and Im sure of that it is to the better…

As for your treaty, we do have some thoughts about your choise of words… abuse and molest? I do hope you do not imply that peacefull travelers in our realm are being abused? Egypt is a nation who prosper from its trade, its peoples peacefull mentality and the stability given by my office. As for the taxes no traveller belonging to the people of the book, be it catholics, orthodoxs or jews will have to pay extra tazes. The usual 30 percent of the value of any goods brought in or out, a sum payed by infidels since the times of Muhammed, peace be upon him, when living inside Dar l Islam, shall be paid. Other than that no other taxes shall burden any infidel traveller.

I give you this rewritten proposal back to you.

”Holy Protection

I. Aragon shall allow Muslims, both sunnite as shiite, on Hajj to pass through Samaria and visit Holy sites inside Samaria. Aragon shall provide safety for those travelers and will not burden them with extra taxes or tolls then the ordinary.

II. The Mamelukes shall allow christians, both catholics as orthodoxs, to journey to Jerusalem on there pilgrimages. The Sultanate of Mamelukes shall provide safety for those travelers and will not burden them with extra taxes or tolls then the ordinary.”


If its Allahs will this treaty will be the first step towards stronger ties between Aragon and Egypt.”

 

[unmerged(7347)]

After listeneing to Gulio Cornari statement the Sultan replies.

”You speak well Gulio Cornari, from Venice. The Mameluke Sultanate do not close it eyes for new opertunities which can bring more wealth to our realm aswell as more gold to our coffeins. On another note, as long as the Genoans purchases our goods we take little interest in where they sell it. Once on Genoan ships the may sail it to the end of the world…

How ever, the written agreement between Genoa and Egypt, giving Genoa monopoly isnt valid any more so this would open an oppertunity for your merchants to prove there efficcency. As long Venice do not wish for monopoly or trade on the Egypt-Black Sea route, a route already offered and agreed upon between Genoa and the Mamelukes, we are willing to listen to your proposals.”

The Grand Vizier sneaks up behind the Sultan and whispers something in his ear. The Sultan then states.

”I would also like to remind you that the honorable Camanero is very respected here in Cairo and have enjoyed our hospitality for a long time. Insulting his master, the noble Doge of Genoa, isnt a custom we are used to see...”

 

[unmerged(17500)]

Hearing the repremand Gulio Cornari speaks

• "Sultan I apologize if i have offend you in anyway, I have made the error of letting an ancient rivalry, spread into current trade talks."
  
  He then hands documents that eventually reach the Sultan
  "As for an agreement I have included a document which I would like for you to examine, and is for you eyes only. I hope that it is acceptable. Are there any concessions or amendments that I should add? Anything else that should be dealt with?"
  
  
  Cornari retires, and awaits the Sultans response

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Don Sanchez smiled and spoke,

Your proposal is reasonable. King Constantine will accepts it. I hope that this will be the first step in the friendship betwen Aragon and Mameluks.

What is your thought on the trade between Aragon and the Mameluks? King Constantine is interested in expanding the trade with Mameluks.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Grand Vizier visits Camanero.

"My noble friend,

I wish to remind you about this agreement signed awhile ago between our two nations."

He shows a copy of the Rhodes-Kaffa exchange.

"The Rhodes-Kaffa Exchange

1. The province of Rhodes shall be ceded to Genoa, to use as she wish for all future. The Mameluke Sultanate do no longer hold any claims upon Rhodes.

2. The province of Kaffa shall be ceded to the Mameluke Sultanate, to use as she wish for all future. Genoa do no longer hold any claims upon Kaffa.

3. A non agression pact shall exist between Genoa and the Mamelukes until the end of 1442, the signing nations thus promises not to declare war upon the other.

4. Both Genoa as the Mamelukes promises to look favourable upon requests of financial aid, in the forms of loans.

5. Bot Genoa and the Mamelukes promises to support eitchother via diplomacy if the other one is in a state of war with a third nation.

6. There shall be a trade agreement between the Mameluks and Genoa. This shall be to be determined at a later date, it must how ever include an agreement of trade on the Black Sea- Alexandria route.”

The Grand Vizier then continues.

"I wonder if now would be a good time to define this Black Sea-Alexandria route mentioned. It is always good to have as few lose ends as possible..."

 

[Mettermrck]

An envoy bearing the livery of the Kingdom of Portugal requests an audience with the Sultan.

"Greetings to the Sultan of Egypt, Yusuf al-Zahiri, from Reginald, King of Portugal. Long has been the silence between our two great states and Portugal must bear the brunt of that responsibility for failing to appreciate the value of friendship with the Mameluke Sultanate."

"It is well known that trade in the Mediterranean is dominated in great part by the emporium at Alexandria and the natural trade routes of the Nile and Red Sea. Portugal respects a nation of traders and believes that it might be wise to discuss an agreement of mutual trade, which can only serve to bring benefits to us both."

"As a token of King Reginald's esteem for the Sultan, please accept this small gift as a token of our hopes."

"Made of ceramic, ivory, and salt, it symbolizes what Portugal as to offer."

"In addition, with your Sultan's gracious permission, King Reginald has a personal matter he would like to discuss. Long has been the time when Reginald's father was King in the Holy City of Jerusalem, and now that land falls under the sway of the Sultan. As the city holds such personal meaning for His Majesty, and as pilgrimage to that city is handled through the Sultan, Reginald would like to ask permission to embark upon a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he may pray in the city of his parent's fall. All political questions are set aside in the asking of this great boon."

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan reads the Venetian proposal but then states that he will need to have some of his Viziers to look at it aswell, thus waiting with the reply.

Upon hearing the words from the Aragonese ambassador he states.

"Its good that we can take such a step as we have made today. It will surely be the beginning of somewhat better relations between Aragon and the Mamelukes aswell as providing safety for peacefull travelers.

As for trade between Aragon and the Mamelukes I am of course open for proposals, although I have to remind you that this discussion have already been hold. That time the Mamelukes and Aragon was near to make very close ties, both via trade and via other actions. How much I yet regreet the fact that this didnt happen, it is still my belief that the Crown of Aragon rejected the Sultanate of the Mamelukes invitations and choised a completely other path...

Perhaps some minor trade agreement can be arranged..."